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A rocky plateau beneath the Bahamas creates endless pleasures for visitors to this popular utopia. Shallows of bonefish swim next to record-breaking ocean catches. Coral reefs invite snorkeling beside deep-sea diving. Endless white — and some pink — sand beaches line more than 700 tropical islands. Add one of the world’s largest blue holes, swimming pigs and fabulous resorts tucked into the stunning landscape.
The indigenous Lucayans, as well as loyalists to the Crown and notorious illegal traders came to these islands, but tourism has made them the luxurious getaways of today. Plunge into island culture, eat exquisite Bahamian dishes, sink into spas and villas with sweeping water views, and berth at top-notch marinas. Here are some of the best resorts for boaters.
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
Mariners rave about the second-to- none attention given at this family-run resort and marina. Modern yet boutique-like waterfront suites and garden-view rooms anchor you in the heart of the Marsh Harbour. The Snappas Bar & Grill features Bahamian and Western dishes, weekend brunches, music, fiesta nights and happy hour. Knowing a good watch will be kept on your vessel and you can take ferry service to Hope Town, Great Guana Cay, and beyond make this a perfect home base.
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Great Abaco Island
Service and hospitality are hallmarks of this time-tested resort. First opened in Marsh Harbour 70 years ago, it has been refurbished into a 96-room resort and 200-slip marina. Guests have everything at their fingertips, including two restaurants with terrace activities, a swim-up bar, entertainment, a pool table, games and karaoke nights. A helipad, fishing tournaments, dock-and- stay rates, and more round out the iconic destination. The premiere escape is a three-bedroom deluxe penthouse. The marina takes yachts up to 200 feet.
Abaco
Twelve acres on Green Turtle Cay spread from the White Sound to the Sea of Abaco at this quintessential Bahamas retreat. Lay back and enjoy a private white-sand beach, kayak rentals, or swimming with turtles, stingrays, and sharks. Two casual dining choices are Tranquil Turtle Beach Bar on the Sea of Abaco and The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant on the harbor. Stay aboard at the 40-slip marina, reserve a luxury suite or rent a private cottage filled with island ambiance.
Abaco
Burgees flags from around the world cover the walls of this resort’s centrally located Green Turtle Club, while signed dollars blanket the Dollar Bar (a tradition born from WWII pilots leaving money to buy future visiting friends a drink). There are rooms in the club, and villas hovering over the harbor, popular with boaters due to their small boat dockage. Enjoy a $300 dock-and-stay credit and rent a golf cart to visit the nearby loyalist settlement of New Plymouth. The marina has 40 slips for boats up to 130 feet.
Chub Cay, Berry Islands
The western point of Chub Cay is flanked by both shallows and deep sea. Snorkel, cast into schools of bonefish, or enjoy a 2.5-hour sandbar; alternatively, scuba dive or fish in deep waters, or visit a blue hole. Accommodations surround the 109-slip marina (for yachts up to 160 feet). The new clubhouse has suites overlooking the marina or ocean. Eight cabanas front the beach, and 18 spectacular villas serve as vacation homes. A spa, vegetable garden and the Nauti Rooster Bar & Grille grace the expansive property.
Grand Bahama
This hideaway on Grand Bahama Island’s West End is just 56 miles from Palm Beach. The night-navigable port of entry leads to 63-slips with 8-foot depths. Boating groups get special rates, the option of beach cookouts and more. Book luxury suites with soaking tubs and, of course, ocean views. The resort has sports courts, bicycles, a pool, private island picnics, and easy access to golf courses and the city of Freeport 30 miles to the Southeast. Rental cars are available.
Kamalame Cay
Next to the third largest barrier reef in the world, Kamalame Cay is secluded on a three-mile-long, private island. You can’t turn away from turquoise waters in its 22 rooms, suites, cottages and bungalows. The wonders include a spa overhanging the water, Great House dining inside or on the sand- floor terrace, an outdoor kitchen at the poolside Tiki Bar & Beach Club, and two special occasion venues. Meals are made with fresh ingredients from a neighboring farm. The marina hosts vessels up to 65 feet.
Paradise Island
Versailles-inspired gardens make this Four Seasons resort a fantasy getaway. Its 107, Balinese-style rooms and suites are close to Nassau, yet a world away. Enjoy a five-mile white- sand beach, an 18-hole golf course, six tennis courts, a martini bar and lounge, and more. The Private Retreats Collection offers villas with infinity pools, private beaches, chefs and personal attendants. Or simply arrange a private dinner for two in the gardens or on the beach.
Nassau
Rooms and suites here look out over bustling Nassau, the ocean or the gardens. Henry Flagler built the resort in 1901, which was the start of a fascinating history. Most recently, Hilton stepped in and rejuvenated the entire facility. There are two oceanfront pools, a martini bar with jazz, a classic Italian restaurant, a noodle and sushi bar, a beachfront bar and grill, an outdoor evening cigar bar, a rooftop club for social events, and a marketplace with breakfast stations. As if that’s not enough, all of Nassau is just outside your door.
Paradise Island
Part of the renowned Atlantis resort, The Cove has 600 suites featuring balconies and floor-to-ceiling window views. Geared toward an adult oriented vacation, you find 20 private cabanas at the adult-only pool and beach club, two secluded beaches, gaming and outdoor dining. A concierge-level club on the 22nd floor is included with certain suites. With 40 restaurants, bars and lounges, including three Michelin- starred chefs, the 63-slip Atlantis Marina (for yachts up to 250 feet), and just about anything else you might desire, you could opt to never step foot off the grounds.
Harbour Island
Authenticity and pink sand define Valentines Resort. A local, laid-back feel comes from history-inspired architecture and its location in the heart of colonial Dunmore Town. Balconies, covered patios and sunken tubs enhance the villas and suites. Suit up at the dive center, enjoy world class fishing and eat classic local dishes at The Boathouse. Or dine casually at The Rooster Tail Bar & Grill or Cocoa Coffee House. Yachts up to 200 feet can dock at the state-of-the-art marina.
Cape Eleuthera
Set amidst 4,500 acres of Bahamas beauty, the options for exploration here are endless. Paddle, bike, dive below the waterline, stroll pop-up sandbars or swim at one of three private beaches. There are suites on Sunset Beach, bungalows on the Atlantic, villas at the marina, and cottages on the channel. Or stay aboard at the 47-slip marina for yachts up to 200 feet. The beloved on-site restaurant, Harbour Pointe, will serve you their catch of the day or cook yours.
Staniel Cay, Exuma
Boaters return here time and time again. Nearby, you find Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, known for excellent snorkeling and diving, and Big Major Cay, the original spot of swimming pigs. A renovated 18-slip marina welcomes yachts up to 210 feet and offers 21 mooring balls for daily/nightly rental. Elegant suites, villas and charming waterfront bungalows are amenity rich. An all-inclusive package includes a 17-foot skiff with fuel. There’s a waterfront restaurant, captain’s lounge, deck and bar dining, and much, much more.
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