Lucayan Archipelago Islands

We have been very fortunate to have visited most of the Caribbean Islands and look forward to returning onboard M/V Soul Mates.

The Caribbean consists of the Caribbean Sea, islands and the surrounding coasts in the Americas region. Regionally comprising southeast the Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland, east of Central America, and north of South America.

Not in the Caribbean but, thought to be amongst many travelers is Bermuda, The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos. Bermuda, located in the North Atlantic area, consists of isolated islands. A chain of islands and coral reefs Turks & Caicos is located Southeast of Florida and north of Cuba in the Atlantic Ocean.

Because of their similar island characteristics they are often associated with the Caribbean Islands. 

A part of the Lucayan Archipelago includes: The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos.

Three island groups outside of the Caribbean Sea:

Bermuda

For their rosy beaches, cricket, deep-sea fishing, golf, nature preserves, sailing, snorkeling, tennis, scuba diving, relaxation, shopping and snorkeling.

• Souvenirs to Buy: Bermuda Gold (liqueur), fish chowder, Gosling’s Bermuda (rum), rum cakes, sherry pepper sauce, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Codfish Breakfast, Codfish Cake, Fish Chowder, Fish Sandwich, Glasseye Snapper, Spiny Lobster, Rockfish, and Yellowfin Tuna.
• Local Drink to Try: Dark ‘n’ Stormy (cocktail). Royal Yacht Club (cocktail). Rum Swizzle (national).

By the Way

• Seasons are reversed from the typical Caribbean Islands.
• Visitors are not permitted to rent cars, only motor scooters. Small cars are only permitted by Residents, one per household. Therefore, their public transportation and taxis are extensive. Ferries are also a bus system supplement.
• The Bermuda Railway Trail runs the length of the Island and is perfect for pedal bikes.
• Beaches are found in bays, coves and small strips, rather than stretching for miles along the shore. Waves can be rough except where beaches are sheltered by reefs and coves.
• While Shipwrecks are plentiful, only Certified Divers can explore them via organized and guided dives.
• The Moongate, a decorative circle symbolizes unity, peace, happiness and brings “Good Luck” to couples passing through it.
• Retains British Customs: English Pubs, Afternoon Tea, and Conservative Dress.
• There are no nude beaches or semi-nude beaches. Bare feet is not acceptable.
• Local specialty: fish chowder, shark hash and sweet potato pudding.
• A culture of Native American, African, and European descent.

At Glance

• Coolest Season: December – March
• Humid & Hottest: June – August
• Peak Season: May – October
• Shoulder Season: October – Mid November

The Bahama Islands
Beautiful blue and turquoise ocean waters, casino gambling, diving, golf, fishing tournaments, island seclusion, kayaking, luxury, nightlife, rustling palms, sailing, sandy beaches, scuba diving, snorkeling and tropical sun. Most travelers visit Freeport, Grand Bahama Island and Nassau/Paradise Island, New Providence. Needless to mention, each island offers its own unique charm.

• Souvenirs to Buy: Jewelry, leather goods, linens, liquor, perfume, and woven goods. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Johnnycake (corn bread). Mollusk (sea snail).
• Local Drink to Try: Goombay Punch (soft drink). Kalik (beer). Nassau Royale (liqueur). Planter’s Punch (cocktail). Sky Juice (cocktail). Switcha (lemonade).

By the Way

• On some islands, a car rental may actually be a golf cart.​
• Freeport is the island’s city and free trade zone.
• Southern Islands are less frequently visited, drier and more desert-like.
• Junkanoo, is an annual street festival with lots of music, dance, art held on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Other popular festivities include: Pineapple Festival (Eleuthera), Crab Festival (Andros), Fishing Tournaments & Regatta (Abacos), National Out Island & Cruising Regattas (Examus) and Fishing Tournaments (Biminis).
• ​Swimming with dolphins is popular in Nassau, Grand Bahama or Bimini​.
• Beyond the major tourist islands bank services may be limited.
• It’s illegal to sunbathe nude on beaches. Only a few select resorts permit topless. 
• The Gulf Stream usually flows south to north, do not consider crossing with any northern winds. Best time for boater crossing is late Spring (April) and early Summer (June). Longer daylight crossings is from May – June. Experienced Captains recommend not crossing overnight unless your vessel 13 knots.
• Boaters can avoid overnight crossings via the Big Bend Route route.

At Glance

• Coolest Season: November – April
• Humid & Hottest: August 
• Peak Season: Late November – Mid April
• Rainy Season: May – October
• Shoulder Season: September

Turks & Caicos Islands

For their bird sanctuaries, conch, coral reefs, crystal blue waters, deep-sea fishing, golf, scuba diving, sea kayaking, relaxation, shopping, snorkeling, solitude, whale watching, and white-sand beaches.

• Souvenirs to Buy: Camera, conch pearls, electronics, fine porcelain, grass goods, jewelry, local handicrafts, native straw goods, sculptures, shells, and silk paintings.

By the Way

• Salt Cay between January – March is ideal for diving and whale watching.
• Parrot Cay & Pine Cay, features an 800 acre private resort.
• You may enjoy reading, The Turks & Caicos Guide: A Cruising Guide to the Islands by Stephen Pavlidis, World Atlas of Coral Reefs or Reef Fish Identification written by Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach.
• You could be inspired after watching, Extraordinary People (Documentary) or Bahama Passage (1941).
• The climate is hot and dry.
• “Blue Holes” are briny pools and pocked by sinkholes on the island.
• Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas.
• Avoid evening exploration.
• Does not always have a Pathologist available for autopsies, which tends to cause delays. 
• Traffic drives on the left.
• Seatbelts are mandatory.
• Has no public transportation.
• Do not purchase black coral or sea turtle goods.
• Hurricane Season is  from June – November, their encounter usually occurs towards the end of August – September.

At Glance

• Coolest Season: December – February
• Hottest: July – September 
• Peak Season: Mid December – April
• Shoulder Season: April – May