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At sea with the boys of summer
Caribbean Travel & Life Says:
Sailing aboard a crewed charter yacht can be the family vacation of a lifetime, provided you know what you're getting into. Here are a few important things to consider when planning a sea excursion for the whole clan:
* Before booking, get your kids acclimated to boating. Finding out a family member is prone to seasickness on the first day of your seven-day charter is very bad news. Though the Sea of Abaco is known for its calm waters and you never lose sight of land, the weather is changeable and can impact your onboard comfort. A little experience aboard boats -- from yachts to dinghies -- can make the kids more confident when the boat takes an extra dip or roll. If you're unable to test the waters beforehand, consider coming a few days on the yacht with several days at a nearby resort.
* Your kids should be old enough to obey and understand safety rules. This is critical for the well-being of everyone on the boat. The captain and first mate will do a thorough rundown of onboard rules and safety features. There will also be areas of the boat that will be hands-off. Though you might be itching to enjoy a family charter right bow, don't take your kids on this trip before they're ready. Leave the little ones with Grandma and make it a couples' getaway. When the kids are older, plan another charter. Believe it, you will want to do this again.
* This vacation is all about water. The whole family will be more at ease if the kids are strong, experienced swimmers. If your kids are not great swimmers, you're all better off relaxing at a beach resort somewhere and watching the kids frolic in the shin-deep surf. After they pass that swim test, book your charter.
* Pack light. This is barefoot boating adventure. Though it's a luxury yacht, it's not like a luxury resort where you have to change clothes several times a day to beach it, dine in a nice restaurant and lounge poolside. In fact, dressing up in the Abacos means putting on a fairly fresh T-short, dry shorts and flip flops -- and closet space is very limited on the boat.
* The Moorings offers bareboat and crewed sailing charters in the Abacos aboard monohulls and catamarans from 35 to 47 feet. You'll appreciate knowing that most of the boats are less than three years old, fully equipped and meticulously maintained. The Moorings' full-service travel agency will walk you through the planning process, from choosing the right boat to booking flights and local activities. Prices are from $74 per person per day based on a group of six for bareboat charters and from $215 per person per day based on a group of six for crewed charters; minimum charter time is two days. Contact: 888-952-8420; moorings.com
Where to Stay (On Dry Land)
ABACO BEACH RESORT & BOAT HARBOUR
Style: Casual Comfort by the Sea
Location: Marsh Harbour on the peaceful island of Great Abaco
Rooms: 72 oceanfront rooms, all with private terraces or balconies; four one-bedroom suites with full kitchens and pull-out sofas; six two-bedroom villas
Rates: From $240 (year-round)
Amenities: Air conditioning; marina; two pools; tennis; fitness room; water sports; dive shop; boat rental
Dining: Angler's Restaurant overlooks the marina, and a pool bar has swim-up seating.
Contact: 800-753-9259; abacobeachresort.com
BLUFF HOUSE BEACH HOUSE & YACHT CLUB
Style: Luxurious and intimate
Location: Atop the highest point on Green Turtle Cay
Rooms: 32 spacious rooms, suites, villas and cottages, all with private balconies and ocean views
Rates: From $150 in low season ($180 high)
Amenities: Air conditioning; marina; tennis; pool
Dining: The casual Jolly Roger Bar and Bistro and more formal Clubhouse
Contact: 800-745-4911; bluffhouse.com
Style: Laid-back colonial charm
Location: Overlooking the waters of Green Turtle Cay's White Sound
Rooms: 32 club rooms, waterfront rooms, villas, two-bedroom suites and one-bedroom apartments
Rates: From $170 in low season ($225 high)
Amenities: Air conditioning; marina; pool; boat rentals; golf
Dining: Traditional bar food at Turtle Pool Bar and Grill; fine Caribbean fusion cuisine at Club Restaurant
Contact: 866-528-0539; greenturtleclub.com
TREASURE CAY HOTEL RESORT & MARINA
Style: Family-friendly resort complex
Location: Adjoining a world-class beach and protected harbor on Great Abaco's Treasure Cay
Rooms: 87 standard rooms, deluxe rooms, deluxe suites, two-bedroom suites and three-bedroom suites
Rates: From $140 in low season ($160 high)
Amenities: Air conditioning; marina; tennis; pool; golf
Dining: International menus at Spinnaker Restaurant, Coco Beach Bar and Tipsy Seagull Outdoor Bar
Contact: 800-327-1584; treasurecay.comy.com
Caribbean Travel & Life is the magazine for anyone in search of the perfect tropical getaway. Each issue presents expert insider’s advice on where to find the Caribbean’s best beaches and attractions, its finest resorts and spas, liveliest beach bars and activities, and its friendliest people.
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