Bahamas Archives | Page 3 of 4

May 18, 2015June 6, 2019

Thunderball Grotto, Exuma Cays

Just off the coast of Staniel Cay in the beautiful Exuma Cays, lies an underwater cavern paradise called Thunderball Grotto. It acquired its name because it was one of the filming sites for the 1965 James Bond movie “Thunderball”. Thunderball Grotto has since been used in the filming of several other movies such as Never Say Never Again, Splash and Into the Blue.

By boat, Thunderball Grotto is just a couple of minutes from Staniel Cay and we were so excited to get to explore it during our recent stay at Embrace Resort. The island itself is composed of sharp rocks and a few shrubs – not giving away a clue as to the wonderland underneath.

A faded sign on the island indicates the location of the grotto and says
“Welcome to Thunderbird Grotto – No Fishing – Take Only Photos”

During low tide, snorkeler’s can enter the cave through a small opening on the west side of the small island.

Our guide pointed us in the direction of the opening and encouraged us to swim right in.

Not quite sure just what we would be swimming into and hoping that it would be more spacious than the original opening, we ducked down and made our way in.

Sure enough, just a few feet in, it began to open up.

Once inside, we began to get a glimpse of the cavern. The colors of the water and the walls were absolutely amazing and it was soooo much lighter inside than we imagined.

Underwater, rays of sunshine highlighted the beautiful coral.

And sergeant majors were abundant.

But we thought the most amazing feature of Thunderbird Grotto was the grotto’s size and colors once inside. The openings in the ceiling let generous amounts of light in and apparently the adventurous sometimes jump into the cavern through these holes. Yikes.

The current eventually brought us to the other end of the grotto,

Where we swam out through a much larger opening to our waiting boat.

Have you been to Thunderball Grotto? Tell us about it!

Find Thunderball Grotto on our Bahamas Map

You might also be interested in the following posts from this area:

The Swimming Pigs of the Exuma Cays

Swimming With Sharks on Compass Cay

To see more posts on the Bahamas and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

May 13, 2015June 6, 2019

Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar, Home of the Goombay Smash

Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar on Green Turtle Cay in The Abacos has been serving drinks to thirsty customers since the 60’s and we planned to visit during our Abacos sail. After all, Miss Emily is said to be the originator of the drink “Goombay Smash” and although we have enjoyed a Goombay Smash or two in the past, we wanted to try the original – the one who’s recipe has not been shared with anyone outside the family.

Green Turtle Cay is a small island, only 3 miles in length and easy to get around by golf cart. We rented a couple of carts, headed south to the settlement of New Plymouth and found the Blue Bee Bar on Victoria Street.

Our excitement soon turned to disappointment as we realized Miss Emily’s was closed on Sunday and of course it was Sunday… But, thanks to the generosity of Smitty, the son-in-law of Miss Emily, who was relaxing inside the bar on his day off, we were granted access and got to sample the original Goombay Smash while learning a little Blue Bee history.

Business cards from all over the world adorn the walls, and flags and well worn tee shirts hang from the ceiling in the small and colorful establishment which now also serves dinner from 5 – 9:30 everyday except Sunday. We hear they serve an excellent broiled grouper and a Goombay Grouper…

The Goombay Smash is poured from a gallon jug so there was no way to catch a glimpse of the ingredients and although we pried, Smitty wouldn’t divulge any secrets saying that his wife Violet (Miss Emily’s daughter) was in charge of mixing the sweet concoction.

He graciously poured us each a Goombay Smash at the bar with a picture of the lovely Miss Emily (who passed away in 1977) smiling down at us.

We ordered a second round, chatted with the affable man also known as Sergeant Smith of the Bahamas Police Force, then departed with a jug of Miss Emily’s Goombay Smash to enjoy later on the boat.

Although you can find the Goombay Smash in many bars in the Bahamas, if you want to try the authentic and original recipe, you’ll have to make your way to Green Turtle Cay and the Blue Bee for a cold Goombay Smash, a pleasant afternoon and some good conversation.

Be sure to take away a jug for later…

For one version of the Goombay Smash (not the original!), check out the recipe here:
Goombay Smash

Have you enjoyed a Goombay Smash at Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar? Tell us about it!

