THE CARIBBEAN, BAHAMAS, AND BERMUDA 11

Swimming Pigs! Plus Spectacular Sailing and a Marine Preserve

T h e E x u m a C ay s
The Exumas, The Bahamas

I
f you arrive in the Exumas by air, book a seat next to the window. Swooping in over the
110-mile-long, spiny chain of 365 cays, which start about 30 miles southeast of Nassau,
provides one of the most stunning sights in all of the Caribbean, and a first glimpse of why
these mostly undeveloped islands are considered by many to be the crown jewels of the
Bahamas. Like an exquisite sand painting rising out of the sea, elaborate channels and
sandbars are surrounded by waters in every to be during the New Year’s Day Cruising
shade of blue in the palette. Regatta.
While the Abacos are traditionally touted Great Exuma Island anchors the southern
as the Caribbean’s best sailing, many claim end of the Exuma archipelago; George Town
the Exuma chain steals the show. Its is its pretty pink capital. The popular
centerpiece is the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Augusta Bay Bahamas is a freshly updated
Park, a 176-square-mile, breathtakingly property whose 16 spacious suites enjoy
beautiful “no-take” marine preserve where sweeping views of a perfect white beach.
coral gardens flourish with conch, grouper, and Check in and then check out the local Fish
lobster populations that are so abundant Fry, a collection of colorful beach shacks at
they’re helping to repopulate the whole the pier where everyone hangs out, playing
archipelago. Established in 1959 and cards and listening to music while dining on
accessible only by boat (your own or a tour conch salad, fried fish, and just-caught
company’s), this is the oldest land and sea lobster. Or join the models, photographers,
park on the planet. But while the land is and sailors who make the short trip to nearby
pretty, providing habitat for turtles, iguanas, Stocking Island for its especially gorgeous
and sea birds, it is the sea that truly dazzles, beaches and the legendary Chat ’N’ Chill, a
offering some of the best sea kayaking, beach bar known for its grilled conch
yachting, snorkeling, and diving in all the burgers, barbecued ribs, and on Sundays, a
Bahamas. rowdy pig roast with music.
The closest civilization is an hour away at Visitor info: www.myoutislands.com.
Staniel Cay Yacht Club. It is a perfect home Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park: www.
base for access to the park and other exumapark.com. Staniel Cay Yacht Club:
attractions, like Thunderball (a beautiful Tel 954-467-8920 (U.S.) or 242-355-2024;
marine cave excellent for snorkeling and www.stanielcay.com. Cost: from $145
named for the 1965 James Bond movie shot (off-peak), from $210 (peak). Augusta Bay
there), and friendly swimming pigs (they Bahamas: Tel 242-336-2251; www.
paddle out to greet boaters who often bring augustabay.com. Cost: from $175 (off-peak),
them food). It may sound swanky, but the from ($275 peak). Chat ’N’ Chill: Tel
yacht club is a congenial social center of just 242-336-2700. Cost: dinner $30, pig roast
nine unpretentious cottages in fun colors $20. Best times: Dec–May for weather; late
right on the water, an 18-slip marina for Apr for Family Island Regatta in George
boaters, and a 3,000-foot landing strip for Town.
flights from Nassau and Fort Lauderdale. It
becomes the yachting world’s preferred place