Hey! It’s been a couple months since we’ve been back on land full-time and it’s been a whirlwind of fun. Catching up with friends, family, and even a few fun trips so far. If you want to have daily updates on what we’re up to, add us to Instagram @svtipsygypsy. In the mean time, this post takes us back to the Bahamas and shares highlights while island hopping around the Exumas. These are some of our favorite stops but by no means all the spots we love. We have to keep some secret of course 😉
Chattin’ & Chillin’ in Georgetown
We sailed quickly to Georgetown to catch up with friends who had been there for a while and would be departing for further travels South. When we arrived, it felt like a homecoming with the way we knew so many boats in the extremely large anchorage. We knew boats from our travels on the ICW, from our month long stay in the Florida Keys, and even someone who had met us while in North Carolina the year previous. It’s fun how cruisers meet up again and again.
Georgetown is a comfy spot to stop in for provisions, parts, or fuel. But really, this area is bustling with fun things to do. They have multiple events throughout the year and have daily meet-ups on the beach near at Chat N Chill on Stocking Island. There’s always something to do and some cruisers spend their entire season in this area! They even host a couple regattas but the most popular is the Annual National Family Island Regatta going on it’s 66th year in 2019. For more events, listen to the Cruiser’s Net (Weekdays at 9am on Channel 68) or check out the Bahamas tourism website here.
Oh! If you do hang around this area for any length of time, make sure to hike to the top of Monument Hill for a stunning view of the anchorage and ocean side of Stocking Island. There are multiple trails that vary in difficulty. We took Intrepid trail for a good uphill workout and LOTS of Banana Spiders.
It’s not always sunsets and cocktails. As soon as we anchored in this area our engine alarm sounded. With the community of Georgetown helping us out with some needed items and Patrick’s help from the local machine shop, we were in good hands on this island.
The Ghost Town on Lee Stocking Island
This entire island was once the home of the Perry Institute for Marine Science. It was a thriving scientific center from 1970 to 2012 but when it lost funding and moving to site-based research, Lee Stocking Island became a complete ghost town. If you decide to visit, don’t expect much of anything besides dilapidated buildings, an overgrown air strip, and an eerie presence of what used to be.
We really enjoyed the secluded anchorage and walked around the entire island. It was sad to see such negligence of the once-bustling institute but also fun to rifle through the abandoned buildings. This island isn’t for everyone but was definitely a highlight to our travels through the Exumas.
Exumas Land & Sea Park at Warderick Wells
There are more cays included in the Exumas Land and Sea Park but believe Warderick Wells is the BEST. It’s also where their headquarters are. Call your VHF in the morning to check mooring ball availability. When you arrive, you’ll see moorings and boats curved around the shallow waters that make this a well protected harbor. Pretty beaches are all over and some of the best snorkeling you’ll encounter are in the depths below. There is a fantastic wreck to dive and friendly fish around multiple marked locations. All the marine life in this area is protected and allows for fish and turtles to swim right next to you.
The only mammal endemic to the Bahamas also makes an appearance in this Exumas. The Bahamian Hutia is a rodent-like animal who forages local island flora and seaweed. You probably won’t see one unless your wandering around at night (they’re nocturnal) but if you head to the beach during the day, you may seem some of their tracks.
Another fun spot to hike in the Exumas is to the top of Boo Boo Hill. The story behind the name is from a grounded missionary ship that sunk with everyone still aboard. You can hear the souls singing when the wind is howling on a moonlit night. Tradition is to leave behind an offering to King Neptune and pay respect for future safe passages. At the top, you’ll see a large pile of driftwood signs from previous visitors and an incredible lookout over most of the island.
If you’d like to contribute to the continuation of Bahamian parks, consider donating to the Bahamas National Trust.
More About Staniel Cay
I’ve already shared what we LOVE about Staniel Cay in a previous post but here’s some fun history. Although the island was established in 1783, it only starting getting popular with the construction of The Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Then of course the James Bond movie, Thunderball, provided great significance to the area and gave the name to the beautiful grotto around the outskirts of the yacht club. If you visit the Exumas, this will be an entertaining spot to enjoy for a few days or for your entire visit. The scenery is the best part but yacht club is a close second.
Read more about Staniel Cay –> 10 Things To Do In Staniel Cay.
High End Living in Highbourne Cay
One of our final stops in the Exumas was to Highbourne Cay. After anchoring on the outside for a rocky afternoon, we decided to treat ourselves to the Highbourne Cay Marina for a couple of days. Typically, Highbourne Cay is considered the gateway to the Exumas but we ended up visiting on the way out. We were completely spoiled at this resort marina surrounded by great people. The accommodations both at the marina and on their property are worthwhile but the amenities are truly the best part. They have white sand beaches, hobie cats to sail, bikes to use around the island, activities to plan all throughout the Exumas, and all the sailing needs too (laundry, provisions, fuel, etc). Our favorite part was not having to cook a couple of our meals during our visit. They have some of the best food in the Bahamas and because it is a bit higher end, you’ll be seated next to other yachters and prominent people from all over. We loved this stop and can’t wait to return.
Cheers and thanks for reading!
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