Spring Issue: January 2021

With 2020 being a year of changes all around the world, why not change how you see that world?

Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe is the new normal. Chartering is a safe and secure way to see many beautiful places around the globe that you can not easily access any other way. You have a private vessel all to yourself. You can choose to go ashore and explore or stay tucked away on a yacht just taking in the views. You call the shots as to what you want to do. 

Given how Covid has changed how we interact with the world and each other, now is the best time to try chartering—whether for a day, a week, or if your budget allows, even longer. If you already booked at a hotel, try a day charter. It will be the most memorable day of your visit. 

There are many different types of charter vessels and experiences to be had. The captains and crews onboard the yachts have been trained to the strictest of standards of cleanliness with care. Rare is an idle crew member. So now is a great time to see the world from on, around or in the water.

We at Bahamas Charter Magazine are here to introduce you to the world of chartering here in the beautiful Bahamian waters. With the archipelago made up of over 700 islands and cays to explore, there is so much to see and do while at the same time, staying safe. 

Please reach out to us to answer any questions or to know more. We would love to know what you want to know about. We are right in the heart of the Bahamas, located at the Nassau Yacht Haven Marina. We look forward to helping you find the experience of a lifetime while sharing the beauty that is the Bahamas.

Good things come in pairs, and you can find a fabulous pair of captains right in the heart of Nassau. Anyone looking to enjoy a day out on the water should head to the Nassau Yacht Haven and get onboard either “My Time” with Captain  Johnny Pratt or “Reel Deal” with Captain Teddy Pratt. 

They are father and son, but both run their own vessels and business. It isn’t every day that you encounter a father/son both making their own paths into the same business - separately. 

Captain Johnny has been on the water since he was a young boy. He hails from Long Island in the Bahamas but grew up in Nassau. Although he was employed as a captain for others for many years, about 30 years ago he started taking customers out on his own vessel for a memorable day of fishing or cruising and continues to this day. 

If you are looking for a memorable adventure for your next family vacation, may we suggest you consider something that will take you well off the beaten path in style. You will experience the Bahamas in a way that few have the privilege of doing, while keeping your family safe and socially distanced. 

This gem of a vessel can handle a family of 10 comfortably, with enough toys and activities for all ages to spend time in and out of the water all day and night long. At 108 feet, with 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, and a crew of 5 dedicated to making sure you have the best time possible; it is hard to go wrong. 

This airconditioned Hargrave, built in 2006, but refitted in 2018, has a jacuzzi and plenty of the latest toys—tubes, a pair of Yamaha Wave Runners, kayaks, water skis, snorkel and fishing gear for all, beach games and setups and best of all, a 32 foot center console tender to take you from your floating home away from home to wherever you want to go.

While many vessels, let alone yachts of this caliber, cannot delve too deeply into the shallow waters of The Bahamas, this vessel, with its very shallow draft, can take you places many others are unable to navigate. It opens the opportunity to explore many places, in a luxurious way, that others only dream of. 

With an experienced crew to guide you safely on your journey, and at rates very competitive in the industry, we encourage you to consider chartering Beachfront—a hidden charter gem in Nassau’s harbor. 

Length: 1 week Charter 

Destination: North Eleuthera

Ever been to the island in the Bahamas whose name means “Freedom”? Eleuthera is a first choice for those seeking a charter destination to find their freedom among the wide-open spaces, gorgeous pink sand beaches, and friendly settlements. 

DAY 1—You have arrived to meet your charter in Nassau - the capital! Once in Nassau, head to your beautiful home away from home for the next week, ask the crew to make you a cold beverage, put your feet up, breathe and relax. You have so earned this!

DAY 2—After some fresh pressed coffee (or a Bloody Mary), head northeast from Nassau. You will pass Rose Island and several small cays, along with vibrant, shallow reefs laid out in a chain all the way up.

Our first stop would be in the pristine and sparkling settlement of Spanish Wells on Saint Georges Cay. Spanish Wells was named for the Spanish galleons that used to fill up with fresh water on the eastern end of the small cay before continuing to cross the ocean. This area is now historic with colourful cottages and homes that are well kept and a source of pride for their owners.

Hopefully you have had a delicious fresh breakfast on board before you arrive. Perhaps you stopped at Meeks Patch prior to entering the harbor to look for sand dollars or swim with the pigs.

The streets are numbered from 1 on down, from the east to the west and are clean, safe, with everything an easy walk. You can’t get lost. Many rent golf carts or bicycles for the day. Head to the Spanish Wells Yacht Haven for a great place to stay. Leroy, the dockmaster and manager, will greet you with a smile and fix you up with your preferred mode of transportation. Before you set off, have a delicious lunch right there at Wreckers. 

