Island Icon – Yachting https://www.yachtingmagazine.com Yachting Magazine’s experts discuss yacht reviews, yachts for sale, chartering destinations, photos, videos, and everything else you would want to know about yachts. Tue, 27 Aug 2024 19:00:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/uploads/2021/09/favicon-ytg-1.png Island Icon – Yachting https://www.yachtingmagazine.com 32 32 Cruising The Exumas https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-exumas/ Tue, 27 Aug 2024 19:00:07 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=65828 Voyaging in the Exumas in the Bahamas includes swimming pigs, rock iguanas, vibrant coral reefs, pristine beaches and more.

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Big Major Cay swimming pig
The swimming pigs near Big Major Cay are a must-see when cruising through the Bahamas. They’ll come right out to the tender. bearacreative/adobe.stock

With 365 cays to choose among, the Exumas chain in the Bahamas offers something for every day of the year. Cruise around the chain’s three major areas—Great Exuma, Little Exuma and the Exuma Cays—to explore its wildlife, sapphire waters, beaches and waterfront dining.

Natural Attractions

Big Major Cay is home to one of the Exumas’ biggest attractions: the world-famous swimming pigs. The 20 or so frequently photographed feral pigs and piglets are the only residents of this uninhabited cay just a short cruise from Staniel Cay. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.

On Allen Cay off Great Exuma, boaters will find a literal mess of its namesake Allen Cays rock iguanas—that’s the term for a group of these scaly creatures. This endangered species can grow up to 4 feet long, but they’re gentle giants.

The 112,000-plus-acre Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, established in 1957, was the first of its kind in the world and remains a model of marine preservation and biodiversity. A visitors center and hiking trails provide a lay of the park’s land, while moorings make it easy to explore the pristine waters and vibrant reefs. They are part of the second-largest coral barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.

Thunderball Grotto became a requisite dive and snorkel spot in the Exumas after its appearance in two James Bond films. Located just west of Staniel Cay, this underwater cave system teeming with marine life is best entered at ebb tide.

Breathtaking beaches stretch across the entire island chain. The white-powder crescent of Tropic of Cancer Beach straddles its namesake latitude along the coast of Little Exuma. Secluded Cocoa Plum Beach, known for excellent shelling, is a cruisers’ favorite, far easier to access by water than by road. The beaches of Stocking Island, just across from Georgetown’s harbor on Great Exuma, range from tranquil coves to legendary hangouts.

Refuel and Refresh

Visitors from the world over flock to the landmark Chat ’N’ Chill on Stocking Island. This quintessential beach bar, known for a family-friendly vibe, has it all: a sizable drink menu, a delicious Sunday pig roast, freshly made conch salad, live music, volleyball courts, and a chance to feed and swim with stingrays.

Boaters will find a more upscale atmosphere at the Sea Level restaurant at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a longtime hub for cruisers. Reservations are required for dinner, which can include such refined fare as duck confit and rack of lamb.

On Little Exuma, the casual beachfront Santanna’s Bar & Grill is a must-stop for freshly prepared seafood, particularly lobster and grouper dishes. Save some cash and appetite for the adjacent Mom’s Bakery, where the delectable desserts include rum cake, cinnamon rolls and banana bread.  

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Mackinac Island Escape https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-mackinac/ Mon, 05 Aug 2024 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=65490 Great Lakes cruisers find old-school charm on Michigan’s Mackinac Island with no cars, just horse-drawn carriages and bikes.

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Mackinac Island
The Mackinac Island State Harbor public marina has 80 slips for transients up to 74 feet long. Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

Cruisers can’t help but take it slow on Michigan’s Mackinac Island (pronounced Mackinaw), a national historic landmark. Horsepower, pedal power and foot power are the sole means for exploring this compact, turtle-shaped island and its engaging historic, cultural and natural attractions.

Carriage Rides

Ever since the prohibition of automobile traffic in 1898, horse-drawn carriages have been the primary—and iconic—mode of transportation to get around Mackinac Island. Visiting boaters can call on true horsepower for a tour of the island, as a taxi service, or even for moving golf clubs between the Grand Nine and the Woods Nine of the Grand Hotel’s Jewel Golf Course.

