Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EXUMA CAYS
The Exuma Cays are a world unto themselves and the stuff of Caribbean fantasy. Tantal-
izingly inaccessible (you'll need to have your own boat or pay someone with one to make
it to most places here), the cays begin at the barren Sail Rocks, 40 miles southeast of New
Providence and continue in a long line of some 360 islets to Great Exuma. Though they may
seem alike, each has its own quirky character and many are privately owned.
If you're in your own boat, a cruise around discovering new beaches, seeing wonderful
Thunderball Grotto (opposite ) or dropping anchor to snorkel around pristine reefs makes
for an unbeatable Bahamas experience.
These waters are acclaimed as the 'finest cruising grounds in the Western Hemisphere.'
The Exuma Guide: A Cruising Guide to the Exuma Cays
by Stephen Pavlidis is a must-read
for sailors.
Along with day trips to several of the cays from Nassau (see
Click here
), or kayak and
snorkel trips from George Town (see
Click here
), you can always hire your own boat (see
Click here
).
For details of the mail boat that visits some of the cays in this area from Nassau, see
Click
here
.
Getting There & Away
The following trips depart from Nassau, and are very popular:
Island World Adventures
( 242-363-3333;
www.islandworldadventures.com
;
Nassau;
adult/child $200/150) Provides day-long excursions on a high-powered speedboat from
Paradise Island to Saddleback Cay's wonderful snorkeling and seven private beaches. Trips
include lunch, an open bar and snorkeling gear.
Powerboat Adventures
( 242-363-2265;
www.powerboatadventures.com
;
Nassau;
adult/child $190/140) Offers a thrilling ride from Nassau as a powerboat zips you to Allan's
Cays for snorkeling, then on to Ship Channel Cay for a nature hike and barbecue lunch on
the beach.
Highborne Cay
This private cay, 2 miles south of Leaf Cay, is favored by yachties, who are permitted ashore
if they are using the marina's facilities. The beach on the eastern side of the cay is one of the
most beautiful in the Bahamas.
The
Highborne Cay Research Station
has recently been set up to research a year in the
life of Bahamian stromatolites to see how they adapt to changing weather environments. For
more information on stromatolites and Highborne Cay contact
www.stromatolites.info
.
The
Highborne Cay Marina
( 242-355-1008; VHF channel 16; Nassau, New Provid-
ence) has a grocery store, pay phone and berths for yachts up to 130ft.
