Research would probably show that the chain of islands known as the Exumas is the most popular destination for folks on a boat, further confirmed by the discussions we’ve had with various cruisers. Common theme, “the blue water.” Given its proximity to Nassau (remember pirates’ backyard and the world’s first Land & Sea Park), it’s just, “the” place to go. Heck, saw this very line on at least three websites “Highbourne Cay is known world-wide as the gateway to the ultimate ephemeral islands, The Exuma Cays.” And its only 35 miles away. Here’s the thing, look at the map, Highbourne is the “check mark’ shaped Cay at the bottom. How about those above it?
Remember we are the red arrow and all those little “plus sign squares”, those denote coral heads, lots of them. There is no longer a beacon on Beacon Cay.
So, as you can see, we decided to stop at Ship Channel Cay. Sorry, couldn’t find a history and the channel is not big enough for ships. Who knows from whence the name came? It’s just one of those islands that most folks cruise on past. We’re glad we stopped. The fishing was fun, despite the still sporty Exuma sound on the other side. What did Susie do while Todd went to try, yes, try once again to catch a fish? You guessed it!
It was really satisfying to actually enjoy an anchorage essentially alone (friends on Simplicity notwithstanding). Okay, we did feast aboard Simplicity on the fish that Dave caught, amazingly fresh! But honestly it was glorious to bask in multi-sapphire water, to snorkel around and explore, and to not hear roosters! Ha! Hopefully, you caught our drift. And of course, a beautiful sunset.
And here is proof of the nickname we have bestowed on this group of islands, truly “Flyover Cays!”
Our Travels 