Category Archives: Shark Feeding

The ‘Escape Reality’ series continues…

The ‘escape reality’ series is back with another bespoke itinerary for you! Read through our Bahamas Itinerary and escape to the turquoise waters! Written by us, imagined by you!

Has your summer vacation been put on hold, and now you’re longing for a Christmas escape? Look no further because this could be the itinerary for you. Did I mention, these itineraries are also great for kids?!

This week we explore one of the most captivating itineraries we have ever sailed – the Bahamas, Exumas. Imagine turquoise crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches and baron islands. Could this be for you?

Day 1 – Highborne Cay

Begin your charter in a beach village on the eastern shores of Nassau and spend a few days relaxing around a pool before embarking upon your charter! Although the Bahamas is home to over 300 islands, but the Boatbookings brokers asure you that the different islands that you can visit from your yacht charter in the Bahamas are the best islands in the Bahamas! Sailing around the Exumas allows for some of the best wildlife on the globe, swimming pigs, wild iguanas, crystal blue waters for swimming, Thunderball Grotto (as seen in James Bond) and amazing restaurants for every island you visit in the Exuma island collection. 

Day 2 – Allen Cay

The first day of sailing will be long, but it will be worth it! The first leg is just over 40 nautical miles, and would take you roughly 7 hours to get there. So wake up, have a hearty breakfast and shake those sails out! Your first day will give you the chance to get a lot of sailing in, surrounded by the bluest water on the globe! When you reach the Exuma islands, it is worth the long sail due to the sheer beauty of each individal island, called a Cay in true Bahamian fashion. The first island to visit on your charter is Highborne Cay, known as the gateway to the Exumas – a great location for the first overnight stay. 

Enquire now!

Day 3 – Hawksbill Cay

Visit the uninhabited beaches of Hawksbill Cay and have a relaxing evening. This cay is a key part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea National park and has no other facilities than mooring balls in this beautiful location. Anchoring is not permitted however there are plenty of mooring balls for this idyllic spot. 

See our Bahamas bareboats here!

Day 4 – Waderick Wells Cay

One of the most sheltered cays in the Exumas, this National Park offers the best conditions for kayaking, snorkelling or taking a hike around the island. There is a large selection of boats anchored within the bay here as it is sheltered from any wind. Our top recommendation is the dead whale construction and a stroll along one of the 30 deserted beaches here!

Day 5 – Staniel Cay and Pig Beach

Wild pigs on Big Majors Island in The Bahamas, lounging and walking around in the sand and ocean.

Take a slightly longer sail from Waderick Wells cay to Staniel Cay and Anchor in the sheltered yachting paradise of Staniel Cay amongst many other catamarans. Visit Staniel Cay yacht club for a lunch and visit the beautiful island. Take your dinghy to shores and tie up amongst nurse sharks in the bluest waters in the world. Be sure to take the dinghy to visit the pigs at Pig Beach the swimming pigs at Big Majors Cay will swim out to you to visit you on your dinghy! Bring some food to feed them! Visiting the swimming pigs is an absolute must in the Bahamas and does not disappoint. Be sure to charter a yacht to get this ticked off the bucket list this winter! 

Day 6 – Norman’s Cay

Before sailing off to Normans Cay be sure to go snorkelling before you leave Staniel Cay and visit Thunderball Grotto at low tide, see where James Bond was filmed and swim with tropical fish. Sail north to Norman’s Cay have dinner at Mcduffs at Normans Cay- go snorkelling with the nurse sharks and spend time on your own private island to have lunch.

Day 7 – Nassau

Set off early for your sail back to Nassau – factoring in Rose Island if you have time before getting back to Palm cay marina for 6 PM to disembark the following morning. Spend another few nights in your own private beach villa at the marina and relax after a fun-filled yacht charter.

Enquire today with one of our expert brokers who can personalise an itinerary that suits you and your guests! The Boatbookings brokers have personally sailed and reviewed the best sailing grounds, activities, restaurants and boats in the Bahamas. Be in touch to get the most from your yacht charter this winter! 



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A Very British (Virgin Islands) Christmas!

Specializing in Caribbean charters, here are our top 5 reasons to charter a yacht and why the British Virgin Islands is officially one of the best places in the world to charter for your 2020 holiday season!

Escape the bleak mid-winter and spend Christmas 2020 island hopping between the white sand beaches of the British Virgin Islands. The world’s best sailing conditions, island hopping, world-class scuba diving grounds, and a Christmas day conch meal. All of this plus an unforgettable New Year’s Eve makes the British Virgin Islands the only place to charter a yacht this Christmas!!

Christmas day on the yacht

Whether you’re a seasoned yachtie or sailing around the best sailing grounds of the Caribbean is something you’ve always dreamt of, a yacht charter in the BVI is guaranteed to make 2020 your best Christmas yet.