Afterwards, head due north right over the hill on 10th Street and go straight to the end. There, you will find a long stretch of powder white sand beach that runs to the east, but wraps all the way around the west end of the island. If tide is low, there will be a spectacular sand bar that is a delight to walk out on. Keep your eyes open for sand dollars and pretty shells. You can then head east to where there is a cluster of shops to peruse, as well as the local museum. 

The museum has sporadic hours. Unless you are lucky and find it open, you must check at the Islander Shop and make an appointment. It is well worth making the effort and shows the history of this charming cay. 

If you have a golf cart, the afternoon is a great time to head across the bridge to Russell’s Island. Once you cross and come to a “T” in the road, take a right. Just drive on down passing many residences and be sure to check out the views from the various elevations. Watch for signs for the “Sand Bar”—it will be on your left. Great spot for a cold drink like a Rosemary Gin Fizz, Molly’s Rum Punch or a Sands or Kalik. There are hammocks to chill in or corn hole to play. Walk their beach or just chill. If you’re hungry, their conch tacos with their special chili sauce will hit the spot every time! 

Depending on the time, making your way back to Spanish Wells and heading to the West End for the spectacular sunsets that occur are worth the effort. If you are in the mood for a treat, head over to Papa Scoops...

...back on 10th Street, across from Pinders Tune Up. Flavours change daily. Ask for a sample cup if you aren’t sure. The small cup is generous, so ask to see the cup sizes before you order, or you will have more than enough to share. You can go on foot or join the queue in your golf cart.

DAY 3—Fishing is pretty awesome here. Whether you want to try bonefishing/flats fishing, deep sea fishing, or even some local hand line fishing, Spanish Wells is a great place to catch your lunch or dinner. If fishing isn’t in your cards, many take a ride down to the neighboring cays to sightsee, beach comb or do some snorkeling and diving. Lunch at The Shipyard or at Buddas will recharge you for the afternoon. Buddas also has a liquor store in case you are running low on supplies already. Many locals like to head out to neighboring North Eleuthera and head to the quiet beaches there with a picnic or afternoon snacks to soak in the quiet or explore the reefs that make up the Devils Backbone.

Before you get to the rougher stuff there, Benbay Beach is a cresent shaped slice that is easy to get to even on rough days and well worth a visit. After you have soaked up all that sun and salt, perhaps you are ready to enjoy your earlier catch for dinner, or head back out to one of the many dining choices, where the seafood is always fresh—a must when your local clientele are fishermen!

DAY 4—Today you wake in Spanish Wells and prepare to head over to the island named for Freedom—Eleuthera. It’s best to have prearranged this with your charter coordinator, however, you can have your crew reach out to either Romora Bay Resort and Marina or to Leroy or Gurnee (at Pinders Supermarket) to arrange to get you a car rental or tour/driver for the day and prepare for an amazing adventure. Either Gurnee or your tender will drop you to Gene’s Bay Dock. You will be met with your rental car. Prepare to have the rental car representative drive with you to their office, 

probably in the settlement of Bogue, and you will have to sign for the car, leave a small deposit and whomever is driving, will have to show their driver’s license from home, unless other arrangements have been made. Remember, you drive on the LEFT side of the roads in the Bahamas. 

As you make your way down the only highway on the island, you will continue through Lower Bogue and Upper Bogue and soon find yourself at the Glass Window Bridge. This is a must see-where the deep blue waters of the Atlantic meet with the shallow turquoise waters of the Bahama Bank. It is visually stunning. Explore the area, but watch for the occasional car, as this is the bridge that connects the island. As you continue down the highway, you will soon come to the settlement of Gregory Town. 

Although the area appears quiet, it is home to several celebrities of note, as well as world class surfing. There are a few places to grab a snack, cold beverage or ice cream, as well as a great gift store, Island Made, carrying locally crafted items. Continuing down the road, you will pass pineapple fields and the ruins of silos in tall cow grass that used to be a part of a dairy that is no longer in business. You will see hand painted signs for The Cave, which will be on your right-hand side. Just go down the dirt road and park where the area is flattened, and you will see the hand railing that goes into the underground caves. 

Sadly, the graffiti artists have marked some of the area, but once you enter the cool underground, it is pretty amazing to see. 

From here, it is a short distance to Governors Harbour. This is the centre of Eleuthera. It used to be the capitol of the Bahamas. A short drive around several of the streets will reveal the old library, which is worth a walk through, historic churches and homes, and a pass through Cupids Bay. 

If you need anything for provisioning, or if you want to shop, this is the spot. There are gift stores, ATM’s, a grocery store, and a great coffee shop called Da Perk. Anything guava they have in their case is well worth trying. There are many wonderful restaurant options in the vicinity, but if you are looking

to kick off your shoes and dine on a great beach, head to Tippys. The menu is on a chalkboard but will surprise you with the variety and quality. The beer is ice cold, the bar is well stocked and so is the wine list. Many make their way back after a great lunch here. You can be back on board your vessel in time for cocktails. 

