Visit our Popular Forums

Old Soul Wayne · 05-02-2012, 13:28

It looks like a few trips would fit the bill. I will have to try to see if she has more interest in the commercialism or the potential of quite naturalism. For the next five years I can only take smaller holidays anyhow. I will have try to focus on "the best first trip".
Thanks to everyone filling me in on these items.
Would it be snorkle or scuba that best descibes the Exuma chain?

Cheechako · 05-02-2012, 13:33

Snorkel for sure. Easy stuff. Thunderball Cave (James Bond filmed there) is one spot everyone hits. The National park with mooring bouys. A couple small retaurants along the way. Norman's Cay, ex drug runners island (which has a wrecked DC-3 , abandoned stone house, airfield with airplane engines laying around, etc.) So various thing s of interest. At most any island you can anchor, go ashore and hike to the opposite (Atlantic) side also.

Old Soul Wayne · 05-02-2012, 14:01

Wow, I found a beautiful video on youtube with people diving in that cave. Sweet. That doesn't look too difficult to get there.
Thanks
I'll check out those other spots now.
Cheers,
Wayne
Ps. wife got excited when I showed her that video!

osirissail · 05-02-2012, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Soul Wayne

It looks like a few trips would fit the bill. I will have to try to see if she has more interest in the commercialism or the potential of quite naturalism. . . .
Would it be snorkle or scuba that best descibes the Exuma chain?

Remember the Bahamas and B.V.I. are of British heritage so are rather uptight about naturalism. Just be careful. Of course, the French Islands further down island are more liberal about that sort of stuff - especially Orient Bay in St Martin.

The Bahamas - Exumas - offer fabulous snorkeling especially in the Exumas National Park. But for the best snorkeling and scuba I would suggest the Jumentos (Ragged Islands) and the Far Islands from Long Island to Mayaguana. There are a lot less people down that way so the reefs and walls are quite spectacular.

Old Soul Wayne · 05-02-2012, 19:59

Hi Osiris,
Just curious about the Brits being uptight about naturalism. Does that mean they get offended at you being there snorkling or walking in their parks.
Or is it they have many rules regarding protecting their area?
No I am not playing any political game, I just don't want to go anywhere that's too complicated.

Well, I am hoping one day to get to the Golapogos or how ever it's spelled.

osirissail · 06-02-2012, 06:29

The phrase "Victorian" era sums it up. - "The period is beloved for its attention to high morals, modesty and proper decorum, as inspired by the Queen and her husband, Prince Albert."
Eras of Elegance - The Victorian Era (1837-1901)

Which boils down to you can arrested - maybe - or worse, evicted from the country - that is, they keep your $300 to get in and kick you out. So the byword is ultimate discretion. If there are any people, population, settlements, etc. around you need to observe their customs.

This also applies to any interactions with the officials when you check into the country - swimsuits, cut-offs and t-shorts are going to offend the official whereas trousers, proper Bermuda shorts, dresses, shirts, blouses, etc., will go a long way to making the official feel that you "respect" him and his country and he will most likely be more efficient and courteous in his work.

One of the reasons we like the Bahamas "Out-Islands" - the Jumentos, and islands east of Long Island is that they are far away and deserted. If there is nobody around to get "offended," you can pretty much do as you wish. However, you can find some - not many left - deserted islands in the Exumas chain, but there are lots of other cruisers, local fishermen and others "zipping" around back and forth so being alone is more difficult.

Cruising Couple · 06-02-2012, 07:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by osirissail

Remember the Bahamas and B.V.I. are of British heritage so are rather uptight about naturalism. Just be careful. Of course, the French Islands further down island are more liberal about that sort of stuff - especially Orient Bay in St Martin.

The Bahamas - Exumas - offer fabulous snorkeling especially in the Exumas National Park. But for the best snorkeling and scuba I would suggest the Jumentos (Ragged Islands) and the Far Islands from Long Island to Mayaguana. There are a lot less people down that way so the reefs and walls are quite spectacular.

