“The best thing you can currently do for the Bahamas to simply visit the Bahamas”
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation
Where did Dorian hit?
Hurricane Dorian made landfall across the Bahamas, hitting the northern portion of the region the hardest. Grand Bahama and the Abaco Islands were the worst affected islands. However, many of the islands that make up the 259,000 square kilometers of the Bahamas were not affected.
The Exumas escaped the worst of the storm, reporting only heavy winds and rain in the north of the region with no serious damage to infrastructure. Highbourne Cay, Staniel Cay Yacht Club, and Compass Cay Marina and others remain open for business. The Exumas offers plenty to see and do when exploring the area by yacht, including the famous Pig Beach, the Thunderball Grotto and Pablo Escobar’s Sunken Plane.
Pig Beach
Where?
While there are several islands in the Bahamas with a wild pig population, Exuma is the most well known. The island is located in the southern Bahamas, outside of the reach of Hurricane Dorian. Pig Beach is located on Big Major Cay and allows charter guests to swim with swimming pigs in unrivaled surroundings.
How?
Easily accessible by yacht from Nassau, this unique destination has become one of the most exclusive spots to experience in the Bahamas and is protected from natural storms, offering attractive tranquility throughout the year.
Why?
Rumored to have been left by passing sailors, the pigs are renowned for being approachable to all the visitors to the cay. Graciously accepting carrots and attention, these remarkably singular animals make for a fantastic company and even better photo opportunities.
Thunderball Grotto
Where?
Hidden away in the rocky Staniel Cay, the Thunderball Grotto is an extensive cave system that has been carved away by the ocean waters over the years to form this hidden oasis. Thunderball Grotto over the years, and it even received its name in the 1960s when the James Bond movie, Thunderball, was filmed there and was later returned to for Never Say Never Again.
How?
Part of the Exuma Cays, the Thunderball Grotto is easily accessible by yacht and can be enjoyed as part of an itinerary which includes Pig Beach. Perfect for many group configurations, Thunderball Grotto is an unmissable attraction for anyone taking a Bahamas yacht charter vacation.
Snorkeling paradise!
Accessed by interior entrance points leading off from the beach, the underwater caves surround a hollow center that makes the destination a veritable haven for intrepid divers.
Wildlife
Populated by exotic fish, the wide tunnels are illuminated by the rays of sunlight reflecting around the center, making a diving excursion here an experience that’s as colourful as it is unique. James Bond fans and non-fans alike, be sure to visit this fantastic destination.
Pablo Escobar’s Plane
Where?
Norman’s Cay is relatively inaccessible without a yacht, nestled about as far away from anything significant as you can get. Just offshore, however, you will come across a sunken WWII-era military transport plane that was once flipped to fuel Pablo Escobar’s expanding cocaine trade to the USA. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the passengers even managed to rescue their cargo before the plane came to its final resting place on a sandbar.
Wildlife
Quite unlike any other wreck dive, the former smuggler’s plane provides an intimate glimpse into a criminal underworld. Now populated by various species of fish and coral, exploring the compartments of the submerged plane makes for a truly kaleidoscopic experience. Ideal for beginners and more experienced snorkelers, the plane is only ten feet below the waterline. The warm and bright water is perfect for swimming in, and the nearby beach is perfect place to dry off.
Get in touch with one of our expert brokers today for your unparalleled charter around the stunning Exumas!