After leaving George Town, our plan is to spend time exploring all the other cracks and crevasses, water and sand bars, that make up the Exuma. Exuma Islands are a district of the Bahamas, consisting of over 365 islands, referred to as Cays. This area is 130 mile long island chain, extending from New Providence (Nassau) to Great Exuma Island (George Town).
The capital and largest city is George Town located on Great Exuma Island. Looking at an arial view, it is a sliver of land mass surrounded by every shade of blue, crystal clear water. Many of the islands are privately owned by the rich and famous: Johnny Depp, Tyler Perry, Faith Hill & Tim Mc Graw. There are no franchise restaurants, brand names, big buildings any where in the Exuma. If fact, the only stores are tiny, very tiny grocery/variety stores. The stores operate on “island time” and the shelves are stocked when the ‘mail boat’ delivers goods, so more often than not the shelves are bare or closed. Personally, we love shopping for the few things we need in these local markets. I would be fine never stepping foot in a big box store again. On the other hand, we count our lucky star that we have not needed anything yet, whether it be medical attention, a boat part or a must have supply.
Our next stop is Black Point about 50 Nautical Miles north of George Town. Black Point is on Great Guana Cay and after talking to a local learned that it is a newly established settlement. Thirty years ago, they did not have running water or electricity on the island. Black Point was small but gave quite a surprise being very clean! The “town’ consists of a cluster of retail offerings (2 small grocery stores and 3 restaurants) along a single street. We ate at both Lorraine’s and the Black Point Yacht Club which have been newly rebuilt and provide a comfortable place for a cocktail and dinner. Cruisers seem to be drawn to Lorraine’s and was jam packed during Happy Hour. Live music was provided by a boater and everyone went around and introduced themselves and quick review of travel routes. The second night was Karaoke and a group for MA belted out Sweet Carolina. Our loose plans had us staying a few days here but we saw most of it in 24 hours and did all our laundry!
Two huge positives for Black Point is the numerous dinghy docks and laundry. Although they are quite tall with straight ladders, going ashore is quite easy. Truth be told, Tracy’s fall from the ladder was graceful and thank goodness she landed on her back — in the dingy. The rumors are all true! Black Point has the BEST laundry! We packed multi bags with dirty skivvies, towels, lines and a few articles of clothing, dinghied over to the laundry dock and got it all done, quickly, The laundry mat is also a convivence store and they make BBQ Chicken and rice for lunch.
We walked the island to explore but not a lot to see. The other side of the island has a blow hole and we hit it at high tide so, got to see to blow. Not huge but still a bit interesting landscape.
Segment Stats
- George Town, BS to Black Point Settlement, BS
- Thursday, February 29, 2024
- Cruising Time: 6 hours 53 minutes
- 50.1 Nautical Miles
- Weather: Temperatures low 80’s sunny, Winds: N 12-18 mph
- Route: Exuma Sound – Seas 3-4 feet, Farmers Island Cut – against the wind and current rough, Bahama Bank – beautiful, no wind sable seas.