Hi Wayne: How about if a "wife" weighs-in here? Osirissail makes a very good point about choosing the right location for the "feel" and environment you will enjoy most. All three are great choices for easy sailing/cruising; however they do offer a different feel. One poster implied that the Bahamas is not the place for finer dining .... I would agree with that.

These are rhetorical questions, so ask yourself what your wife is like, how she was raised, what is life like at home, and what type of environment she is comfortable in. This applies to you as well. Having said that, it is my experience that everyone likes to relax and "let their hair down" a bit on vacation. But, no one likes to go to a place where they feel uncomfortable. Some people can fit in with the "prince or the pauper" -- others, not so much.

My assessment:

In the BVI they are VERY polite, but they do stand on tradition and etiquette, if you will. Overall, I find the locals to be happy and kind people. It is not stuffy at all, but when dealing with officials or doing business you do need to conduct yourself appropriately. (But, Shouldn't this go without saying for anywhere in the world?!). Some great restaurants, but follow the dress code to be comfortable.

The French Islands: They are "French" -- enough said. MUCH more relaxed about, how shall I say, covering the body. Some things are high end, including the shopping, but there is a relaxed feel. Very good food and cafes. Think jeux de vie.

The Bahamas are lovely and IMO they are the most relaxed of all -- total island feel, island time, island life. Flip flops and swimsuits.

There is a great time to be had at anyone of these locations!

Finally:

1. Cancellation insurance: Yes!

2. Captain: It sounds like you have some sailing skills and they do bareboat charters all the time to VERY basic sailors. You will get a tutorial. If YOU feel safe, she will feel safe -- NO CAPTAIN OR CREW. Just the two of you and I think you will both have a better time, because no matter where you choose to go ... "what happens on the boat, stays on the boat."

I suspect, your wife will be more relaxed and will "let her hair down" more without others onboard. This will make for better memories and will make her want to sail/cruise more.

3. Stock your CAT with easy food for light meals that are quick to prepare and romantic to share (Good bread, croissants, cheese, wine, fruit, and chocolate). Make nice meals onboard too: Grilled seafood/meat, grilled vegetables, and a green salad. You get the point and don't forget candles (in glass) or a lantern.

4. Take her swimsuit shopping and make sure she buys a new swimsuit for the trip -- one she feels sexy in.

Great memories make you count the days until you go back again!

I hope you have the time of your life.

Darby

osirissail · 06-02-2012, 08:28

+10 to Cruising Couple - IF you do this right the first time - you will have to suffer with your wife's constant questioning - "When can we go again?. . . where can we go next?"

Cruising Couple · 06-02-2012, 08:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by osirissail

+10 to Cruising Couple - IF you do this right the first time - you will have to suffer with your wife's constant questioning - "When can we go again?. . . where can we go next?"

Suffer? LOL

Darby

Cheechako · 06-02-2012, 10:28

I snorkeled in the Bahamas almost daily, spearfished most of the time. No one ever asked anything at all. Got 16 conch one day right off Volleyball Beach in Georgetown. That was 10 years ago though.
I think you will have more trouble with Bahaman's (sp?) NOT CARING that you are there, then caring that you are...
Went in a Hardware store there once in Georgetown, they had like 10 simple brass latches that sell for about $5 in the states. They were dusty and had been there for a while and they wanted like $10 for them. I said, "why dont you lower the price a bit and I'll buy a couple", they said "if they sell... I'd have to order more"!

Old Soul Wayne · 06-02-2012, 15:45

Thanks Darby,

You really put the effort in on that one. I can see now, that I had better not wing it on the grocery list either. I had better make a proper list prior to arrival. I ( we )can also hang with the prince or the pauper prefering
both sorts of company pending situation.

Ps. I'll have to create a copy of these comments so I can put them in a journal for future reference aswell.
Cheers.