The Bahamas and Exumas

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The Bahamas and Exumas

Arrival Day – Cruising Day 1 and 2 – Staniel Cay

Fly directly to Staniel Cay, (International Airport code: TYM) and join your yacht. Explore the charming out-island settlement and Yacht Club. Watch sharks being hand fed at the marina. Jump in to swim with the nurse sharks. Anchor outside the “Thunderball Grotto” where the underwater scenes in the James Bond movie were filmed. The site is a popular location for diving and snorkeling. For the more adventurous, you can climb to the top of the cave and jump in through a hole in the top. Explore the beautiful surrounding coves and beaches of Staniel Cay. Visit Pig Beach to feed the swimming pigs.

Cruising Day 3 – Compass Cay

Sail to Compass Cay; a natural paradise on this 2-mile-long unspoiled beach, palms, cliffs and lagoons. It is the home of “Rachel’s Bubble Bath” a natural whirlpool. Depending on the tide, this unique pool is either a peaceful lagoon, or bubbling bath. Hike around the island of Compass Cay: look for nesting seabirds, glass fishing balls and shells along the Crescent Beach. Anchor for the night in nearby Fowl Cay, with a beautiful coral reef for you to enjoy, as well as a perfect, crescent shaped beach. Kayak to the Rocky Dundas Caves to snorkel the chambers.

Cruising Day 4 – Warderick Wells Cay

Continue North to Warderick Wells Cay, the headquarters of The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Explore more than 4 miles of trails on this protected island filled with stunning views of the surrounding cays and turquoise waters. Climb to Boo Hill, keeping a lookout for the stunning white-tailed tropical bird that nests in the bush. Walk the beautiful beaches, particularly to where the skeleton of the 53-foot sperm whale still lies on the sand. This picturesque harbor is another perfect spot for a relaxing evening under the stars.

Cruising Day 5 –Shroud Cay and Normans Cay

Sail to the southern end of Norman’s Cay where you can snorkel the sunken DC 3 aircraft, and view thousands of fish throughout the wreckage. A trip through the very shallow inside lagoon at Normans will also be exciting as you tour the famous Cocaine Cave and Conch cave. Stop and snorkel or Scuba dive on sites such as the Octopus Garden or Hammerhead Gulch. At Shroud Cay, the shallow tidal pools and mangroves around the cay are inhabited only by sea turtles, crawfish, conch, fish, and a variety of birds. A kayak ride through the river will allow for excellent views and a serene trip.

Cruising Day 6 – Highbourne Cay and Allan’s Cay

Sail to the small fishing village on Highbourne Cay, a privately-owned island with beautiful beaches, walking trails, and excellent snorkeling. Just off the dock, you can see nurse sharks swimming just beneath the water as they seek out bits of scraps leftover from the day’s catch. After lunch we head to Allan’s Cay and feed the Bahamian Rock Iguanas that are the only inhabitants and come out on the beach to be fed. Sail south to Sampson Cay. Drift dive Sampson Cut and enjoy the beauty beneath you as jewfish, spotted eagle rays and giant horse-eye jacks swim by amongst purple gorgonian fans waving in the gentle current.

Cruising Day 7 - Allan's Cay and Atlantis Resort

After breakfast, we set sail for Nassau. Spend the last afternoon and evening at the Atlantis Marina and enjoy many wonderful activities that the Atlantis Resort offers such their marine exhibits with over 250 marine species — from dolphins and sharks to rays and barracudas. For thrill seekers, the 141-acre Aquaventure water park has high-speed water, swimming pools, and a mile-long river ride complete with rapids and waves. In the evening, try your luck at gambling at the Atlantis Casino or dance away in one of the vibrant nightclubs.

Cruising Day 8 / Departure Day

After a last tasty breakfast onboard, it is time to gather your belongings, as well as your wonderful memories of a week in this most beautiful environment. Before exchanging fond farewells, your crew will arrange transport to the airport. You will already be planning your next cruise with Harper Yachting!