History and Culture

From its panoramic vantage point atop a 150-foot bluff, Fort Mackinac served as a strategic stronghold for American and British forces alike during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. The United States secured it for keeps in 1815. Now a history museum, the fort’s 14 buildings have been restored to highlight different periods from its century of military might. Start your island tour with the film The Heritage of Mackinac, shown on a loop in the soldiers barracks. Check the fort’s website for the current schedule of live events, which include drills, dress parades and rifle demonstrations. For $75 and a reservation, visitors can have the honor of firing the traditional morning round from the fort’s cannon.

Also check out the diverse collection of the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum. It ranges from hand-beaded Native American garments to 17th- and 18th-century maps of the Great Lakes to artifacts reflecting the island’s Victorian era.

Natural Wonders

Considered the most scenic spot on the island, Arch Rock rewards those visitors who climb the 207 steps for breathtaking views from beneath a 4,000-year-old limestone archway. Visitors can also view it from the road above by taking a (you guessed it) horse-drawn carriage, or explore it by bicycle as a stop along the 8.2-mile trail around the island. The $7.5 million Milliken Nature Center, slated to open this month near Arch Rock, will educate guests about the formation of Arch Rock and the geology of the island as a whole.

Food and Drink

Stop at Doud’s Market, reportedly America’s oldest family-owned grocery store, to restock the galley’s provisions. The lively patio at the Pink Pony is a fun and popular destination at any time of day, and is best known for its creative cocktails and whitefish dip. The 1852 Grill Room earns raves for its seafood dishes, especially its Lake Huron walleye and planked whitefish. The restaurant also has lovely lake and harbor views. Cap off the night by drinking in the Victorian elegance of the landmark Grand Hotel while enjoying a cocktail and 360-degree views from the Cupola Bar.  

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Cruising Nantucket https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-nantucket/ Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:00:08 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=64734 Off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Nantucket retains its historic charm while appealing to modern-day cruisers.

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Nantucket museum
Even with its land-based attractions, Nantucket is connected to the sea. Courtesy Visit Massachusetts

Cruisers planning their summer family sojourns are guaranteed a whale of a time on historic Nantucket, Massachusetts. Nearly 30 miles of paved bike paths make it easy to explore the island’s riches, from endless beaches to harborside restaurants to a picturesque downtown. 

History

The Nantucket Historical Association’s Whaling Museum offers a fascinating perspective on the island’s heyday as the whaling capital of the world. The collection includes a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, a scrimshaw art gallery, and an exhibition on the whaling ship Essex, which inspired Moby-Dick. Don’t miss the rooftop panoramic harbor views.

Museum guides also lead hour-long walking tours through historic downtown Nantucket twice daily, Monday through Saturday, from spring through early September. (You can buy a piece of Nantucket cultural history by detouring along Main Street at Four Winds Craft Guild for a lightship basket, or at Murray’s Toggery Shop for instantly identifiable Nantucket Reds apparel.)

A 15-minute stroll from the museum takes you to Brant Point Light Station, built in 1901 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Beaches

Among Nantucket’s 82 miles of beautiful beaches, Jetties Beach is popular with families for its calm surf, wide sand and solid public facilities. It hosts some of the island’s most cherished annual events, including the Sandcastle and Sculpture Contest and the Boston Pops concert.

Surfside Beach, along the southern shore, is one of Nantucket’s most popular beaches. Beachcombers gather up the bountiful shells found there in the mornings. Its choppier waters attract surfers and boogie boarders. Fishermen, especially surf-casters, gravitate here in the evenings.

Nature

Four-wheel-drive vehicles are the preferred way to explore the 1,117-acre Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. Car-rental agencies in town can supply a 4×4 vehicle (not an all-wheel-drive) and the required permit if you want to drive between the gatehouse and Great Point Lighthouse on your own. Or reserve a two-hour natural history tour offered by the refuge and hop in the passenger seat as a guide explains the flora and fauna of the refuge’s entire barrier beach system. Keep an eye out for piping plovers and terns on the maritime dunes and seals along the shore.

