What a pleasure to see Moonwave “floating” in the crystal clear water of the Bahamas and to enjoy the warm temperature and nice breeze.
We had a great delivery from St. Martin to the Bahamas. (See Delivery summary) Our first stop in the Bahasmas chain was “Long island” – a convenient stop on the windward side (if the weather is good). The Flying Fish Marina close to Clarence Town, at SE side of the island was so kind to assist us in arranging the visit of the officials for our clearance papers.
Long Island:
Once we were “officially” allowed to go “ashore”, we passed on visiting the island as an other type of “topographic” curiosity was attracting us. By tender (by the way a pretty rough ride), we went to check out Dean’s Blue Hole – a blue hole of more than 600ft in a little creek not far from Moonwave’s anchorage. We were fascinated by the big blue hole and sudden depth (out of nowhere), we snorkeled around the edges and stared in the “dark blue nothing in the center”. We tried not to disturb the free divers, practicing on site. In their silver or golden suits with hoods, huge fins or mono fin, using the “elevator” and fancy breathing and relaxing techniques, most persons on the swimming platform looked very professional and we’re taking the free diving pretty serious, reminding us of the famous French movie “Le grand blue”. I must say, the deep blue hole was pretty impressive – just a pity that there was quiet some garbage swimming around as well. Once back on the boat, we figured out why “Dean’s Blue hole” was kind of familiar to us and we remembered the following YouTube video: Dean’s Blue Hole – check it out.
Exumas Islands:
After the “depth” of the blue hole, we were looking for shallower waters. We used the Little Farmers Cut to join the shallow and crystal clear waters of the “Tongue of the Ocean” and to explore some of the Exumas Islands.
We went to see the “pigs” at Stanley Cay and yes, they are worth the trip. Have a look
yourself. They are just too “cute”.
We also went to explore “Thunderball Grotto” – we found lots of colorful fish and some sharks to one of the side entrance but no sight of Sean Connery alias “James Bond”. There was quiet some current when exploring the cave and some of the side entrances were under water – watch out for the sharp rocks when diving to explore them.
This is already the second time that we are on the “traces” of James Bond. When we were in Thailand, we discovered the almost countless little islands in Phang Nang Bay (with James Bond Island) and the hidden hongs that also part in James Bond movies. (See Phuket & Krabi).
Northern Exumas Cays, we did a great weekend trip from Nassau to Allans Cay. The iguanas were on site as well. We took the tender to a great diving spot with a huge coral garden and some sharks.
Nassau, New Providence Island:
We anchored inside the inner harbor behind the cruise ship docks – amazing how many cruise ships enter on a daily bases. But enjoyed their fireworks in the evening ;-)
Moonwave doesn’t pass under the bridge so to join the marina at the other side of the bridge, we had to make the turn around the north of Paradise Island. We stayed at the marina at the entrance but the quiet rough at the dock when it’s windy and when the tide changes.
More destinations in the Bahamas to follow – with even more pictures.
