DECEMBER 2017 SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM travel » The swimming pigs of The paddle out into the water to greet boaters. Below, a boy snorkels at the Grand Isle Resort on Great . The Exumas area of is famous for its clear blue water.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GRAND ISLE RESORT PHOTO COURTESY THE EXUMAS The way the Bahamas was meant to be

These winter blues are welcome hues indeed: the ultra-sapphire blue wa- ters of our neighboring Bahama Islands, particularly The Exumas. Many peo- ple think of the Bahamas as Nassau; however, there is much more to explore and see in this country that lies just 50 miles east of . In fact, there are more than 700 islands in this chain covering more than 100,000 square miles of ocean, according to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. STORY BY JENNIFER THOMAS

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » DECEMBER 2017 » 47 « travel (continued)

Top far left: One of the swimming pigs moves in for its close-up in this photo courtesy of Grand Isle Resort. The remaining photos are from the Garland family’s trip to the Bahamas. The Fort Myers family traveled on their 39-foot Yellowfin, first to Bimini, then Nassau and finally Staniel Cay.

These islands boast the Tropic of and warm tropical climate year-round, Sandra has some must-do recom- of the Caribbean, Bahamas, Abaco For Mandy and her family, they yacht. It was an incredible experi- Cancer Beach, named for the meridian making Exuma an ideal vacation spot mendations: “For those who are and Eleuthera Islands. Staniel Cay in ventured to the Bahamas from Fort ence. We felt like rock stars getting to line that crosses it; stromatolites, the for any season. Summer temperatures inclined to do more than relax on the the Exuma Islands had been on my Lauderdale via their own vessel and stay aboard Temptation,” Jana says. oldest known macro-fossils on earth, at range between 80 and 90 degrees, beach, Great Exuma offers a variety bucket list for a few years. We were traveled first to Bimini, then to Nassau “Temptation can be chartered through Stocking Island; and Moriah Harbour and winters in Exuma are mild with of active pursuits: Fishing is a popu- always fascinated by stories and videos before heading to Staniel Cay. Staniel Cay Yacht Club and comes Cay National Park, a vital part of the temperatures rarely dropping below 78 lar sport, or rent a boat and cruise to of the famous swimming pigs,” Jana “This was our first long boat trip with a captain and chef who cater to ecosystem between Great and Little degrees. Great Exuma has always been Elizabeth Harbor. Exploring deeper, says. “To really enjoy the Exumas, on our 39-foot Yellowfin. We trailered your every wish and more. Captain Exuma with sand dunes, beaches, man- the best kept secret of savvy tropical dive blue holes or snorkel off the coast you really need to take your boat or our boat from Fort Myers to Fort Joel was born and raised there in the groves and sea grass beds. vacationers.” of Stocking Island to discover a wide rent one there. It is a popular area for Lauderdale,” she says. “I would cau- Exumas, so his knowledge and exper- The Exumas are particularly beauti- Grand Isle Resort is nestled on variety of Technicolor sea life. Last people traveling on mega yachts with tion anyone who does boating in the tise of the islands allowed us to get to ful, an archipelago of 365 cays and the crescent-shaped private beach of but not least, take the Swimming with small dinghies to take them up to the Exumas to have up-to-date charts as experience all the little ‘secret spots’ islands about 35 miles southeast of Emerald Bay, with 78 oceanfront villas. Pigs tour — a world famous bucket beaches and to visit the island with the there are many shallow areas and coral that most people might miss.” Nassau. Once called Yumey and Suma, When staying at the resort, guests can list item that is unforgettable.” swimming pigs.” rock that can easily be missed and can The main attraction for the Exumas today they’re divided into three major partake in paddleboarding, golf, a treat- “Domesticated” pigs live on Major’s There are several islands to experi- sneak up on you in a hurry.” is the water. areas: Great Exuma, Little Exuma and ment at the SeaStar Spa and island fare Spot Cay (it’s unknown how they got ence, each with their own charm and While in the Bahamas, Mandy and “The waters around the Exuma The Exuma Cays. while dining poolside. “The open-air there), and whenever a boat approach- attractions. her family snorkeled, fished, swam Islands are like none other,” Jana says. “Great Exuma and its cays are poolside Palapa Grill serves traditional es, they swim out to it and expect to “Compass Cay is famous for nurse with the pigs and even jumped off “There really is just no way to describe the most exotic of the Bahamas Out Bahamian Caribbean jerk-style sea- be fed. sharks that you can swim with,” Jana Thunderball Grotto. “However, my the beauty of the water. Way beyond Islands, like a collection of precious food, Bahamian barbecue and tradi- Fort Myers residents Mandy Gar- says. “Farmer’s Cay is famous for their favorite activity was swimming with any of the other islands we have ever gems, the islands are set in a sea of tional simple American favorites,” San- land and Jana Bailey both traveled to sea turtles and sting rays that you can the turtles at Farmer’s Cay,” she adds. traveled to.” Technicolor blues bordered by ivory dra says. “Light fare and a full-service Exuma this past summer with their also feed and swim with, and Thun- Jana and her family opted to Mandy, too, recalls the beauty of beaches,” describes Sandra Grisham bar offers a variety of beverages, wine families and experienced firsthand derball Grotto is a must see.” forgo the traditional resort experience the Bahamas. “It seemed the further Clothier, general manager of Grand and signature tropical cocktails, such the magic of this destination, and of Thunderball Grotto, site of two during their family vacation in the you went into the Exumas, the more Isle Resort & Spa on Great Exuma. as our Exuma Blue, that are available course, swimming with the pigs. James Bond movies, has a 40-foot Exumas this past summer. clear the water got — as if it could “Gentle winds help maintain a balmy poolside or on the beautiful beach.” “We have traveled throughout most jump through a cave. “We chose to charter a private actually get any clearer.”

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