Dining

An upscale Nantucket landmark for nearly six decades, Straight Wharf offers stunning harbor views and seasonal prix fixe two-course meals. The swordfish, clambake and scallops are among the stars of the seafood-focused menu. Breeze Restaurant in The Nantucket Hotel and Resort draws in diners at all times of day, from its popular weekend brunch, acclaimed clam chowder for lunch or dinner, or a nightcap at its friendly bar.  

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Cruising Block Island https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-block-island/ Thu, 30 May 2024 19:00:06 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=64366 Charming Block Island, just south of mainland Rhode Island, has something for visiting boaters of all types.

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Block Island
Block Island’s near-coastal location makes it a favorite go-to cruising destination. [brandon]/stock.adobe.com

For a satisfying sampler of New England summer fun, cruise over to Block Island. A short jaunt from Montauk, New York, and Newport, Rhode Island, this charming isle offers 17 miles of beaches, 28 miles of trails, fascinating history, solid marinas, great restaurants and a laid-back atmosphere.

Beaches

With 17 miles of beaches, Block Island has an expanse of sand for every type of traveler. Crescent Beach stretches for 3 miles along the island’s eastern shore. Mansion Beach at the island’s northern tip is quieter, better for beachcombing. Fred Benson Town Beach, at the island’s center, is beloved by families for its wide beach, shallow surf, extensive facilities, concession stand and summertime movies. A quarter-mile away is Scotch Beach, a “see and be seen” spot for teens and 20-somethings. For the party scene, head to Ballard’s Beach for tiki bars and live music.

Outdoor Activities

The Nature Conservancy once named Block Island one of 12 “last great places” in the Western Hemisphere because of its abundance of rare plants and animals, and the community’s dedication to conservation. The Block Island Conservancy offers free nature walks and programs during the summer.

It’s easy to explore the island’s natural wonders by hiking or biking along 28 miles of trails. The Mohegan Bluffs are a must-see, standing 200 feet high along a 3-mile stretch of the shore. It’s worth the 141 steps down to the beach to view the bluffs from the waterline. Birders flock to the island’s north end for the 127-acre Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, which hosts more than 70 migratory species in the fall. You can launch your kayak or paddleboard from your berth in one of the three marinas in the Great Salt Pond (West Harbor) to search for crabs and other creatures. Or book a fishing charter to angle for striped bass, for which the Block Island Sound is so well known.

History

A national historic landmark, the Southeast Lighthouse has been a beacon for ships from atop the Mohegan Bluffs since 1873. Its museum chronicles the history of New England’s highest lighthouse, including the time in 1993 when the bluff’s erosion forced a $2 million relocation of the lighthouse. In New Shoreham, the Block Island Historical Society showcases stone tools from the indigenous Manissean community, along with maritime and colonial memorabilia, and photos of island life during the Victorian era.

Dining

A Block Island institution, Poor People’s Pub serves casual fare as well as creative specials, such as duck pasta and saltimbocca pizza. Dead Eye Dick’s is known for its lobster and swordfish, which it also sells through its seafood market, Dick’s Fish & Provisions. Head to Block Island Oyster Bar and Grill for its namesake dish, harvested daily. Aldo’s Bakery provides boat delivery for its delicious coffee, pastries and light fare.

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Cruising The Berry Islands https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-berry-islands/ Thu, 25 Apr 2024 15:00:07 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=63694 It’s worth it to add a stop at the laid-back Berry Islands during any Bahamas cruising itinerary.

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Sugar Beach
Sugar Beach, set against an aquamarine sea, is a go-to spot for shelling enthusiasts. Nearby caves make for adventurous hiking. [forcdan]/stock.adobe.com

Cruisers heading to the Bahamas often bypass the Berry Islands en route to the Abacos or Exumas. But this group of around 30 islands—anchored by Great Harbour Cay—provides a quiet stopover to clear customs, cast a line, and catch some sun on sugar-fine beaches.