While you were exploring Eleuthera, your vessel has made the trip around the Devels Backbone and is now waiting for you in Harbour Island at the docks of either Romora Bay Resort and Marina or Valentines Resort and Marina. Harbour Island, or Briland, as the locals call it, has a busy social vibe and fun factor. You are in for a treat. So remember when heading back, your yacht should now be in Harbour Island. 

DAY 5—Briland is an international hot spot, so keep your eyes open, as you never know who might be enjoying that drink sitting right next to you. As you wake and take in the tropical and colourful surroundings, be ready to hit the deck. Briland is chock full of chic boutiques, trendy bars, gourmet cuisine and one of the most spectacular pink sand beaches you will ever experience. All within easy walking distance although a golf cart makes it so much easier to access all you want to see. 

Your resort is a great place to grab a drink or a bite to eat before you set out to explore. Ask the office for a map just for easy reference. As you first make your way along the harbor front on Bay Street, note the historic homes all along the way. Many date from the 1700’s. If you love conch salad, be sure to place your order at one of the vendors set up along the waterfront. You will not be disappointed. There are also vendors selling fruit, straw work and other items. There is also the historic Fig tree which used to serve as a public meeting spot. 

You will also notice chickens and roosters everywhere, and if you stop at Arthurs Bakery, on the corner of Crown and Dunmore Streets, one may even try to keep you company. Arthurs has been a staple on Briland for many years and their breads and freshly made smoothies are a pick me up at any time of day. Go early, even to place your order to pick up later, as they sell out quickly. You will pass shops worth browsing, like Dilly Dally or the Blue Rooster. 

Once you hit Chapel Street, head over towards the beach via either a visit to the Pink Sands Blue Bar or the Coral Sands Resort pool/beach bar. Both have signature drinks that are memorable as you take in the breathtaking views. The many shades of blue and turquoise waters mingling with the pink sand that feels like powdered sugar between your toes will be burned into your memory. This is a place to savor. Walk the beach, or if you spot 

horses, they are available for a ride or occasional swim. 

Unless you have dinner on board, Briland leaves you with a dilemma of where to go. There are so many delicious options. Valentines has several dining options, or you can opt to head over to the Rock House (reservations are suggested). Just walking through the Rock House is a visual treat. Dining while enjoying a gorgeous sunset is something you won’t soon forget. Or dinner at the historic Landing (reservations also suggested) makes you feel like you are in another world. If you eat onboard, venturing over to either of these establishments for a signature drink is a short walk and well worth the effort.

DAY 6—Waking up again in Briland, you pinch yourself. Spend some chill time on your vessel or if you are restless and want to explore more around town, heading over to Bahamas Coffee Roasters will get you ready for the day. They take coffee seriously. If you have a golf cart, heading down to the southern end can be an adventure. You can’t get lost as the road dead ends at Southbar and you just head back.

Harbour Island Marina is in the vicinity, which is a fun stop for a bite or cold beer. There is also the ruins of an old house on the property, reputed to be haunted and worth exploring if you enjoy things of this nature. If you are a Parrothead, Ma Ruby’s at Tingum Village is listed on the Cheeseburgers in Paradise must try, as is the Key Lime Pie. You will pass a few shops and vendors like A and A selling all sorts of gifts, food stuffs and items you will only find on Briland.

After some refreshment, the beautiful beach awaits or if you seek more adventure, arrange to head back to the Devils Backbone and get wet. There are many wrecks, especially the Train Wreck off Preachers Cave,.Here on these reefs the sea life is abundant. Great spots to get overboard. Speaking of Preachers Cave, this is worth a stop, whether today or on your way out of Harbour Island tomorrow. Much of the human history of this region begins here.

The shore is peppered with beaches just yours to have to yourself to enjoy. After an afternoon on the beach or in the water, treat yourself to another wonderful night on the town and soak up the energy that is Harbour Island.

DAY 7—Time has come to say goodbye to Harbour Island and begin the journey back to Nassau. If you haven’t yet seen the Devil’s Backbone, you will today as you take the short, but beautiful trip from Harbour Island, back around North Eleuthera, passing by Spanish Wells on your way to return. The reefs are so close you can see the coral if the waters are calm enough. If time permits, a short stop to snorkel off Rose Island at Green Cay to swim with the sea turtles will make for amazing photos and an incredible underwater experience. The journey to Nassau harbor from here is a short one, and you will soon find yourself at the airport heading home.

This charter trip is full of adventures and things to see and experience. Your charter vessel is itself an all-encompassing experience. You may step onboard and not want to leave until it is time to head home. The places and adventures we have written about are to give you an idea of what a week spent in Eleuthera can look like—but your time is your own.