Monthly Archives: June 2018

LONG ISLAND, BAHAMAS (May 2018) – by Ryan

From South Side Marina, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, we traveled three days in a row, stopping at Mayaguana Island, Acklins Island, and finally Clarence Town, Long Island (Flying Fish Marina). The seas were relatively small and following, which was nice. The Customs and Immigration person arrived at our boat an hour after we arrived in Clarence Town, and checked us in quickly.

CLARENCE TOWN, LONG ISLAND (May 2018)

Ryan washing the salt off the boat, Flying Fish Marina, Long Island, Bahamas (Father Jerome’s Church in the background)

Flying fish marina is a very convenient spot for sport fishermen, with deep water just a few miles off the coast. Every day we were there the sport fishing boats would go out and come back with plenty of large fish, including Mahi Mahi and Tuna. Around dusk everyday the crew cleaned the fish and a lot of sharks came. Nurse sharks, Lemon sharks, and even a couple of Bull sharks, showed up everyday for the huge fish carcasses. Surprisingly the “docile” nurse sharks were also jumping two feet out of the water for the fish! We took amazing videos and pictures of the sharks feeding at the fish station

Yellow Fin Tuna

Fish cleaning station at Flying Fish Marina, Long Island, Bahamas

Sharks feeding on Tuna at Flying Fish Marina, Long Island, Bahamas

Shark feeding on Tuna at Flying Fish Marina, Long Island, Bahamas

Sharks feeding on Tuna at Flying Fish Marina, Long Island, Bahamas

In 2014, when were last at Flying Fish Marina, they were working on a new building, a pool, and a restaurant. While we were cruising down south, we heard that their construction work was blown away with one of the many hurricanes. During our most recent visit, we were glad to see the work was finished and the result was excellent. The restaurant was great, and the store/marine chandlery was well stocked with boating essentials. Overall, the marina has great facilities and is a great place to stop in the Southern Bahamas.

Flying Fish Marina, Long Island, Bahamas

Randy at upper deck Outer Edge Grill, Flying Fish Marina, Long Island, Bahamas

Clarence Town (marina building on the left), Long Island, Bahamas

One day, while we were on Long Island, we rented a car and went out exploring.

CAPE SANTA MARIA RESORT

After driving North, nearly the full length of the island, we stopped at the Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort for Lunch. The view was excellent and so was the food.

Ryan, Randy & Ronan, Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort, Long Island, Bahamas

Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort, Long Island, Bahamas

Cape Santa Maria Resort sits overlooking Calabash Bay. It looked like such a great spot, we decided to take our boat there to spend a night at anchor.

Cape Santa Maria, Long Island, Bahamas

COLUMBUS MONUMENT

After lunch at Cape Santa Maria, we drove further north to the Christopher Columbus Monument. Allegedly, the monument is overlooking the spot that Columbus first anchored in the New World. The allegedly comes from a lack of hard evidence, and San Salvador (just north of Long Island) has also laid claim to being the first place Columbus anchored.

The drive to the monument was three miles through, let’s say, less than favorable terrain. The rental car was a compact and not exactly fit for that terrain. About halfway there we passed a pickup truck (presumably with four-wheel drive) turning around. We still, unbelievably, made it to the monument.

Dirt road to the Christopher Columbus monument, Long Island, Bahamas

It was a very short hike up a small hill. We took some pictures and then went back down Rocky/Muddy/Bush Whack Ave. It was fun, and a good live history lesson.

Christopher Columbus monument, Long Island, Bahamas

Ronan & Ryan at the Christopher Columbus monument, Long Island, Bahamas

View from the Christopher Columbus monument, Long Island, Bahamas

HAMILTON’S CAVE

The next day, on Mother’s Day, we drove to Hamiliton’s Cave where the Lucayan Indians were thought to have once lived. The cave was full of many different types of bugs, bats, carvings, stalactites and stalagmites. Mom was very brave! Our guide, Leonard, told us that, in the past, the cave has been used as a hurricane shelter.