Find Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar on our Bahamas Map

To see more posts on the Bahamas and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

May 7, 2015June 6, 2019

Swimming With Sharks on Compass Cay

So, I know sharks play an important part in the oceans ecosystem, but I just am not a fan. Sorry sharks. Nothing personal, it’s just those teeth…

When we were offered a stop at Compass Cay to swim with the sharks during an excursion generously provided by Embrace Resort on Staniel Cay, I thought fine. I’ll just take photos of the experience while John happily interacts with them in the water. Photos, from the dock – or as far away as I needed to be out of tooth range. But then I did a little research on the type of shark that hangs out at Compass Cay. The Compass Cay sharks are nurse sharks and according to National Geographic, adults are commonly about 7.5-9.75 ft long (although they can get as big as 14 ft.) and weigh 200-330 lbs. NG goes on to say, “Nurse sharks are for the most part harmless to humans.” Apparently they just don’t like to be provoked…(please tell me what ticks off nurse sharks!)

Upon our arrival at the Compass Cay Marina, we quickly became aware of the sharks presence. There were several people already in the water with (gasp) sharks swimming all around them. No one was panicking and there were even smiles.

Some were petting the sharks…

I found myself getting more and more intrigued.

Tucker, the man who owns Compass Cay Marina relayed the story of the sharks. When he first opened Compass Cay Marina, he brought in several nurse sharks. Over the years, the sharks had little sharks, have become accustomed to human
interaction and are now considered “pets”. There is a continual and abundant supply of fish scraps for the sharks as fish are cleaned at the end of one of the docks. At feeding time, a small hatchet is whacked on the cleaning board and the sharks come swimming in.

Hmmm. To make a long story short, I not only got in, but I snorkeled with them, pet them and enjoyed every minute. We enjoyed it so much, that we rented a boat from Staniel Cay Rentals and came back several days later to do it again at high tide when they just float right up next to you on the dock.

When we got back to our hotel, we looked through the pictures we got underwater while swimming.
Even more impressed that I got in.

So, do I have a greater appreciation for sharks? Well, let’s just say I really did enjoy this adventure and would do it again. With nurse sharks. On Compass Cay. In a heartbeat.

Have you gone swimming with the sharks on Compass Cay? If not, would you? Tell us about it!

Find Compass Cay Marina on our Bahamas Map

You might also enjoy:
The Swimming Pigs of the Exuma Cays

To see more posts on the Bahamas and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

May 3, 2015August 5, 2019

Sugar Shack, Hope Town, Abacos

Looking for “sweet treats and eats” while strolling around Hope Town on Elbow Cay?

You might want to make a stop at the Sugar Shack located on the 2nd floor of a very brightly colored building in the middle of Hope Town.

We’d become aware of the Sugar Shack while researching things to see and do in Hope Town and were drawn to the Sugar Shack’s colorful and delicious looking posts on Facebook and Instagram. The pictures are mouthwatering and can make you hungry even when you’re not.

The shop itself is a treat for the eyes. Filled with cotton candy like colors and fun signs, we felt like kids in a candy shop.

While we didn’t have a chance to sit down and enjoy one of their delicious looking lunch offerings, we did cool off with a cold and creamy bowl of ice cream while sitting on their 2nd floor deck, with a beautiful view of the harbor and the red and white striped Hope Town Lighthouse.

Have you been to the Sugar Shack in Hope Town? Tell us about it!

You might also be interested in our post:
Hope Town Harbour Lodge, Elbow Cay

Find the Sugar Shack on our Bahamas Map

To see more posts on the Bahamas and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

April 15, 2015August 5, 2019

Hope Town Harbour Lodge, Elbow Cay

While exploring the pretty little town of Hope Town on Elbow Cay during our recent sail through the Abacos, we passed a lovely place called the Hope Town Harbour Lodge. Feeling a bit parched, we noticed a sign out front for the Reef Bar & Grill and thought we’d check to see if we could sit down and enjoy a delicious rum drink, or even an ice cold Sands.