Great Harbour Cay 

This is the largest of the Berry Islands. It was a popular vacation spot in the late 1960s for the Rat Pack, Cary Grant and other A-list celebrities. The island’s glam resort and golf course have since closed, allowing for a decidedly quieter vibe.

The cay’s well-protected namesake hurricane hole marina, a port of entry, is a convenient base for cruisers. It has 65 slips and can accommodate yachts up to 150 feet.

Nearly 5 miles of uninterrupted picturesque beaches stretch along the cay’s east coast. Toward the northern end, Sugar Beach often ranks as one the prettiest beaches in the Bahamas. Its caves entice visitors to explore when the tide is right, often eliciting comparisons to European beaches. Near the airport along Great Harbour Beach, The Beach Club is a popular midday stop for lunch and a drink. At the southern tip of the island, the wide, shallow Shark Creek Beach attracts shell collectors and nature lovers. In addition to its toothy namesake residents, the beach and its mangroves are home to myriad juvenile fish, eagle rays, baby sea turtles and spoonbills.

Chub Cay

The Berry Islands is known as “the fishbowl of the Bahamas,” and Chub Cay (at the far southern tip of the Berry Islands) in particular is considered the country’s billfish capital. Catch a charter out of Chub Cay Marina to try your luck in The Pocket. The well-developed marina, a port of entry, offers slips ranging from 40 to 160 feet and day passes that provide cruisers access to all its facilities. Stock up on provisions at the Marlin Market. Take a dip in the infinity pool or at the resort’s beach. The Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (reservations recommended for dinner). Its menu features a mix of Bahamian and continental fare, including grilled lobster tail, conch chowder and guava crème brûlée.

Other Cays 

From Great Harbour Cay, adventure-seekers can sail south to Hoffmann’s Cay to leap off the 20-foot cliff into the cay’s 600-foot-wide blue hole, the largest in the Berry Islands.

Continue south to Little Harbour Cay, which anchors the middle of the Berry Islands and is known for Flo’s Conch Bar. The pink restaurant, with the words “You Welcome” in large white letters on the roof, has welcomed such celebrities as Sylvester Stallone, Shakira and Brad Pitt since opening its doors in 1993. Call in your order three hours in advance to guarantee your share of the famous conch fritters and rum punch.  

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Cruising to Key Largo https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-key-largo/ Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=62322 Key Largo's beautiful and bountiful waters and off-water attractions are a big draw for boaters cruising the Florida Keys.

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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was established to protect a portion of the only living coral reef in the continental United States. [superstock]/stock.adobe.com

As the jumping-off point from the Florida mainland to the Keys, Key Largo is a fabulous introduction to what lies farther down the Overseas Highway. Its clear blue waters, abundant marine life and great dining options make the island a welcoming port of call for all.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

The country’s first undersea park, covering a sprawling 70 nautical square miles within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, is a prime destination for all sorts of water fun. Paddle through the mangroves on a rented kayak, canoe or paddleboard. Chill out at Far Beach or Cannon Beach. Cast a line for mutton snapper and grouper. The park’s reef—part of the third-largest reef system in the world—is its top draw, with more than 80 species of coral and more than 260 species of tropical fish, including barracuda, parrotfish and damselfish. There are nearly 20 PADI dive facilities on Key Largo that offer trips to some of the park’s most popular sites, such as Molasses and North Dry Rocks. Non-divers can try a glass-bottom boat ride.

Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

Since 1991, this nonprofit has been dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured native and migratory birds. Its Mission Wild Bird Hospital has a small shop and visitor-education center. The Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary serves as a home for more than 60 non-releasable birds representing almost 30 species, from raptors to songbirds to shorebirds. Try to time your visit for the daily brown-pelican feedings.

Harriette’s

At this restaurant, always start with dessert. Opened in 1982, this favorite local breakfast and lunch spot is famous for its enormous muffins. Key lime is the top seller among the 26 flavors, which range from bacon maple to German chocolate to guava cream cheese. The restaurant’s biscuits, omelets and eggs Benedict also earn frequent praise.