Ryan & Ronan entering the cave, Long Island, Bahamas

Ryan & Ronan exploring the cave, Long Island, Bahamas

Carving in the stones in the cave, Long Island, Bahamas

Cave, Long Island, Bahamas

Theresa, Ronan & Leonard (guide) observing the bats in the cave, Long Island, Bahamas

Theresa in the cave, Long Island, Bahamas

Stalactite in the cave, Long Island, Bahamas

Ryan, Ronan, Leonard (our guide) and Theresa, Cave, Long Island, Bahamas

DEANS BLUE HOLE

After visiting Hamilton’s Cave, we took a quick visit to the infamous Dean’s Blue Hole. Dean’s Blue Hole is the second deepest saltwater blue hole in the world and the deepest one in the Bahamas. It is also the site of a few popular diving, and free-diving competitions. Unfortunately, we did not go in, and just walked around the edge. I hope to go back and scuba dive Dean’s Blue Hole some day in the future!

Another long bumpy dirt road to Dean’s Blue Hole, Long Island, Bahamas

Dean’s Blue Hole, Long Island, Bahamas

Ryan & Ronan at Dean’s Blue Hole, Long Island, Bahamas

Dean’s Blue Hole, Long Island, Bahamas

Ryan & Ronan at Dean’s Blue Hole, Long Island, Bahamas

Dean’s Blue Hole, Long Island, Bahamas

We spent our last night on Long Island anchored in Calabash Bay, just off Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort.

Anchored just off Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort, Long Island Bahams

Anchored just off Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort, Long Island Bahamas

Randy & Ryan pulling up the anchojust off Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort, Long Island Bahams

Randy & Ryan pulling up the anchor in Calabash Bay, just off Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort, Long Island Bahamas

Our next stop in the Bahamas on our north bound journey was George Town, Great Exuma . . .

Southern Bahamas Map

TURKS & CAICOS (May 2018) – by Theresa

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Sunrise departure, Ocean World Marina, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

BIG SAND CAY (May 2018)

Leaving the Dominican Republic (DR) astern, after a glorious sunrise departure, our first stop in Turks & Caicos was at Big Sand Cay, a small uninhabited Cay approximately 80 nautical miles northwest of the Dominican Republic. As we approached Big Sand Cay, we only saw a few other boats at anchor, so we had visions of a restful evening, virtually alone, on this idyllic cay, beautifully set off by itself in the Atlantic Ocean.

We tucked into the bay with only a small handful of other boats, just as the wind started to really pick up. With the winds howling around 20 knots, we watched a fellow cruiser scale his mast because he was unable to furl his Genoa and drop anchor.

Big Sand Cay, Turks & Caicos

Shortly after the sailor secured his catamaran, we sat back and enjoyed the quiet solitude of the anchorage.

Big Sand Cay, Turks & Caicos

Later, the fun really kicked in. I guess we read the wrong travel brochure because after we set our anchor, an entire flotilla of sailboats, of all shapes and sizes, descended upon our tranquil overnight stop. Big Sand Cay was now the overnight destination of choice for over 25 cruising boats. Just to ensure that everyone was properly entertained, Mother Nature put on a thunderstorm and lightning show complete with winds gusting to 42 knots. We had put out 10 to 1 scope on our ground tackle in anticipation of just such an event, so we were secure and staying firmly in place. The same could not be said for many of our neighboring boats, and, as a result, the radios were alive with stressful conversations as boats dragged their anchors all around us. Thankfully, the storms died down shortly after 1 a.m., so we did still manage to get some rest before our sunrise departure west to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.

Sunrise departure, Big Sand Cay, Turks & Caicos

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS (May 2018)

As we approached Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, the skies once again darkened and the winds picked up considerably. The channel to our next port of call, South Side Marina, is narrow, with shallow depths and little room for maneuverability on a good day. We rode out the storm just outside of the channel, allowing it to simmer down before entering.

Approaching Providenciales Turks & Caicos

When we finally entered the channel, we had to navigate around a sailboat, run hard aground, nearly in the middle of the channel.

This sailboat ran aground in the channel approach to South Side Marina, Providenciales Turks & Caicos

With precision maneuvers, we passed her starboard side and cleared in to Bob Pratt’s South Side Marina. (Note: the sailboat sat in the channel until high tide came in and then floated herself free.)

