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The Bahamas (Grande Mariner)

The Bahamas (Grande Mariner)

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Description

Our guests appreciate the casual atmosphere, absence of crowds and ability to access unique ports. Local historians, culinary experts, and naturalists join us on select trips to provide entertainment and information about the region. With no more than 84 guests, these sessions are intimate and educational. A casual onboard experience becomes a hassle-free one in port without crowds. Move freely, and without much of a footprint, onto the streets, beaches and inlets.

Trip Name
The Bahamas (Grande Mariner)
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Cruise Length: 56m Passenger Capacity: 88 Built/ Refurbished : 1998 / 2010 She was refurbished in 2010, with totally new cabin configurations including new décor, new bathrooms, new furniture in the cabins, a renovated lounge, new décor, and brand new furniture. So if you want to take in a few rays on the sun deck, relax and enjoy the vista-view lounge, or just have a few quiet moments in your cabin as the sea drifts past your open picture window, the Grande Mariner is ready.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Nassau
Arrive today in Nassau, a vibrant center of commerce and culture that still retains a laidback island vibe. With a unique blend of European and West African culture and a long history as one of the main commercial hubs of the Caribbean for merchants and pirates alike, Nassau combines the conveniences of modernity with pristine sandy beaches, sparkling turquoise waters and diverse and vibrant flora and fauna.
Day 2 - Day 2 Spanish Wells
Depart from Nassau and ride the slack tide into Sleepy Spanish Wells, one of the hidden gems of the Bahamas. Located on St. Georges Cay, off the northern tip of Eleuthera island, Spanish Wells is so named because it was once the last stop for Spanish naval ships to refill their water supplies before crossing the Atlantic. Dock alongside sailing yachts and local lobster boats, and keep an eye out for massive eight foot Tarpon swimming in the crystal clear water. Walk across town to discover a gorgeous white sand beach with warm, protected shallows that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or just relaxing with your favorite book.
Day 3 - Day 3 Harbour Island
Spend a full day exploring Spanish Wells and neighboring Russell Island, connected to Spanish Wells by a small bridge. Take a short ferry ride for an optional tour of neighboring Harbour Island, long famed for its pink and beaches and pineapple fields that some say produce the sweetest pineapples in the world. Alternatively, rent a golf cart to explore St. Georges Cay at your own leisure, or walk to Buddha’s, a unique bohemian bar that serves as the local watering hole and social gathering place. Since Spanish Wells remains relatively undiscovered, you may well have the entire beach to yourself if you choose to spend the day relaxing and sightseeing along the pristine coastline on the northern and western shores of the island.
Day 4 - Day 4 Exumas
Embark from Spanish Wells early in the morning, taking advantage of the favorable tide to sail through narrow conch cut towards the Exumas. No description could accurately convey the dreamscape that is the Exumas archipelago, renowned the world over for water that is so blue you can see it from space and so clear that you can discern every fish and rock at depths of more than forty feet. Make anchorage at Hawksbill Cay, an uninhabited island featuring trails, beaches and snorkeling areas, and take a kayak ride in the Bahamian sunset before dinner.
Day 5 - Day 5 Galliot Cay
Embark early in the morning and make a brief stop at beautiful Galliot Cay before continuing on to White Point Anchorage. All of these destinations are within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the first park of its kind in the world. Due to the fact that fishing is completely prohibited within the bounds of the park, it is one of the premier snorkeling destinations in the entire world. Kayak and snorkel through water so clear it looks like liquid glass and marvel at the teeming marine life supported by thriving coral heads throughout the park. On land, keep an eye out for iguanas and hutia as you wander the trails and uninhabited beaches.
Day 6 - Day 6 White Point
Depart from White Point Anchorage early in the morning, and be sure to get out on deck for the approach to Compass Cay. One of the most unique yacht destinations in the Bahamas, Compass Cay is known far and wide for its protected harbor and natural “aquarium.” Join the legions of adventurers and celebrities that have fed the marina’s “pet” nurse sharks (they don’t harm humans) and snorkel amongst the docks with a stunning variety of tropical fish. After dinner, enjoy a local beer at the marina or a short stroll across the island to a beautiful beach that stretches down a large swathe of the Island’s eastern coast.
Day 7 - Day 7 Compass Cay
Spend the day at Compass Cay. This is the best destination on the trip to take an optional ride on the glass bottom boat, with the opportunity to see fish, sharks, rays and an incredible array of living coral. Alternatively, kayak or snorkel around the harbor and adjacent inlets, or walk some of the myriad trails. Walk to Rachel’s Bubble Bath, a beautiful lagoon on the northern end of the island where the Atlantic bubbles in and out of the limestone cliffs, or climb the 92 feet of elevation to Compass Peak to take in a spectacular view of the entire Exumas Land and Sea Park.
Day 8 - Day 8 Warderick Wells
Sail out of Compass Cay in the morning and cruise to Warderick Wells, the center of the Exumas Land and Sea Park. Anchor alongside sailboats and small power yachts for the night, and take in the sunset with only the sounds and sights of the ocean around you, far from the bustle of modern civilization.
Day 9 - Day 9 Warderick Wells
Get ferried ashore to explore the trails and beaches of Warderick Wells Cay, and stop by the park headquarters to learn a little bit more about the history and current ecological initiatives of the park, which has been overseen by the Bahamas Land Trust since its founding in 1959. Before you start exploring, examine the whale skeleton that has been preserved on the beach next to the park headquarters. The protected shallows around the Cay also offer phenomenal opportunities for kayaking and snorkeling.
Day 10 - Day 10 Hawksbill Cay
Take a short cruise from Warderick Wells back to Hawksbill Cay, where the Blount Ships’ uniquely designed bow ramp will allow you to make a direct bow landing onto this completely uninhabited island. Walk off of the ship and directly into a Caribbean dream and spend your time exploring, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on your own private island for a day.
Day 11 - Day 11 Shroud Cay
Between Hawksbill Cay and Nassau, make a brief stop at Shroud Cay, just one island north of Hawksbill and one island south of infamous Norman’s Cay. Depart from Shroud Cay and set sail back to the port of Nassau for your final night in paradise. Check out Nassau’s famous straw market, or take a short cab ride to try your luck and mingle with the international crowd at the Atlantis Resort Casino. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner to celebrate the adventure you shared with your fellow passengers and crew.
Day 12 - Day 12 Nassau
This morning you will disembark the vessel in Nassau, with complimentary transfers to the airport. Say goodbye to new friends and your BSSA crew after spending 12 days in paradise.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Ports Visited
    • Nassau, Spanish Wells, Harbour Island, Compass Cay, Galliot Cay, White Point, Warderick Wells, Hawksbill Cay, Shroud Cay

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