Check out more Island Icons: Saint-Martin and St. Maarten and Curaçao

Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill

Pick your vibe at this waterfront sports and tiki bar from legendary Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson. Hang out inside to catch the big games of the day on the multitude of TVs. Or grab a table on the deck for Florida Bay and sunset views, and nightly live music. Menu selections include New York-style pizza, pub grub and seafood.

The Fish House Restaurant & Seafood Market

A fantastic seafood meal is a must while in the Keys. Since the 1980s, The Fish House has been a landmark dining destination in the Upper Keys for its fresh and delicious seafood, generous portions and swift service. Daily catches are offered in five preparations, including the Matecumbe style spotlighted by Food Network stars Bobby Flay and Guy Fieri. If you can’t make up your mind on an entree, opt for one of the combination platters.

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Cruising Saint-Martin and St. Maarten. https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-saint-martin-st-maarten/ Tue, 23 Jan 2024 20:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=61850 No need to pick sides on your next private-yacht cruise. There’s plenty to enjoy in both Saint-Martin and St. Maarten.

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Loterie Farm
Loterie Farm, currently a private nature preserve and once a dairy farm on Saint-Martin, dates back to 1721. Loterie Farm

Double the countries, double the fun in the sun in French Saint-Martin and Dutch St. Maarten. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, delectable dining and unique museums found on the twin sides of this tropical island getaway in the Leeward group of the Lesser Antilles.

Orient Bay Beach

Often called the St. Tropez of the Caribbean, this white-sand beach along the northeast coast of Saint-Martin is as well known for its turquoise waters and breathtaking scenery as for the clothing-optional section at its southern end. There’s a lively beach-bar scene, with venues serving French food and barbecue, and offering chairs and umbrellas for rental. Boaters seeking a less-sedated day at the beach can find adventure outfitters for parasailing, personal-watercraft rentals, tubing, snorkeling and other watersports.

Loterie Farm

Choose your own adventure at this 135-acre private nature preserve off the beaten path in Saint-Martin. Self-guided hikes along marked trails wind past mango and mahogany trees in the tropical forest en route to Pic du Paradis (Paradise Peak)—elevation about 1,400 feet—for views of the whole island as well as Anguilla, Saba and St. Eustatius. Adrenaline junkies can traverse the forest by zip-line, on runs as long as 1,600 feet. Many visitors opt to lounge by the jungle pool, strong cocktail in hand, or take in the views while dining in the Jungle Room.

Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit

British makeup and creature-effects designer Nick Maley is best known for helping bring Yoda, the wise and ancient Jedi master, to life for the original Star Wars trilogy. He now brings the series from a galaxy far, far away to St. Maarten in this fun and unique museum in Philipsburg. Visitors can see Yoda, Han Solo in carbonite, Darth Vader and more memorabilia from Star Wars and some of the other 50-plus movies that Maley worked on throughout his career. On days when The Force is with you, you might find Maley on-site, sharing his many behind-the-scenes stories.

Bistrot Caraibes

Opened in 1994, Bistrot Caraibes still shines brightly on the stellar foodie scene in Grand Case in Saint-Martin. It retains its standing as one of the best dining destinations on the island. Customers rave consistently and enthusiastically about this restaurant’s romantic atmosphere, top-notch service, well-curated wine list and fabulous French fare—especially the signature lobster thermidor.

Pineapple Pete/Wasabi Charlie

Just about everyone can find something to please their palate on the expansive menu at this casual, family-friendly dual venue in Philipsburg. It’s known for its attentive staff, friendly atmosphere and live music. Choose among sushi and steaks, pub grub and grilled seafood. There’s also a teppanyaki table during dinner hours.

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Cruising to Colorful Curaçao https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-colorful-curacao/ Thu, 14 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=61502 The letter “C” in the southern Caribbean’s ABC Islands stands for Curaçao, a Dutch island of dazzling color.

