DavefromCA

OK,

We're one week away from our trip to the Bahamas. We've made a short list of things we *may* want to do while there. We're staying on Long Island for a week and Exuma for a week. My wife heard about the swimming pigs...so, we're wondering how much of a pain would it be to go from Georgetown to Big Major Cay. I'm thinking that while it may not be impossible, it may be quite improbable.

Thanks.

blamona

It is kinda hard, and expensive. There is a boat rental day trip that goes up the cays, but they have a minimum amount of people they need to do it (or pay for the "missing
People. there was a company called g sea adventures, but I can't open the sight, i wonder if they are still in business.

You could also try to charter a plane, fly to Staniel Cay, and rent a boat from Staniel Cay to Major Cay.

Also, tried to locate Captain Lewless, he usually eats breakfast at Beach Club Peace and Plenty. He usually takes people down the cays to Long island, but he may be able to help you.

Post on Tripadvisor.com--there is an Exumas expert there.

Overall, it is hard to do all of the Exumas. If you have a layover in Nassau, there are power boats that do day trips to the Northern Exumas, you'd have better luck with that.

You could also check around the marinas at Grand Isle and february Point, but again, be prepared to pay!

Major cay is much easier reached by Staniel Cay--and from Staniel to Georgetwon, sometimes requires either backtracking to Nassau or Ft. Lauderdale.

How are you getting from Long Island to Exumas?

DavefromCA

Blamona,

Thanks for the input. I'm hoping that one of the charter boats will run us up there. We won't try to do all of the Exumas...too much work!

We are chartering a plane through Stella Maris Air Service. It really was the only way without having to backtrack through Nassau. We'd much rather spend a little more and have a more relaxed trip!

blamona

Charter boats don't really run up there. I priced it about 4 years ago, because I really wanted to swim with the pigs! 4 years ago, the cheapest way to get there was around $1500, and was going to be a full day.

The only charter boats would be from Staniel Cay, even then, from there your better off renting your own boat.

Call Starfish Excursions, they have boats you can rent. To give you an idea though, We rented a boat for 1/2 a day to explore the close to Georgetown cays, it was around $400 (before gas prices soared) If you do anything, go for this, the beaches on those cays are amazing. Do not miss Moriah Cay, the water is stunning.

Also on Sundays, do not miss the pig roast at Chat N Chill, it's a blast.

bellaboo

u swim with the piggies...then eat 'em. lol awwww.....

caribtraveler

I hate to be negative but I really don't think it's worth the time and the cost. They're just pigs. It's fine if you're staying nearby. We were there for probably no more than 15 minutes. They come out to see if you have any food and that's it. We were also told that depending on the time of the day, they may not even come out. Only 2 came out when we stopped by.

Bellaboo: lol

ishkribbl

I agree with caribtraveler- if I were going to spend that amount of money it would be to experience more of the sheer beauty of the Exumas- not just for the pigs. We stayed in Staniel Cay for a week in June and went every day (late afternoon) to feed the pigs because my husband got such a kick out of it and we were there in a boat anyway. While it was certainly a novelty and fun because we were 5 minutes away I did not want to get in the water with them- a friend had one step on her foot when she did so she did not recommend it. The Exumas are gorgeous and I have read TA posts from people who did take the day boat trip to explore more of the northern Exumas but the pigs were just one small stop on the way.
Have a great trip- where are you staying on Long Island- gorgeous place- we stayed in a house on the Stella Maris property a few years ago and loved the island.

DavefromCA

Thanks for all the input. And in no way are your replies negative, just helpful from people who've "been there, tried that". I'm sure we will take a couple of boat charters to check out other cays, but just closer to "home".

We're staying at Cape Santa Maria for a week and Palm Bay Beach Club the second week. We are ready to go!

mnag

Dave, I am so jealous. You will have a blast. The beach at CSM is simply amazing. Pls post a trip report when you are back.

blamona

DavefromCA: I have a photography book in a contest and need votes. If you vote for it, you can view some of my pictures of Exumas in it, it will get you excited for your upcoming trip. I need all the votes I can get, would you?

mnag: will you vote for it too?

PS you'll have a terrific trip. Long Island is high on my list, and the water of the Exumas is some of the prettiest in the world.

Thanks!

http://www.blurb.com/photo-book-cont...ew_book/902023

DavefromCA

Blamona,

#124!

TR will be posted after I get back and re-compress.

caribtraveler

Have a great time. Long Island and Cape Santa Maria are high up on our list. Hopefully next year.