CRUISING ITINERARY > THE BAHAMAS
THE BERRY ISLANDS, BAHAMAS
BY ELLEN HONEY
Stirrup Cay, Coco Cay
Two full-service marinas well suited for cruisers, Great Harbour Cay Marina in the north and Chub Cay Marina in the south, serve as ports of entry and fuel stations. Between and around the two are inviting cays surrounded by ever-changing, intense shades of blue water. Leg 1: Great Harbour Cay Estimated Mileage: 104 NM Most of the archipelago’s 700 inhabitants live and work on Great Harbour Cay, the largest in the chain at 7 miles long and 2.5 miles at its widest point.The island features three horseshoe-shaped beaches, several restaurants and a handful of shops.
Most locals reside in Bullock’s Harbour, “The Village,” an assemblage of restau- rants, markets and liquor outlets. Dining throughout the islands is a casual affair where fresh fish, conch and lobster take the spotlight. Cooliemae’s Sunset has great food, good music and sports on TV. It’s known for specialty breads such as cinnamon, potato or raisin, and a dessert called Guava Duff. Bean and dumpling soup with coconut bread on Thursdays is a favorite.The restaurant sits atop a westward facing cliff with spectacular sunsets. The aroma of conch fritters and sizzling burgers leads straight to the blue and yellow local hangout, New Beach Club,
Starting Point: Miami Are you daydreaming about escaping the city and heading to secluded cruising grounds that are peaceful yet vibrant, remote yet accessible? Far away from anywhere but just 120 miles east of Miami, the Berry Islands are an easy trip depending on weather and the tide.This 12 square mile cluster of 30 cays stretching in a thin crescent shape is surrounded by waters so clear you could navigate by sight. Robust groves of coconut, pine and thatch berry trees, acres of sparkling white sand beaches, a few lush golf courses, and enticing Bahamian flavors are scattered throughout the cays. Only seven of the islands are inhabited.
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