During the winter months, Charter companies offer Bahamas sailing charters in the Abacos or the Exumas.
THE ABACOS
The Abacos, the northern most island chain in the Bahamas, is referred to as the Sailing Capital of the World. Sailing in the shallow protected waters of the Sea of Abaco is a dream come true. Rays gliding beneath your boat can be seen through the crystal clear waters.
More populated than the Exumas, the Abacos offers a multitude of beach bars and restaurants. But don’t worry…it’s far from being crowded.
Somewhere in the long necklace of pale-sanded islands and often uninhabited cays, extending over 120 miles, you’re sure to find the ideal private spot to enjoy a good book and a glass of wine, or just ogle at the beauty of your surroundings.
If you’re looking for a chance to view the underwater wildlife, The Pelican Cay National Park, or Fowl Cay National Park, both underwater sea parks, are a snorkeler’s paradise.
Here is what a typical weeklong itinerary in the Abacos might be like:
Day 1 – Your flight arrives in Marsh Harbour, and it’s just a short taxi ride to the harbor. You will be met by the Captain, who will dinghy you out to Civil Twilight, which will be anchored in Marsh Harbour. Unpack, settle in, then take a walk around town to visit the shops and scope out those souveniers to take home with you. Marsh Harbour is the ‘big city’ of the Abacos. Or maybe you just want to relax after a hectic day of traveling. Appetizers and rum drinks on board might be just the ticket after a long day of travel! We’ll stay here tonight, then in the morning we’ll weigh anchor and move on.
Day 2 – A sail across the Sea of Abaco brings us to Guana Cay, home of the infamous “Nippers”. Sitting atop a hill overlooking the ocean-side of the island, Nippers is a restaurant/beach bar that is a must-stop. Just a short walk (or golf cart ride) through a tropical woods, you walk right into Nippers. The 7-mile-long beach below is perfect for walking or swimming, with an off-shore reef for snorkeling…what more can you ask for. Maybe a quick dip in the pool to rinse off the salty water!
Day 3 & 4- If conditions permit, we’ll sail out ‘The Whale’, and up to Green Turtle Cay. Green Turtle is surrounded by sandy, uninhabited beaches. If you enjoy diving, this is the place to set up a dive trip with Brendels Dive Shop. This is also a good place to try snorkeling or spearfishing. Or maybe you’d like to rent a golf cart and visit the quaint fishing settlement of New Plymouth. The architecture is New England, but the pink, turquoise and lavender paint screams Bahamas.
Day 5 – Back around “The Whale” to Treasure Cay. Situated on Great Abaco, a 5 minute walk and you are standing on Treasure Cay Beach, named “One Of The 10 Best Beaches In The World” by National Geographic. Three and a half miles of white powdery sand overshadowed only by the brilliantly clear turquoise water. This is also where you can get in 18-holes of golf, or just sit by the pool and enjoy a cocktail. The Treasure Cay Marina is home to several fishing charters…maybe a half day of bonefishing in the flats, or heading off-shore for wahoo or mahi-mahi. There’s lots to do…or nothing to do. The choice is yours.
Day 6 – The week is coming to a close. You may choose to spend one more day at Treasure Cay before heading back to Marsh Harbour, or maybe you want to see one more island, or perhaps go back to one of the places you didn’t get enough of. The itinerary is open to your wishes.
Day 7 – This morning we sail back to Marsh Harbour and say our ‘good-byes’…until next time!
Those who have been to The Bahamas many times still seek the elusive green flash–a natural tropical phenomenon occurring at sunset. Very rarely, on utterly cloudless days and just after the sun has disappeared beneath the sea, a brilliant band of green light as wide as the sun itself will flash across the horizon. Hunting the elusive green flash is relatively simple for those determined enough–just make sure that every evening is spent comfortably watching the sun drop slowly into the ocean.