Not only did we enjoy a refreshing and tasty rum punch at the Reef Bar & Grill overlooking the beautiful beach out back, but we enjoyed the chill ambiance of Hope Town Harbour Lodge. The grounds were manicured, the pool inviting, the beautiful beach even more inviting, the pretty cottages painted in bright Bahamian colors, and the people – so friendly and welcoming.

If we are lucky enough to return to Elbow Cay someday, the Hope Town Harbour Lodge is certainly the type of place we’d love to stay.

Have you been to Hope Town Harbour Lodge? Tell us about it!

Find Hope Town Harbour Lodge on our Bahamas Map

To see more island posts, check out our Island Blog Directory

copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

April 14, 2015May 29, 2019

A Fascination With Sandbars

I admit it. I’m fascinated with sandbars. I already have an affinity for gorgeous beaches, but sandbars; the ones with glistening white sand surrounded by shallow, clear, blue, blue water…ahhh…

I know, I know, they are simply areas of sand slightly higher than the shallow water around it and many just appear during low tide – for heavens sake they’re not even big enough to be called an island or cay, but something about them makes me want to go running, splashing and exploring. Or, to bring out a comfortable chair and veg among the sand and shallow sea. Or to have a picnic. Or to have a few rum drinks. I’m flexible.

Anyway, the prettiest sandbars we’ve had the chance to enjoy so far are the ones we’ve run across in the Bahamas (like the one pictured in The Abacos) and in Turks and Caicos – but we have many areas still to explore…

So tell us. Have you explored any particularly beautiful sandbars? Let us know where to find them!

Sandbar at low tide just off of Leeward Beach in Treasure Cay, Abaco

Find the Leeward Beach sandbar on our Bahamas Map

To see more island posts, check out our Island Blog Directory

copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

March 30, 2015June 6, 2019

Next Stop: Exuma Cays

Consisting of over 360 islands, or cays – many uninhabited, The Exuma chain spreads out over 130 miles of sparkling azure water just south of Nassau.

Although we’ve flown over the Out Islands of The Bahamas before and marveled at the brilliant blue water and unbelievably white sand beaches, we’ve never had the chance to visit The Exumas before now. We’ll be spending a few days soon in the Exuma Cays – the land of swimming pigs and beautiful shallow water dotted with cays and sandbars that go on for miles, a bar that Jimmy Buffet calls one of the 10 best bars in the Caribbean, sharks that let you pet them and endless picture taking opportunities.

So tell us. Have you vacationed in The Exumas? What were some of the highlights of your time there?

To see more island posts, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

March 28, 2015May 29, 2019

Sunday Serenity: Morning in Green Turtle Cay

Recently we spent a week sailing the out islands of The Abacos, Bahamas. Well, actually it was more motoring than sailing as during our visit, the Sea of Abaco happened to be unusually calm.

One of the cays we were able to explore was Green Turtle Cay. About mid-way down the chain of cays that fringe the larger island of Abaco, Green Turtle Cay measures about 3 miles long and 1/2 mile wide. Exploring Green Turtle Cay is done easily by golf cart or bike.

During our sail, we’d awake each morning and snap a quick picture of the scenery through our porthole. The morning we awoke on Green Turtle Cay, the morning “porthole pic” was well, amazing! The water was so still that it created a perfect reflection of the colorful morning sky.

We’ll be writing more soon about our explorations on Green Turtle, but for now we’ll leave you with the Green Turtle Cay Morning Porthole Pic…

Have you explored Green Turtle Cay? Tell us about it!

Find Green Turtle Cay on our Bahamas Map

To see more island posts, check out our Island Blog Directory

March 15, 2015April 19, 2021

A Day of Fun in the Sun with Bahama Boat Excursions

Imagine being picked up at the dock next to your hotel and whisked away over the crystal clear water of the Bahamas where you spend the day snorkeling over gorgeous reefs, zipping along on a tube in the warm water, walking in the sugar soft white sand on a deserted beach and being treated to some delicious fresh conch salad and rum punch.

Before leaving last month on our much anticipated trip to the Bahamas, we received an email from Team BBE that said “Will you be traveling to Nassau for the RumBahamas Festival? If so, would you be interested in meeting up for an afternoon of fun in the sun on an excursion to our private beach on Rose Island?” We quickly googled Bahama Boat Excursions and emailed back YES!