We stopped at South Side Marina on our journey south in 2015 [See Turks & Caicos (2015)]. The boys had, obviously, grown quite a bit since then!

Ryan & Ronan hoisting the Turks & Caicos courtesey flag (2018)

Ryan & Ronan hoisting the Turks & Caicos courtesey flag (2015)

Ryan & Ronan hoisting the Turks & Caicos courtesey flag (2018)

Bob’s place, upstairs, was as beautiful as we had remembered, complete with bocce ball, and Bob’s sweet new dog “Maddie.”

Bob's place at Southside Marina, Providenciales Turks & Caicos

Bob Pratt’s place at South Side Marina, Providenciales Turks & Caicos

R&R bocce ball at South Side Marina, Providenciales Turks & Caicos

South Side Marina Harbor Master’s dog Maddie resting at South Side Marina, Providenciales Turks & Caicos

The views, at and around, the marina are nothing short of breath-taking.

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

The marina is only a few miles away from the airport, which makes it a good place to pick up or drop off guests. Marina owner, Bob Pratt, provides courtesy transportation to nearby grocery store(s) for provisioning and makes everyone feel at home.

When it came time to continue our northbound journey, we fueled up and headed back out the channel.

Ronan assisting with the fueling at South Side Marina, Providenciales Turks & Caicos

Randy fueling up at South Side Marina, Providenciales Turks & Caicos

South Side Marina, looking towards the channel, Providenciales Turks & Caicos

We set our course northwest towards our next stop, the remote Mayaguana and Acklins Islands in the southern Bahamas . . .

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (April 2018)- by Theresa

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We had a smooth 80+ mile passage across the Mona Passage, a notoriously rough open water passage which connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Immediately upon arrival in the Dominican Republic (DR), we were boarded by Immigration, Customs, Navy, and Department of Agriculture, all of whom had their requisite paperwork and fee(s).

Boats travelling in the Dominican Republic must obtain a “Despacho” (written permission to travel between ports) from the DR Navy prior to every departure. Cruising up the east coast of the Dominican Republic, and westward across its north coast, we pulled into three ports: Marina Cap Cana , in Punta Cana; Puerto Bahia Marina, in Samana; and Ocean World Marina, in Puerto Plata. We had visited, and wrote about, each of these ports on our journey south [See Puerto Plato, Domincan Republic (2015) and Samana & Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (2015)], so this post will be brief, and utilized only to share some updated photos and anecdotes from our most recent visit.

MARINA CAP CANA, PUNTA CANA (April 2018)

Cap Cana Marina & Resort, Dominican Republic

Waterside dining & infinity pool, Cap Cana Marina, Dominican Republic

Cap Cana Marina & Beach Resort, Dominican Republic

The boys had more than enough outdoor activities to keep them busy.

Beachside tennis courts, Cap Cana Marina, Dominican Republic

Cap Cana Marina & Resort, Dominican Republic

Cap Cana Marina & Beach Resort, Dominican Republic

PUERTO BAHIA MARINA, SAMANA (April 2018)

Puerto Bahia Marina is an idyllic full service resort marina tucked away in the north end of Samana Bay. While we were there, we encountered a lovely young couple, Doug and Roxanna, vacationing from Georgia, U.S.A., who recognized us solely from having read our blog. Avid boaters themselves, with cruising dreams of their own, Doug & Roxanna reviewed our blog searching for information on cruising the Caribbean. It was nice to hear that our blog has provided relevant information and inspired others to follow their cruising dreams. Fair winds Doug and Roxanna!

Puerto Bahia Marina, Samana, Dominican Republic

There was no shortage of activities in Puerto Bahia.

Billiard room, Puerto Bahia Marina, Samana, Dominican Republic

Infinity Pool, Puerto Bahia Marina, Samana, Dominican Republic

R&R in the game room, Puerto Bahia Marina, Dominican Republic

Ryan ready for chess, Puerto Bahia Marina, Samana, Dominican Republic

Ocean Club, Puerto Bahia Marina, Samana, Dominican Republic

Ocean Club infinity pool, Puerto Bahia Marina, Samana, Dominican Republic

I was once again, astounded to see how much the boys had grown since our last visit to the Dominican Republic on our southbound journey in 2015.