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Curaçao coast
The Handelskade waterfront, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is lined with apartments inspired by Dutch architecture. [peter]/stock.adobe.com

The Dutch island of Curaçao is a Technicolor getaway. Its reef-rich seas shimmer with every possible shade of blue. Vivid hues glow from the historical architecture and street art of the capital, Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cruisers can soak in the vibrant offerings by land and by sea.

Curaçao by Land

Christoffel National Park in the Westpunt end of the island offers an enticing array of guided activities in the largest and most diverse protected nature area of the Leeward Dutch islands. Choose among mountain climbs, bird-watching walks, history tours and Jeep safaris; check out the park’s website for more details. (En route to the park, keep an eye out for flamingos in the salt flat near Kokomo.) Afterward, head to nearby Restaurant Playa Forti for breathtaking sea views, cliff jumpers, and delicious seafood and local specialties such as keshi yena.

In Willemstad, a stroll along the colorful, mural-lined lanes in the neighborhoods on both sides of the iconic Queen Emma pontoon bridge reveals one incredible creative tour de force after another. Dancers leap and gardens sprawl across entire buildings. Parakeets the size of humans perch on a corner; a row of regal women returns your gaze. The free Amazing Punda Art & Culture Walk on Google Maps can get you started in the Punda neighborhood. Many of the murals in the Otrobanda neighborhood are pinned on Google Maps of Willemstad.

While in Otrobanda, dine at Ceviche 91 in Rif Fort, built in 1828 to protect the island against pirates. You can take in the waterfront views as you select from mouthwatering ceviches, tapas, sashimi, sushi rolls and Peruvian entrees.

If you have room for dessert, stop at Don’s Ice Cream Shop before exiting Rif Fort for the nearby Curaçao Maritime Museum. Models, maps, charts and other artifacts chronicle more than 500 years of Curaçao’s nautical and national history. Docents offer a historical harbor-walking tour every Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m.

And by Sea

The fringing reef surrounding Curaçao makes the island a top destination for scuba divers and snorkelers of all skill levels. There are around 100 dive sites, the vast majority of which are shore dives. Tugboat, which lies in just 15 feet of water, is a popular site for its easy access and variety of marine life. Pair it with nearby Director’s Bay for a rewarding two-tank outing. Connect with one of the island’s 15 PADI 5-star dive shops to line up dives during your stay.

If you’re more of a beach person, check out either Cas Abao or Playa PortoMari. Both beautiful white-sand beaches along the west coast of Curaçao offer clean bathroom facilities, chair rentals, food and drinks, and even massages.

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Exploring Key West https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-key-west/ Wed, 15 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=61343 Unlock the rich history and culture of Key West, Florida, on your next cruise to the Conch Republic.

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Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park offers cruisers animal-life encounters above and below the water. [sailingaway]/stock.adobe.com

There is far more to Key West than pub crawls on Duval Street and the nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square. Soak in the Conch Republic’s year-round sunshine while exploring its beautiful beaches, outstanding restaurants, and noteworthy cultural and historic landmarks.

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

Ernest Hemingway’s legacy looms large on Key West. The renowned author resided for most of the 1930s in this refined two-story home and estate, built in 1851 and remodeled by Hemingway and his second wife, Pauline, to include an extravagant in-ground swimming pool rimmed by lush gardens. Now a National Historic Landmark, the property is open every day of the year for self-guided and guided tours of memorabilia- and cat-filled rooms (nearly 60 six-toed cats reside here) and the studio where Hemingway wrote portions of “A Farewell to Arms” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

There’s something for everyone at this 87-acre state park. Its gorgeous beach is considered one of the island’s best, with a café, and chair and umbrella rentals. The marine life attracts snorkelers and anglers. Scout for iguanas and birds along the nature trails. Guided tours at the namesake Fort Zachary Taylor, a National Historic Landmark, recall its role in the Civil War and Spanish-American War. The fort is also a popular spot to catch the legendary Key West sunsets.

