Spring Break in the Bahamas
Travel Experience: Chartering a Yacht or Sailboat
I had never chartered a boat before for our family vacation, and it totally exceeded our expectations. We had a captain, cook and a crew, and the trip was incredibly relaxing because they took care of everything.
Most charter boats sleep 10-12 people, so we chartered with another family to split the cost. It's pricey for a single family, but makes more sense for an extended family, two families or a group of friends. It is great way to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary.
Most charters take place in a location where there are things to see and explore, but I hadn't appreciated how much there is to do on board as well. Whenever we anchored, the crew set up the boat "toys" - slide, inflatable jungle gym, paddle boards, jet skis, etc. so the kids (and adults) could enjoy the water wherever we were.
In addition to the toys, many charters have a boat that can be used for fishing, water skiing and wake boarding.
Destination: The Exumas, Bahamas
When the boat captain suggested the Bahamas as a destination for the week, I really questioned his recommendation. My only memory of the Bahamas (other than Harbour Island) was a college booze cruise from Florida - what could I possibly want to see there? The captain definitely proved me wrong!
The Bahamas is a prime location for a boat charter because the sea is very calm and the distances are short between the islands. The natural beauty is breathtaking; I have never seen water that clear and that many shades of green and light blue.
We typically did an activity each morning and afternoon. These included swimming with wild pigs, feeding iguanas, exploring deserted islands and sand bars, snorkeling in grottos (where they filmed part of the James Bond movie Thunderball), swimming with nurse sharks, sport fishing (marlin if you get lucky), kayaking through mangroves and the list goes on. I have a whole new appreciation for the Bahamas!