Ronan & Ryan, Ocean Club infinity pool, Puerto Bahia Marina, Samana, Dominican Republic (2015)

Ryan & Ronan, Ocean Club infinity pool, Puerto Bahia Marina, Samana, Dominican Republic (2018)

OCEAN WORLD MARINA, PUERTO PLATA (April 2018)

Ocean World Marina, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Ocean World Marina & Casino, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Sunrise departure, Ocean World Marina, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

We staged in Ocean World until the next appropriate weather window. Continuing our journey north from the Dominican Republic, we next set our course to Big Sand Cay, Turks and Caicos …

POST HURRICANE PUERTO RICO (March 2018) – by Theresa

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Puerto Rico

CULEBRA

After witnessing all of the hurricane destruction throughout the Caribbean, and seeing and hearing all of the news reports about post-hurricane Puerto Rico, we reached out to friends and family of ours living in Puerto Rico to see how we could assist when we arrived. We were repeatedly advised that the best way to help was to visit and spend money in the islands. Our first stop in Puerto Rico we anchored in Ensenada Honda, in Culebra. We were pleasantly surprised when we saw how well she stood up to Hurricane Maria.

Upon arrival, we cleared back into the U.S., via phone, using the Small Vessel Reporting System. It is a convenient way to facilitate and expedite the clearing in process by pre-registering boat and crew information with Customs & Border Protection.

Small Vessel Reporting System

Next we lowered the dinghy to go ashore. We found the cruisers’ hot spot, the Dinghy Dock, was temporarily closed for renovations, however, we were assured that it was set to reopen within a month.

Dinghy Dock, Culebra, Puerto Rico

We drove our dinghy up the canal to see how our friends at Mamacitas Guest House & Restaurant had fared.

Mamacita’s looked as fabulous as ever. The dinghy dock had a steady stream of boats and patrons all day. They had live music, great food, electricity and Wi-Fi.

Mamacita’s Waterfront Grill Culebra, Puerto

Boat pulling up to Mamacita’s Culebra, Puerto Rico

At times, the boats were rafted up three deep.

Boats pulling up to Mamacita’s Culebra, Puerto Rico

We had to be carefull backing up our dinghy when departing as there was an impressive school of Tarpon positioned just off the dinghy dock behind our dinghy.

School of Tarpon behind our dinghy, Culebra Puerto Rico

PALMAS DEL MAR, HUMACAO

When we originally set our course for mainland Puerto Rico, we had considered going to Marina Puerto del Rey, in Fajardo, since it was positioned further away from where Hurricane Maria touched ground and we had heard reports that it had fared well. However, when we reached out to our dear friend Glenda, who manages The Yacht Club at Palmas del Mar, where we had stayed previously [See Palmas del Mar (2015) and Puerto Rico (2015)] , she assured us that the marina was up and running and ready for visitors. We did not hesitate to return, and are happy to report that, despite being a 1/4 mile north from where Hurricane Maria came ashore in Puerto Rico, Palmas del Mar is indeed a welcoming haven for visiting yachts. The docks, seawall and utilities (electric, water & Wi-Fi) were all in good working order.

Ryan washing the salt off the boat, The Yacht Club Marina at Palmas del Mar, Puerto Rico

Ronan & Ryan, Palmas del Mar, Humacao, Puerto Rico (Vieques in the background)

Fuel was available, and the marina also offered convenient in-slip fueling.

In slip fueling, The Yact Club Marina at Palmas del Mar, Humacao, Puerto Rico

Charlie facilitating in-slip fueling, The Yacht Club Marina at Palmas del Mar, Humacao, Puerto Rico

Provisioning was available at the nearby (walking distance) plaza where all of the shops and restaurants were open, including a small well stocked grocery store.

Palmas del Mar, Humacao, Puerto Rico

The multitude of sport fishermen boats in Plaza del Puerto seemed to have fared well.