Harry Truman’s Little White House

Florida’s only presidential museum, this former naval officer residence on Front Street served as the Winter White House for President Harry Truman. The 33rd president spent 175 days in residence, savoring some sunny rest and relaxation amid the immense pressures of the executive office. While Truman’s name graces the house’s marquee, five other presidents and other luminaries have stayed here as well. Thomas Edison lived here during World War I while researching depth charges for the US Navy; President Dwight D. Eisenhower recuperated here after a heart attack in 1956; President John F. Kennedy hosted the British prime minister here during the Bay of Pigs incident. An hour-long guided tour walks visitors through the house’s 124-year history and its presidential pedigree.

Blue Heaven

You don’t need a reason to dine at the iconic Blue Heaven, but there are several compelling ones to pick from: colorful Key West history, live music, a fun and funky atmosphere, delicious Caribbean and Creole cuisine, and the eatery’s famous Key lime pie.

Latitudes

Accessible only by boat, Latitudes on Sunset Key is arguably the ultimate romantic fine-dining destination in the Conch Republic. You’ll need to book reservations several weeks in advance to enjoy its solid wine list paired with a local surf-and-turf menu.

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Cruising to Bimini https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/cruising-and-chartering/island-icon-bimini/ Thu, 02 Nov 2023 17:00:09 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=61285 Its convenient location, fantastic fishing and crystalline waters make Bimini a “why not?” port of call.

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Bimini shipwreck
Bimini is easily reachable from Florida for most cruisers, and yet it’s a world away. [sailingaway]/stock.adobe.com

As the closest Bahamian port to the United States, Bimini is an easy and fun weekend run from South Florida for cruisers. And Bimini’s excellent sport fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving have given this pair of tiny islands an outsize reputation as a popular cruising destination.

Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina

Bimini is known as the sport-fishing capital of the world. Since 1936, this pioneering outfitter in Alice Town on North Bimini has hosted boats that ply the warm waters along the western edge of the Gulf Stream, where charter clients have bagged brag-worthy specimens of bonefish, billfish and tuna over the decades. The resort is just as well known for its dive center, founded in 1975 by Neal Watson, president of the Bahamas Dive Association. The resort’s lively Bimini Seafood Co. & Conch Bar is a popular spot for its weekly theme nights (including Lobster Sundays) and international sporting events on its big screens.

The Sapona Wreck

If only the weather-worn walls of the SS Sapona could talk. This wreck that’s now a navigational landmark for cruisers and a popular fishing, diving and snorkeling destination had originally been destined to serve as a cargo vessel during World War I, but its production ran longer than the war did. A Florida rum runner used the ship briefly as a floating warehouse in Bahamian waters during Prohibition until a hurricane ran it aground in 1926 just a few miles off Bennett’s Harbor in South Bimini. With a maximum depth of only 20 feet, the Sapona appeals to divers and snorkelers of all skill levels who frequently spot barracuda, triggerfish, large lobsters and many other species among the ship’s spooky, rusty remains.  joe’s conch shack There’s a reason there’s usually a line at this small, open-air conch shack between Bailey Town and Resorts World. The freshness and generous portions of the conch salad—usually handmade by Joe himself—make Joe’s Conch Shack a must-stop on any Bimini itinerary. Grab a Kalik beer—especially if you liberally apply the pepper sauce to the conch salad—and enjoy this refreshing island staple along with the harbor views.

Edith’s Pizza & Bahamian Food

Lobster pizza, using the sweet local style of Bimini bread dough for its crust, is the calling card of this island favorite on King’s Highway near Bailey Town. Pick up this distinctive pie for lunch or dinner any day of the week.

Dolphin House Museum

For 30 years, this “poem in stone” has provided a touch of whimsy and artistry in Alice Town. Local author and historian Ashley Saunders assembled this three-story museum from treasures collected on Bimini’s beaches and from recycled materials around the island. Colorful mosaics line the walls, populated by pods of dolphins like the one that first inspired Saunders’ creation. The artist himself is often on-site, providing guided tours to visitors and adding new scenes to his remarkable labor of love.

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