Although you’ll be on a yacht in the Caribbean, don’t worry there’s still plenty of decorations to make you feel just at home. Expect to see masts with fairy lights going to the top, red and white bikinis and palm Christmas trees!

Spend this Christmas walking around the white sand-beaches of Anegada and join in the local celebrations! Chose from having your own personal crew onboard to sailing solo around the many BVI white-sand beached islands.

New years eve at Foxy’s

Be sure to head to the island of Jost Van Dyke to bring in the New Year. Foxy’s on the island is renowned as being one of the top 5 parties in the world on New Year’s Eve.

Instead of celebrating the ‘New Year’, this bar celebrates the ‘Old Year’s Night’, making this iconic location different from every other New Year Party on the globe.

Hop off your boat and enjoy being in one of the best places in the world this New Year. Be sure to catch the theme before deciding on your outfits!

December diving

Switch the traditional family board games on Christmas day for a scuba diving lesson! Scuba dives are an extremely popular Christmas day activity and really make it a Christmas day to remember.

The BVI waters surrounding the islands of Norman Island are renowned for being extremely clear during the months of December and January. The Caribbean waters are full of different corals, turtles, shipwrecks and thousands of different species of fish.

Surprise your loved ones with a diving course and give the gift of the ocean this Christmas!

A Caribbean Christmas lunch

Eat like a local and celebrate the festivities with a freshly grilled lobster or conch! Head over to the Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda for your Christmas lunch, be sure to book early this year as most restaurants serving local Caribbean Christmas delicacies tend to get booked up very quickly.

Unrivalled weather conditions

The trade winds blowing across the islands of the BVI offer a consistent breeze, ideal for sailing and for keeping slightly cool during this period. Christmas is without a doubt one of the best times of year to visit the BVI due to long, sunny days with ocean breezes coming through in the afternoon and slightly cooler evenings.

The BVI is known for ‘line of sight’ sailing and protected bays for anchorages and sailing. Unlike other locations in the Caribbean, the waters in the BVI are usually a lot calmer than many other locations.

Aftermath of Irma

Despite the saddening damage, caused by hurricane IRMA in 2017, the BVI’s are being cared for and maintained. The process of rebuilding infrastructure has been a work in progress since the hurricane struck, however, the BVI is back on track and the boat standards and sailing grounds are as popular as ever.

Don’t let the damage caused in 2017 put you off from a yacht charter in the BVI this Christmas – the BVI is up and running. For current information, we please see our “what is open in the BVI after Irma” page, which is updated regularly.

Give Santa a change from the chimney and let him slide down your mast this Christmas! Get in touch today!

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Crewed cats in the Exumas

2 top Crewed Catamarans in the Exumas/Nassau/area in the Bahamas that have not been affected by Dorian.

We all witnessed with grief the unimaginable destruction brought upon Great Abaco and Grand Bahama Islands by hurricane Dorian and we pray for the fast and smooth recovery of the stricken areas.

Regardless, the Bahamas remains one of our most popular year-long yachting destinations: Dorian only affected the above-mentioned islands but the rest of the islands is as beautiful as always.

In any case, the majority of charter vessels have always been based in the Nassau cruising area. The Exumas combine a protected sailing area with magic sandy beaches, turquoise waters and high temperatures all year long. Some of the most popular charter vessels in Nassau and the Exumas are crewed catamarans

AMURA II

AMURA II is a lovely Lagoon 560, with a professional crew of 2 (captain and hostess/chef). Based all year long in Nassau, AMURA II will also consider one-way charters starting Nassau and finishing in the Exumas; this will allow you more time in order to explore the islands!

SEA SENOR

Available out of Nassau for both day charters as well as for longer period cruises is SEA SENOR! Excellent catamaran with a very experienced crew, ideal for short escapes out of Nassau! Feel free to contact now our expert broker team and start planning your next crewed catamaran charter in the Bahamas.

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M/Y SILVER LINING – EXUMAS

With the terrible misfortune, it seems fitting that we have a yacht called SILVER LINING. Berthed in the Exumas, she is an excellent alternative to chartering in the Abacos.

The stunning SILVER LINING is still available for Thanksgiving in Nassau to cruise the Exumas. Although Hurricane Dorian caused devastation in the Northern Islands of the Bahamas, there are still hundreds of untouched islands in the Cays. The Exumas is a 100 mile stretch of stunning coastline and turquoise waters where you can enjoy beautiful anchorages and wonderful fresh food.

Exumas header

Must see

The Tropic of Cancer beach, also known as Pelican beach is a must-see on Little Exuma. The sand is blindingly white, not just lightly coloured as many ‘white beaches’ are described. The sand itself radiates the sunlight that bathes it to create a blaze of light unique to this beach. If ever there was a picture postcard, then this beach truly is it:

Swimming Pigs!

Big Major’s Cay is home to the mystifying swimming pigs! It is widely believed that the reason the pigs swim in this area is down to their intelligence. Pigs are extremely intelligent, and they know tourists will come and feed them, hence why they will always swim out to you!

Stocking Island amongst other islands in the Exumas is home to Stromatolites, the oldest known macro-fossils on earth. They hold the biological activity of thousands of years.

Wildlife and nature

If you are a lover of marine life and nesting sea birds, then Moria Harbour Cay National Park is a must-see. Sand dunes, beaches, mangroves and seagrass all located between Great and Little Exuma. This area covers 13,440 acres!

The Yacht!

SILVER LINING is the perfect yacht to take you around the Bahamian paradise with a great crew on board, Captain Peter and chef/stewardess Ginny are a highly proactive team who are keen to ensure a memorable experience for their clients.

She offers 3 ensuite cabins, perfect for a family or group of friends. A well presented enclosed flybridge with a large dining table. The cockpit has easy access to the sea for fishing and swimming. Huge sunbathing area on the bow.

BBQ grill to cook the catch of the day! A great selection of water toys including wave runner, wakeboard, skis, SUP, airhead inflatable tube, 2 floating islands, snorkelling gear, fishing gear and beach set up with chairs. For an additional cost, clients can hire the 36ft Aquila power cat which also comes with a crew member giving a higher level of service on board.

Get on contact with us today to see how you can enjoy SILVER LINING on your Thanksgiving holiday.

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Where can I visit in the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian?

“The best thing you can currently do for the Bahamas to simply visit the Bahamas”

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

Where did Dorian hit?

Hurricane Dorian made landfall across the Bahamas, hitting the northern portion of the region the hardest. Grand Bahama and the Abaco Islands were the worst affected islands. However, many of the islands that make up the 259,000 square kilometers of the Bahamas were not affected. 

The Exumas escaped the worst of the storm, reporting only heavy winds and rain in the north of the region with no serious damage to infrastructure. Highbourne Cay, Staniel Cay Yacht Club, and Compass Cay Marina and others remain open for business. The Exumas offers plenty to see and do when exploring the area by yacht, including the famous Pig Beach, the Thunderball Grotto and Pablo Escobar’s Sunken Plane.

Pig Beach

Where?

While there are several islands in the Bahamas with a wild pig population, Exuma is the most well known. The island is located in the southern Bahamas, outside of the reach of Hurricane Dorian. Pig Beach is located on Big Major Cay and allows charter guests to swim with swimming pigs in unrivaled surroundings.

How?

Easily accessible by yacht from Nassau, this unique destination has become one of the most exclusive spots to experience in the Bahamas and is protected from natural storms, offering attractive tranquility throughout the year.

Why?

Rumored to have been left by passing sailors, the pigs are renowned for being approachable to all the visitors to the cay. Graciously accepting carrots and attention, these remarkably singular animals make for a fantastic company and even better photo opportunities.

Thunderball Grotto

Where?

Hidden away in the rocky Staniel Cay, the Thunderball Grotto is an extensive cave system that has been carved away by the ocean waters over the years to form this hidden oasis. Thunderball Grotto over the years, and it even received its name in the 1960s when the James Bond movie, Thunderball, was filmed there and was later returned to for Never Say Never Again.

How?

Part of the Exuma Cays, the Thunderball Grotto is easily accessible by yacht and can be enjoyed as part of an itinerary which includes Pig Beach. Perfect for many group configurations, Thunderball Grotto is an unmissable attraction for anyone taking a Bahamas yacht charter vacation.

Snorkeling paradise!

Accessed by interior entrance points leading off from the beach, the underwater caves surround a hollow center that makes the destination a veritable haven for intrepid divers.

Wildlife

Populated by exotic fish, the wide tunnels are illuminated by the rays of sunlight reflecting around the center, making a diving excursion here an experience that’s as colourful as it is unique. James Bond fans and non-fans alike, be sure to visit this fantastic destination.

Pablo Escobar’s Plane

Where?

Norman’s Cay is relatively inaccessible without a yacht, nestled about as far away from anything significant as you can get. Just offshore, however, you will come across a sunken WWII-era military transport plane that was once flipped to fuel Pablo Escobar’s expanding cocaine trade to the USA. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the passengers even managed to rescue their cargo before the plane came to its final resting place on a sandbar.

Wildlife

Quite unlike any other wreck dive, the former smuggler’s plane provides an intimate glimpse into a criminal underworld. Now populated by various species of fish and coral, exploring the compartments of the submerged plane makes for a truly kaleidoscopic experience. Ideal for beginners and more experienced snorkelers, the plane is only ten feet below the waterline. The warm and bright water is perfect for swimming in, and the nearby beach is perfect place to dry off.

Get in touch with one of our expert brokers today for your unparalleled charter around the stunning Exumas!

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