(Note – this excursion is no longer available)

copyright Rum Therapy — Capt. Aztec King and Chris Vykouthlas, owners of Bahama Boat Excursions

Bahamas Boat Excursions is the brainchild of long time friends Chris Vykouthlas and Capt. Aztec King who are incredibly lucky to have turned what most people dream of experiencing on vacation into a way of life, and gives them the opportunity to share their love of their islands. They, along with Creative Director, Casey Wray, make up Team BBE.

The day of our excursion, we were picked up at the dock of our hotel by Chris and Capt. Aztec and were immediately struck by their friendliness and excellent customer service. They went out of their way to make sure we had an experience like no other.

Our day began with an exhilarating ride out to private Rose Island on Mary Jane, one of 3 (soon to be 4) boats in their fleet. What did our afternoon of fun in the sun with Bahama Boat Excursions include?

Plenty of warm Bahamian sunshine while skimming over the incredibly clear blue water.

Great snorkeling

Stingray sightings

Swimming with the turtles

A thrilling ride on the tube!

Time to ourselves on a beautiful, private, pristine beach

Amazingly crystal clear water

A quiet beach oasis with chairs and umbrellas for total relaxation…

Rum punch and a delicious conch salad

Plenty of time to walk the white sand beach

And a stop on the way home at Sandy Cay to have our picture taken in front of the island used in the opening credits of Gilligan’s Island.

That, and more, made for a excellent day of fun in the sun. Water-logged and sun-kissed from our day of exploring the waters and beaches around Nassau, we headed back totally relaxed and full of new memories from our time with Team BBE. To say we had a blast is an understatement. It was truly one of the best days we’ve had on (and in!) the water.

If you are planning to travel to Nassau and would like more information on Bahama Boat Excursions, email Team BBE at [email protected], check out their website and follow them on Facebook. Voted a top activity in the Bahamas by travelers on Trip Advisor, they tend to book up quickly, so be sure to plan ahead!

Team BBE offers a variety of excursions ranging from an afternoon of relaxation on private Rose Island for up to 6 people, watersport excursions, fishing charters and an excursion to the Exuma Cays. They can also arrange to take larger groups of up to 120 passengers for 4, 6 or 8 hour private excursions over to Rose Island where they offer groups a live grilling station with a professional chef, full bar, music, water sports, kayaks, snorkeling, hammocks, volleyball… and more! Their services can be fully customized to fit the wants and wishes of their visitors from corporate groups, field trips, wedding parties, bachelor or bachelorette parties, family reunions, you name it – they look forward to exceeding your expectations!

To see more posts on the Bahamas and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC. All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

March 10, 2015May 29, 2019

Grabbers, Great Guana Cay

We wandered down the road from Nippers to check out Grabbers. Where the heck were we, you say? Great Guana Cay, The Abacos – a long skinny cay just a bit east of Great Abaco.

Our stop at Great Guana Cay on our recent sail through the Abaco Islands was highly anticipated. A gorgeous, small cay in the Bahamas with at least 2 well known beach bars. As I said in the Nippers Beach Bar & Grill post, that’s got Rum Therapy written all over it.

We entered the manicured grounds of Grabbers late afternoon. Our plan was to enjoy dinner there (and sample their signature rum drink, a Gauna Grabber) before heading back to the boat. Little did we know, we’d be treated to an over-the-top gorgeous sunset.

Grabbers, aka Grabbers Bed, Bar & Grill, also offers a variety of rooms to rent and would be a great place to stay to really unplug.

We ordered a Guana Grabber and some conch fritters while waiting for our dinner (a delicious thin crust pizza), then played a little cornhole and walked the beach as the sun began to set.

Maybe it was the Guana Grabber(s), or the fresh sea air, but the sunset at Grabbers struck us as one of the most colorful we’ve seen.

A beautiful sunset, delicious food and drink, very friendly service and a few friends to share it all with.
Ahhh…great night, great memories.

Have you been to Grabbers? Tell us about it!

Want to find out more about Grabbers? Check out their website and Facebook page.

Find Grabbers on our The Bahamas Map

To see more posts on the Bahamas and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory