Welcome aboard Honu, your gateway to a realm untouched by the usual tourist travels!
Anchored in the heart of the Bahamas, Honu sets sail from the centrally located community of Georgetown Exuma, a cruising haven where crystal-clear waters meet pristine white shores. Arriving directly from the mainland, you avoid the bustling interruptions and delay of Nassau. We will then carve a unique path through the unspoiled wonders of the Exumas, Conception Island, and Rum Cay. These breathtaking locales are our canvas, allowing adventure-seekers to explore secluded coves, extensive coral reefs, and untouched vistas. Join us on a journey off the beaten path, where discovery and serenity harmonize amidst the untouched tropical beauty of the Bahamian archipelago.
BAHAMAS:
Planning Your Adventure
Before your trip, we suggest the following to help you familiarize yourself with the Bahamas, our charter, and your upcoming adventure.
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Start planning by researching unique spots YOU want to visit. Honu charters CAN BE entirely customized for you. We will try to help you visit the “off the beaten path” spots. Tell us what you envision for your trip! To start, check out https://www.bahamas.com/
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Part of a great trip is fabulous food! We suggest you begin meal planning to create your ideal daily menu and food/beverage list for your journey. Shopping will be completed and food aboard when you arrive. Food and beverages purchased are the responsibility of the guest party and payment upon arrival appreciated.
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When you think of your trip, what activities do you want to enjoy? Honu can try to accommodate your desires. We offer:
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Snorkeling
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Beachcombing
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Wildlife viewing of animals like wild pigs/iguanas/sharks and more
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Longer distance sailing
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Time ashore exploring towns
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Remote locations
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Caves
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Photoshoots
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Bird-watching
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Check the weather; winter weather systems do pass through the Bahamas, causing cooler, windier weather
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It is suggested that you pack light and use a soft suitcase for ease of storage.
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The winter sun in the Bahamas is capable of creating an uncomfortable sunburn. It is recommended that you bring a reef safe sunscreen and if possible UV protective clothing for your protection and comfort. The cockpit awning and pilothouse can provide protection for the sun and elements.
Adventure Suggestions:
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Cruise to the northern Exumas to explore caves such as the Thunderball Grotto full of tropical fish at Staniel Cay, used in the filming of the James Bond movie Thunderball, and Sunda Cave, which has stalactites hanging from its ceiling. See iguanas that are found only in the Bahamas, mingle with the pigs on “Pig Beach”, swim with nurse sharks, snorkel on an airplane that didn’t make it to the runway while attempting to land full of cocaine on a private island once owned by Carlos Leder.
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Cruise the lower Exumas, which are less traveled, explore pristine beaches looking for shells and treasure washed up from the sea, visit the secluded Brigantine Cays surrounded by shallow flats and snorkel the deep channels that separate them, snorkel on the underwater artwork of Jason DeCires Taylor, located near Musha Cay which is owned by famed illusionist David Copperfield.
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Cruise to less-traveled locations and relax in the splendor of unspoiled beauty. Uninhabited Conception Island is a Bahamian National Park offering pristine beaches, snorkeling and an inner lagoon which can be explored by dinghy. Watch for rays or young sea turtles that swim about the protected shallows. Rum Cay has a population of 70 Bahamians and no development. Meet the laid back and friendly locals at the only business on the island, Kaye's Sand Bar and Restaurant. Enjoy a tropical rum drink and, if desired, a delicious local style dinner prepared by Kaye and her daughter. On the north shore of Rum Cay, in beautiful Flamingo Bay, is a dry cave with an amazing display of petroglyphs. Carved by the Lucayan inhabitants prior to Columbus' arrival, these petroglyphs are considered the best in all of the Bahamas and a National Treasure.
BAHAMAS Charter pricing
$900 per day for one to two guests
$200 per guest for the 3rd and 4th
WHAT TO EXPECT
Upon arrival for your adventure sailing charter, immerse yourself in a world of boundless possibilities amidst sunny skies and sparkling clear waters.
Begin your journey in Georgetown, where exploration beckons and last-minute shopping can be arranged. Upon boarding the boat, a comprehensive orientation awaits, ensuring you are well acquainted with Honu and its operations. Depending on your arrival time, we might venture to the outer anchorage or set sail for the first captivating cay. As part of the onboard experience, participating in daily activities such as galley duties and boat operations adds a touch of camaraderie and shared responsibilities.
While Honu offers an incredible adventure, it might not be suitable for very young children.
Embrace the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of sailing gaining first hand experience in all aspects of boat operation. Our focus will be on snorkeling experiences rather than scuba diving during this voyage.
Prepare to embark on a journey that promises learning, exploration, and an unforgettable sailing adventure.
points of interest
DAY SAILING
Day Sailing is available for up to 6 passengers.
Leaving Elisabeth Harbor you will experience the splendor and excitement of open water sailing in Exuma Sound passing off shore of the outer islands on your way to Bosie Cay known for its unique sandy beach and two blow holes. Kayak ashore and swim in the natural wave pool, "the jacuzzi", created by the narrow cut in the island which allows ocean swells to pass through. Walk the short distance to the blow holes before heading on to anchor at Rat Cay for lunch and snorkeling. At Rat Cay you can also explore the small beach and remains of a stone wall built by goat herders of yesteryear. Our return will be through the tranquil multihued turquoise shallows between Great Exuma Island and the outer islands. Passing aptly named Square Rock before exiting the shallows at Guana Cay for the final open water passage back to Elizabeth Harbor and the end of a glorious day enjoying the beauty of the Exuma Cays.
Or, if more sailing is your desire, exit Elisabeth Harbor and spend your time sailing in the true ocean conditions of Exuma Sound. Experience what it is like to sail in open water for an extended period of time. Depending on wind conditions, you will be treated to a relaxed sail lounging on deck, sunbathing and socializing, watching for dolphins and turtle, from the bows and tramp Or, if brisker winds, an invigorating time laying on the tramp watching the waves pass by. In either case, toss out a trolling line to see if you can catch a tasty prize from the ocean.
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$800 for the first two guests
$175 per for the 3rd and 4th
$150 per for the 5th and 6th
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7-10 day adventure cruise
Extended adventure cruises are available for up to 4 passengers.
Embark on an off the beaten path Adventure to Conception Island National Park and Rum Cay.
Day 1
Board Honu after your long flight to unwind with a welcome cocktail and safety orientation. We then will move across to Stocking Island and anchor for the night. Go ashore and enjoy a cold beer or tropical drink at the ChatNChill Beach Bar and Grill, walk across Stocking Island to one of the more spectacular beaches in the Bahamas, dive into the turquoise tropical water for a relaxing swim or just chill out on board Honu.
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Day 2
The next morning after breakfast, we set sail for the northern tip of Long Island anchoring in Calabash Bay. Take a relaxing swim, explore the beach or take a dinghy ride around Cape Santa Maria to hike up the 100 foot limestone cliffs to a monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus and the Lucayan natives that greeted him upon his arrival.
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Day 3 & 4
Brace yourself for a captivating 17 mile journey to breathtaking Conception Island, one of Christopher Columbus’ first landfalls. As we glide over the cobalt blue waters, you'll find excellent opportunities for trolling, adding excitement and hopefully dinner to our island-hopping voyage. Arrive midday and anchor in the pristine water of a tranquil bay over a white sandy bottom.The nearly mile long pink sandy beach beckons. Stretch your legs while looking for shells and treasures from the sea.The island is yours to explore. Excellent snorkling will be closeby for everyone. For the more adventuresome, explore outer reef coral heads and marvel in the multicolored tropical fish. Launch the kayaks and explore the creek that runs deep into the center of the island to unlock the secrets of Conception Island National Park. Created in 1964, Conception Island National Park is an important sanctuary for mitigating and nesting seabirds. Also, a nesting/hatching site for green turtles. Ride the rising tide in and the falling tide out. Don your fins and mask to ride the outgoing current for a closeup view of the marine life that calls this home, just don’t bother the turtles. Near the entry to the creek are several ruins to explore dating from the early 1900’s. Little is known about those that lived in this settlement, but it is believed they survived on turtle and bird eggs as there is too little water for farming.We will spend two days exploring and immersing ourselves in nature’s wild splendor creating unforgettable memories.
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Day 5
We sail 25 miles to quaint Rum Cay. Lightly populated, Rum Cay has a small settlement, Port Nelson, on its south side where you can mingle with the friendly inhabitants at a Kay’s Sand Bar, explore the streets of the town and shop at the local craft shops. Or you can snorkel the numerous coral heads that are a short dinghy ride away, saving the land excursion for the next morning.
Day 6
Explore Port Nelson or spend more time in the water before sailing the 35 miles back to Long Island. Trolling the deep cobalt blue sea between Rum Cay and Long Island as we sail hoping to catch a mahi mahi, wahoo or tuna for a fresh fish dinner. This is also your opportunity to have a delicious dinner ashore at there Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort. Relax that night in Calabash Bay taking in the bright stars in the dark sky.
Day 7
After breakfast, we sail the 27 miles back to Great Exuma, stopping along the way at Lazy River Cut for lunch, beach combing and a relaxing swim in the crystal clear turquoise waters. We arrive back at Stocking Island in the afternoon in time for evening cocktails, another walk on the spectacular oceanside beach and your final dinner aboard Honu. You will be transported the following morning to Georgetown for your departure and the end of an adventure cruise to some of the most beautiful, unspoiled islands in the Bahamas.
OR we can travel North in the Exumas. For this cruise, I recommend flying into Georgetown and out of Staniel Cay. This will give you the greatest opportunity to explore all that the Exumas have to offer. On this voyage you will have the opportunity to: swim with wild pigs, snorkel on an amazing underwater piece of art created by Jason DeVaries Taylor, swim with sharks, dive in the James Bond Thunderball Cave, dive on an airplane wreck, explore a cave with stalactites, walk with Iguanas. The choice is yours. I will plan the cruise around your desires.
10-Day Cruise
A ten day cruise offers you the opportunity to explore the same areas as the seven day cruise, but at a more relaxed pace. Spend more time at the prime snorkeling locations, on shore perusing quaint towns, beach combing, mingling with the wild life, exploring caves, sailing or just relaxing. If exploring the Exumas, you will have the time to return to Georgetown for your departure, if you desire.
Custom adventureS
Join Captain Robert on an unforgettable journey through the Bahamas—an adventure tailored to your dreams! From the famous Exumas to the serene shores of Conception Island and the remote charm of Rum Cay. We'll explore as you wish. Witness the wildlife, snorkel sparkling clear turquoise water, or visit popular hangouts. Whether you're a beginner or seeking advanced sailing skills, Captain Robert’s expertise has you covered. Every day is crafted around your interests, promising an immersion into both secluded beauty and lively hotspots. Set sail with us for a personalized exploration of the Bahamas!
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