Our next Bahamian stop was Great Harbour Cay in the Berry Islands, a 7-mile-long island nestled between Freeport and Nassau. We had a pretty bumpy crossing, but we made the 65-mile trip in about eight and a half hours. And, lucky us—we got a personal tour of the place from fellow boating friends Ken and Nancy on their rented UTV.
The history of Great Harbour Cay is an interesting one. Originally settled by five families, the population grew and then shrank over the years, depending on the available work. The 1940s and 50s saw a population of about 150. In 1966, a man named Lou Chesler bought the island, changed its name to Great Harbour Cay, and started a massive development project.
Great Harbour Cay doesn’t quite look the same as it did then, as we got to see first-hand. But our tour reminded us that this island is just as much of a tourist’s dream as it was then.
So what does one do in this best-kept secret of the Bahamas?
RELATED: Sailing the Gulf Stream from Florida to West End (Grand Bahama)
Visit the Old Clubhouse
In its 1960s heyday, the Old Clubhouse was a party place for the rich and famous. Notable guests at the resort include Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Jack Nicklaus, and Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack.
Today the Clubhouse lies abandoned, the ruins surprisingly still intact. Our walk through its silent halls was kind of creepy, but it was easy to imagine the glitz and glamour which drew so many celebrities to this paradise.
Walk along Shark Creek Beach
We’re fairly confident we’ve found the prettiest beach in the Bahamas: Shark Creek Beach. This stunning stretch of sugar-soft sand has been ranked in the top 25 in the world by Travel + Leisure, and we could see why. The water was shallow and so clear, it was easy to spot small sea life like starfish and crabs.
Explore Sugar Beach Caves
Another beautiful stretch of shore worth visiting is Sugar Beach. And this one has more than just sand: rocky cliffs and yawning caves dot the shoreline, big enough for you to explore. It’s best to go at low tide so you can actually go in the caves.
Catch a Big One
Whether you have your own boat or you hire a fishing boat, you’re almost guaranteed a good catch. These pristine waters offer some of the best fishing in the Bahamas; it’s even called “The Fishbowl of the Bahamas”. Boat rentals are for both full and half days.
Conquer 18 Holes
What’s better than a golf course in paradise? A golf course on raised cliffs in paradise! The Great Harbour Cay Golf Course enjoys a resort feel and a stunning view of the ocean. Golf course designer Joe Lee outdid himself with this one.
–
We loved our visit to Great Harbour Cay, especially because we got to see it with friends. The “best-kept secret” of the Bahamas is out! If you’re looking for a quiet bit of paradise with gorgeous weather, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals, this is it.
One Response