Palmas del Mar, Humacao, Puerto Rico

Plaza del Puerto, Palmas del Mar, Humacao, Puerto Rico

We rented a car from “Target,” the on-premises car rental agency, and drove 25 minutes inland to Plaza Centro Mall, in Caguas. The mall, houses many familiar U.S. chains, including Pet Smart, IHOP, Sam’s Club, Costco & Walmart (all open and fully stocked), which facilitated our provisioning for the remainder of our journey north.

Plaza Centro Mall, Caguas, Puerto Rico

Like so many other Caribbean destinations, Palmas del Mar provided spectacular sunsets.

Sunset at The Yacht Club Marina at Palmas del Mar Marina, Humacao, Puerto Rico

PUERTO REAL, CABO ROJO

From Palmas del Mar, we set a course west along the south coast of Puerto Rico. Our next port of call was Marina Pescadaria, in Puerto Real Bay, in Cabo Rojo, located on the soutwest coast of Puerto Rico.

Marina Pescaderia, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

Marina Pescadaria is a full service marina and was fully operational (water, electric, Wi-Fi and fuel). We were welcomed by our old friend, and marina manager, Jose, who has vast knowledge of the marine industry and Puerto Rico. There is a plethora of nearby restaurants and shops for provisioning. Marina Pescadaria is a good location to stage while awaiting an appropriate weather window to cross the Mona Passage.

During our stay in Puerto Rico, we heard many stories of damage and loss from the storm. We witnessed, first hand, the ongoing rebuilding efforts firmly underway. Everyone we encountered was resiliently looking forward. If approaching Puerto Rico by sea, Marina Pescadaria, Palmas del Mar and Culebra are ready to welcome you.

Our next port of call, Dominican Republic …

CANE GARDEN BAY, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS – by Theresa

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Last post on the British Virgin Islands, and then on to Puerto Rico. Our last stop in the British Virgin Islands (BVIs) was Cane Garden Bay, a large sheltered bay, on the nortwest end of Tortola. The bay was full of mooring balls, and several beachside restaurants and shops were open for business. The dinghy dock was missing some boards but was still usable.

Dinghy dock, Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, BVIs (March 2018)

Quintos, which use to be located at the base of the dock (to the right), regrettably did not survive the storm.

Quintos Restaurant, Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, BVIs (March 2018)

Like the other islands we visited in the BVIs, new construction and repairs take place right alongside the damaged structures.

Construction, Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, BVIs (March 2018)

Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, BVIs (March 2018)

We were thrilled to see that our favorite spot in Cane Garden Bay, Myett’s, had reopened for business.

Myett’s is open in Cane Garden Bay, BVIs (March 2018)

Myett’s Restaurant, Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, BVIs (March 2018)

Randy at Myett’s Restaurant, Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, BVIs (March 2018)

Ryan at Myett’s Restaurant, Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, BVIs (March 2018)

Myett’s is Cane Garden Bay, BVIs (March 2018)

Myett’s in Cane Garden Bay, BVIs (March 2018)

In addition to great food and ambiance, Myett’s is a prime spot for catching spectacular sunsets.

Sunset view from Myett’s is Cane Garden Bay, BVIs (March 2018)

Sunset view from Myett’s (looking out towards Jost Van Dyke) in Cane Garden Bay, BVIs (March 2018)

Ronan, sunset, Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Ronan walking the beach at sunset, Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Cane Garden Bay, BVIs (March 2018)

In sum, the BVIs suffered significant damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria, however, no amount of hurricanes can take away the intrinsic beauty of these islands or the strength and fortitude of the people who live in these islands. The turquoise blue waters, the magnificent sunsets and the friendly hospitality of the people all remain and make cruising these islands well worth the visit!

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Monthly Archives: June 2018

LONG ISLAND, BAHAMAS (May 2018) – by Ryan

TURKS & CAICOS (May 2018) – by Theresa

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (April 2018)- by Theresa

POST HURRICANE PUERTO RICO (March 2018) – by Theresa

CANE GARDEN BAY, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS – by Theresa

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