We just returned from a wonderful three week stay, splitting our time between Cat Island and Long Island. My husband and I love to travel and it feels great to be back doing what we love! I can tell that everyone else is feeling the urge to explore new destinations as a lot of people are asking about how we set up these trips. Here are a some basics: Nassau vs. The Out Islands (or Family Islands)Nassau (nas-aw) is the capital city, situated on the island of New Providence. The airport, Lyndon Pindling International Airport (NAS), is large and it's easy to find good fares from nearly anywhere in the United States. Nassau is a busy city and is home to large, well-known resorts. It has a lot of great shopping, wide ranging restaurants and night life options. Several cruise ships will dock here at once, creating a bustling tourist section of town. From my experience, most people think Nassau is synonymous with "The Bahamas," and thank goodness, that's not the case. If you look on a map, The Bahamas is actually a collection of around 700 islands, and cays (pronounced "keys") that number in the thousands. Approximately 30 of these islands are inhabited. Except for the city of Nassau on New Providence and Freeport on Grand Bahama, most of these are quiet islands dotted with small settlements. Think of Michigan's Upper Peninsula (another favorite destination of our's), but with warmer water and no snow. Click HERE for more details. Types of Lodging in The Out IslandsWhile there are a few exceptions, most of The Bahamas Out Islands don't host large all-inclusive resorts that are common in other parts of the Caribbean. What you will find generally fall into three categories: 1. Small Scale Traditional Resorts: Many of these are family owned and are comprised of a collection of small villas, and/or an old-style motel setup with rows of rooms that have doors opening out onto a common area. Many have an honor bar and a restaurant on site. Often, the restaurant has a meal plan offered for customers who are staying, and is also open to the public. It's best to call ahead, especially on the smaller islands. Price ranges vary as do the accommodations, so it's smart to check reviews on trip advisor and various rental sites. Don't be afraid of a less expensive and more simple resort. If possible, I always try to reserve directly from the owner's website. Ones to check out on Cat Island are Fernandez Bay, Rollezz, Pigeon Cay Beach Club, Shanna's Cove, and Greenwood Beach Resort. On Long Island, check out Chez Pierre (read my review HERE), Cape Santa Maria, and Stella Maris. If you want a similar experience in Nassau, try Orange Hill Beach Inn, or Compass Point Beach Resort. 2. Vacation Rentals: There are all kinds of homes to rent, in all different prices ranges, sizes, and locations. We started renting homes years ago when traveling with our kids because it was overall less expensive and more comfortable. Sites to use in your search are VRBO, AirBnB, and TripAdviser. Even for a vacation rental, I always do a search to check if the owner has their own website because rates might be cheaper. 3. Hotels: A traditional hotel in the Out Islands is not as common but do exist. In circumstances where you need to find just one night, searching for a local hotel might be your only option as most vacation rentals have minimum stays. Because most hotels will be locally owned, and typically used by locals, you may have to do a little more searching to find them and you may have to make a phone call as opposed to reserving online. Search the forums on Trip Advisor if you need advice. Getting ThereIf your destination happens to be Eleuthera or Exuma, you. might be able to fly direct from the United States. For any of the other Out Islands, you will need to fly into Nassau and then take a private or commercial flight to the island of your choice. Another option to get to an Out Island is to fly into Ft. Lauderdale and then take a private charter from the executive airport. Domestic Commercial Airlines: Generally, seats are $150 - $220 round trip from Nassau Southern Air Charter BahamasAir Western Air (currently the only commercial flights into Cat Island, and only on MWF.) Pineapple Air Private Pilots: If you have dates that don't coordinate with limited commercial flights, or if you have 4 or 5 people traveling, this might be your best option. By the way, this is simply a list I've collected during our most recent trip. Please contact each for prices and available airports. Marlin Air Charter: [email protected] BAM Air Charter: [email protected] Blessings Aviation Charter www.blessingsaviation.com (242) 359-1200 Island Wings: https://islandwingscharter.com Maker's Air: https://makersair.com Notes:
FoodFood is expensive on islands and The Bahamas are no exception. It does help to stay in a vacation rental where you can make your own food. Except in more established tourist locations like Eleuthera, grocery stores will feel small and limited compared to what we're used to in the U.S. Keep an eye open for farmer's markets, roadside stands, and even a table by the road with local veggies for sale. In any local market, you will see giant white chest freezers. Look in those for all kinds of frozen food choices, including pizzas, vegetables, locally caught fish and meats. If you drive by a dock in any settlement and see people cleaning and/or selling fish, stop and buy some. Check this post about a wonderful market in Orange Creek, Cat Island. Reading forums on Trip Advisor, you will notice regular questions about bringing your own groceries. You are allowed to bring frozen meat, as long as it is in its original factory sealed packaging. I have to be honest that it seems cumbersome to bring your own meat. I promise that local businesses need your patronage. If local residents can afford to pay those prices for food, all of us visitors on vacation can, too. If you have very special coffee or need particular snack items, those would be wise to pack. My motto has always been "you won't find everything you want, but will find everything you need." One spring break trip a couple of years ago, we couldn't find any potato chips for sale and it was the first vacation where we lost weight. Our habit is to eat one meal out approximately every other day. Typically, we eat a late lunch out and expect to spend around $25 each for a sandwich and a Kalik. Keep in mind, the sandwich is usually fresh, locally caught grouper or snapper or freshly made conch salad. In every case, the food is made fresh, while you wait. There is no Gordon's Food truck delivering goods on the islands! Good news! Rum is cheap. :)
BeachesThere is every kind of beach for every kind of person. If it's windy and rough on one side of the island, drive to the other side. If you want to snorkel from shore, walk pink or powdery white sand, jump from cliffs, go shelling, or just sit and watch water, you will find the beach of your dreams. More impressive is that you will likely be one of the few people there. Note: You will need to rent a car on nearly any Out Island. If you choose to stay at a resort, even renting a car for a day or two will let you explore amazing beaches all to yourself.
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AuthorI'm a mom to two, wife to one, and a math teacher to many. We live on Michigan's West Coast, in the beautiful town of Holland. We love the people, natural beauty, and peaceful vibe of the Bahamas Out Islands. Archives
December 2021
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