Tag Archives: yacht charter

Pigs in Paradise

*******The pigs were completely untouched by Hurricane Dorian*******

Broker Alice shares her insight and experience of her time spent swimming with the pigs in the Bahamas.

Pig Beach – what and where?

The Bahamas comprises of over 400 islands. The most popular destination in this island chain that has become the mysterious pig beach. Thanks to social media platforms and to holiday experiences this has become an increasingly popular place to visit. The swimming pigs of the Bahamas are now known as one of the best tourist experiences. An Instagram must is to get a selfie with the swimming pigs.

Stunning wildlife

Nestled at the heart of the Exuma islands at Big Major Cay, a large family of swimming pigs awaits your arrival. Remember to bring some food! The island of Big Major Cay is inhabited only by pigs, there are no humans living on this island. 

As an experience, arriving at the beach is just as surreal as it sounds and one not to be missed on your Bahamas yacht charter. Although there is a lot of wildlife in the Exumas, the pigs are the rarest kind of wildlife known to the ocean.

Pig history: how did they get there?

The increase in ‘pig popularity’ has led to the big question surrounding the swimming piggies- just how did they end up on a beach? Tourists, boat captains, zoologists, and historians ask themselves this question every day.

Pig Myths: the good, the bad and the ugly.

  • The pigs were brought to the island to be eaten by hungry sailors in the late 1700’s. The sailors didn’t manage to catch all of the pigs to eat and created the pig family on the beach.
  • 2- The pigs were the only survivors from a shipwreck and managed to find their swimming capabilities once they were put in the ocean for the first time.
  • 3- The pigs are native to the island and love the beach and sea! They are truly the pigs of paradise. 

The mandatory Pig Selfie in the Exumas

Little piglet in a water at beach on Exuma Bahamas

Team the swimming pigs with other adventures in the Exumas and experience a charter like no other! From wild iguanas, Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane, James Bond’s Thunderball Grotto to Staniel Cay Yacht Club for an unforgettable conch lunch – Get the pigs ticked off the bucket list this summer and charter a yacht in the Exumas with Boatbookings! 

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Enjoy a stop-off at Sea Containers house prior to your charter.

Travelling

If you are traveling in from the Americas or further afield it might be worth adding a London stopover to combat the dreaded jet lag. Sea Containers will get you into the spirit of your charter which is a nautical-themed 4* hotel. Conveniently located just a short 7-minute walk from the well-connected Blackfriars station, this hotel is ideally located for an easy commute from one of the 5 airports based in and on the outskirts of London.

The reception area of Sea Containers

Architecture

Sea Containers House immediately immerses you in architectural brilliance. With the opening reception hallway resembling a brushed copper hull, it’ll get anybody in the mood for life at sea. The copper colouring provides warmth to the expansive reception area that you wouldn’t necessarily expect from a metal heavy interior.

12th Knot Bar, top floor.

12th Knot

The upmarket hotel is furnished in an industrial come nautical way which fits in perfects to the industrial history of London. Overlooking one of the most famous rivers in the world, watch the clipper yachts and cargo boats drift by while relaxing in the 12th Knot Bar, situated in the top floor of this impressively built building. Look east and soak up the London Skyline.

Sea Containers Resturant bar area

Immerse yourself in luxury with an extensive, well thought out menu that matches the seasons perfectly. With breakfast, lunch, and dinner available all under one roof – you cannot go hungry. With reasonably priced dishes, small plates, and sharing plates alike providing a great range of culinary delights. From Ceviche Tacos, seabass, coriander salsa to Whole Roasted Corn-fed Chicken, confit onions there will be something for everyone.

Stopping off in London is the best place to enjoy a varied, culturally vibrant city with fantastic links to the rest of the world. With direct flights to thousands of yachting hot spots around the world including, Greece, Croatia, Caribbean, Italy, and Asia it’s the perfect hub to start your holiday from.

Reception area, Sea Containers house.

Get in touch with us today to experience London before you embark on your charter. Wherever you are in the world, be sure that Boatbookings can provide a door to door service.

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Boatbookings’ Favorite Cannes Beach Clubs

Cannes is known for its luxury lifestyle, with the Croisette being the hub of high-end couture brands and ultimate celebrity spotting destination. Along this promenade, there are so many beach clubs to choose from; we’ve rounded up our favorites and why so you can make the most of your time in Cannes!

Hire a yacht for the day from Cannes to experience the Riviera to the fullest!

Vega Luna

Great for: Families with children and larger groups

Vega Luna is located in the middle of the Croisette, opposite the InterContinental Carlton Hotel; it boasts a large seating area for dining undercover, and many sun loungers, perfect for larger groups. It is always very popular with families as it is child-friendly, with a kids menu for those under the age of 12.

Maema Plage

Great for: Lower prices and a relaxed atmosphere

Maema Plage is a firm favorite amongst the Boatbookings team; it is located further from the center of Cannes, past the Radisson Blu Hotel, making it less busy and more inexpensive than the other Beach Clubs along the Croisette. Their Thai Salad and House Burger are delicious and food always comes quickly and is freshly prepared! Sun loungers are only €12 for the whole day, starting at 9 am till closing time at 6 pm.

Z Plage

Great for: Afternoon drinks and the best music

Z Plage is Hotel Martinez’ Private Beach Club, at the left end of the Croisette near Port Canto. It features a chic ‘Rotonde’ circular bar that is perfect for cocktails or some Provence Rosé. Sun loungers are available for the day for those wishing to bronze themselves before dipping into the cooling waters of the sea!

O’key Beach

Great for: Friendly staff and tasty seafood

O’key Beach is also located on the further side of Cannes past the old town and therefore is usually less busy than other beach clubs along the Croisette. The staff are friendly and some incredible seafood dishes include the Lobster Spaghetti, Salmon Burger and Seafood Pasta; portions are generous and the wine is delicious!

Rent a boat for the day to Cannes and we can book sun loungers and lunches for you at any beach club you like; just get in touch today and we’ll organize everything for you.

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Broker Ben’s Top 5 Insights for Your 2019 Charter

1. Book your 80-150’ motor yacht in Greece now, or you will miss out. Some of my top recommendations are JULIE M, BLADE 6, THEORIS, TACOS of the SEA and BARENTS SEA. Explore the secret anchorages of the Peloponnese, as well as the Cyclades hotspots (Paros, Mykonos, Milos) in 2019.

 
2. Everyone loves Italy, particularly the Amalfi Coast but have you considered Sicily? With fantastic island hopping throughout the Aeolians, chic hillside villages (Taormina) and volcanoes to explore (Etna), the area has something for everyone.
 
3. Give Ibiza a go. It has the best beach clubs and nightlife, but it also offers natural beauty and some of the finest sunsets in the Mediterranean. Check out Cotton Beach Club (Cala Tarida), Benirras Bay and Isla Tagomago for some of our top picks.
 
4. The Bahamas are the ultimate water sports playground. Easy island hopping, cerulean waters, hidden cayes to explore, it’s the perfect family retreat.
 
5. Explore somewhere off the beaten track and learn to sail in Sweden. Yacht: ICHIBAN (Swan 70) Captain Jan is the perfect teacher to guide you along your Scandinavian adventure, while Chef Kirsten will showcase the wonderful local cuisine. Bring on the Elk meatballs!
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