Barefoot Beauty: The Bahamas
Comprising 700 castaway islands lapped by crystal-clear waters, The Bahamas reward with eerie shipwreck dives, vibrant coral reefs and spotless sandbars.
From Norman’s Cay, a fishing haven with mahi and yellowfin tuna in abundance, to Bitter Guana Cay, home to a protected population of rock iguanas, the 40-acre Exumas Land & Sea Park is a non-negotiable pitstop when sailing The Bahamas. Follow James Bond’s lead by diving Thunderball Grotto, hop across Conch Cut to swim with nurse sharks in Compass Cay, and at Norman’s Cay, discover the underwater wreck of an old DC-3 aeroplane.
For bespoke activities at Atlantis Paradise Island (think turtle releases, VIP dolphin tours and flame-lit dinners on the beach) you’ll need to dock at the Atlantis Marina. Elevate the experience with a private picnic on Pipe Creek Sandbar, a flawless stretch of sugary sand. When night draws in, sundowners at Xuma Beach Bar (Highbourne Cay) are hard to beat in terms of ambiance.
Tip: Adventure-seekers should take a dip in Rachel’s Bubble Bath, a natural froth-filled lava rock lagoon, or wrestle the ferocious swirls at Shroud Cay’s legendary ‘washing machine’.
For bespoke activities at Atlantis Paradise Island (think turtle releases, VIP dolphin tours and flame-lit dinners on the beach) you’ll need to dock at the Atlantis Marina. Elevate the experience with a private picnic on Pipe Creek Sandbar, a flawless stretch of sugary sand. When night draws in, sundowners at Xuma Beach Bar (Highbourne Cay) are hard to beat in terms of ambiance.
Tip: Adventure-seekers should take a dip in Rachel’s Bubble Bath, a natural froth-filled lava rock lagoon, or wrestle the ferocious swirls at Shroud Cay’s legendary ‘washing machine’.
Expert Insight
“The cerulean blue waters of the Exuma Cays offer memorable experiences for everyone who visits. Octopus Garden near the north end of Highbourne Cay and The Aquarium located in the Exuma Cay Land & Sea Park are two snorkel sites not to be missed. Be sure to also visit Rocky Dundas, where a swim under a hidden cave will reveal a large cavern with ancient stalactites and an abundance of reef fish. Enjoy a private beach BBQ coordinated by your yacht crew at Saddle Cay. Stop by Little Farmer’s Cay to swim with wild sea turtles and enjoy the local conch salad prepared fresh on the spot. Just off the coast of Rudder Cut Cay, and commissioned by magician David Copperfield, is an underwater life-sized sculpture of a mermaid lounging atop the sandy ocean floor next to a baby grand piano. On your way back north spend the last evening at Highbourne Cay and reflect on your trip with friends and family around a private bonfire set up by the marina.”
Eva Hiebert, Charter Broker, Ft Lauderdale
Eva Hiebert, Charter Broker, Ft Lauderdale
This is an extract taken from the Caribbean Sea & The Bahamas destination feature in the 2024-2025 edition of LIVE THE EXCEPTIONAL, the Fraser Book of Luxury Yachting.
To discover our specialists’ insider tips for unmissable hotspots to experience in the stunning worldwide destinations you can explore by yacht, and find out what makes Fraser the number one choice for Owners, Charterers, Captains & Crew, read the full publication here.
To discover our specialists’ insider tips for unmissable hotspots to experience in the stunning worldwide destinations you can explore by yacht, and find out what makes Fraser the number one choice for Owners, Charterers, Captains & Crew, read the full publication here.
