Stayed few days in Nassau, capital of Bahamas Islands. Then headed to Northern Exumas, were we visited several islands.
Stayed in Nassau for few days. Visited tourist attractions, topped up supplies, blended in with the cruise ship crowd - there are 3 - 5 cruise ships in the harbour each day.
After Nassau, we have picked up west winds and sailed to Allan's Cay in Northern Exumas. The place is famous for the beautiful setting and iguanas.
Few times a day fast boats bring tourists on a hit-and-run tours around the islands.
This was our second visit to this place.
As this was our second time cruising Exumas islands, we have decided to explore the chain differently:
First time we have visited most popular places, described in all cruising guides and books, and hence where there are lots of cruising boats of all sizes and types.
This time we will try to visit moistly off-the-beaten-track anchorages, with fewer boats and where we are more likely to have the island to ourselves.
The wind forecast was calling for couple days of strong SW winds, so we have moved to an anchorage in the North bight of the Highbourne Cay. Stayed few days here.
The area of Lobster Cay, Spirit Cay and Saddle (Little Norman's) Cay was the first relatively rarely visited place on our Exuma route. It is a very beautiful area with varied scenery, surrounded by many small islands, cays and rocks, among several beaches, sand bars and lagoons.
We have enjoyed this place - exploring different parts by dinghy, fishing, staying at beaches...
Another nice island and beautiful anchorage.
As we have been here before, this time we've decided not to go to the more popular and crowded inner bay (where the plane wreck is), but stayed outside on the nice long beach.
Had a tasty meal and the tropical garden type of the restaurant - beautiful setting.
We had this beautiful isolated small anchorage and the beach to ourselves, during Valentine's Day.
Hawksbill Cay in the Exumas National Park is considered by some as one of the most beautiful in the area. Surrounded by many beaches on all sides, hiking trails, 1700's ruins, it is one of the popular with megayachts as well.
The O'Brein Cay and surrounding area of the Exuma Sea Park is very pretty. There are nice beaches, interesting snorkeling sites around (i.e. crashed small airplane and Sea Aquarium).
Had a one day stop at Cambridge Cay in the Exumas Sea Park.
Not much changed since our last visit few years ago. Paid moorings.
Windy weather was approaching, so we have moved for few days to the all-around protected area of Pipe Creek, anchored near Thomas Cay. The current is strong here, moving boats in odd directions in relation to the wind.
We have spent several weeks at the Staniel Cay / Black Point area of the Exuma Islands, as our family members joined us for a good Bahamian time.
Visited many places: Thunderball Grotto, Pig Beach, Iguana Beach, Shark feeding, as well as many other secluded bays, coves, cliffs; had night picnics, etc.
