Sail Away To The Bahamas
Sun and surf and the feel of the wind on your face. Sailing over aquamarine water between lush tropical islands. Is that your daydream? Well, stop dreaming. Grab your swimsuits and your dog's floatation vest and take your beach-loving pooch to the Bahamas.
The Bahamas draw our family back like honeybees to fragrant orange blossoms. Less than sixty miles off the coast of Florida, the Bahama Islands stretch from the Abacos group in the north to the far-out islands of the Exumas in the south. Along this chain of low cays, great sailing conditions are provided courtesy of the northeasterly trade winds. The white sand beaches and sparkling clear water complete the aura of paradise.
Lobster caught fresh from the sea. Exotic drinks topped with tiny umbrellas. Crashing surf on the windward side of Great Guana Cay. Snorkeling over rainbow-colored reefs inhabited by wide-eyes angelfish and patrolling yellow-tailed damselfish. These are the things my husband and I love about the Bahamas.
Barking at the playful waves. Romping in foamy surf. Running free on the miles of beaches. Standing in the bow of the boat with his fur blown back from his face and his long nose sampling the breezes. These are some of the things our canine companion loves.
The Bahamas are a great place to sail and all Abaco public beaches allow dogs. If you don't own a boat, or don't want to take your own, you can charter a boat in Hope Town from Sail Abaco. It's one of the few outfits that will consider allowing your smallish, well-trained dog to accompany your charter. NAVTOURS permits pets on two Bahamas sailing yachts whose captains have boat-dogs.
The sailing is protected. There is always a dog-friendly beach nearby for those necessary morning and evening walks. A swim to shore is wonderful exercise any time of day.
The procedures for taking your dog with you are simple. Before arriving in the Bahamas, you'll need an import permit. Request the permit application several weeks before you plan to travel. Bahamians don't choose to live at the same harried pace as their American neighbors. (Isn't that why we want to go there?) Regular mail moves s-l-o-w-l-y, so request the application from the Agriculture Dept. by phone, send it back with $15US, and specify you want the permit faxed to ($4 extra).
Within 24 hours of your departure, take your canine traveler to your vet to get an international health certificate. In both winter and summer, be sure to check airline regulations about temperature restrictions.
If you're chartering a boat, Marsh Harbor is the hub of the Abacos and your flight destination. Small ferries shuttle passengers from Marsh Harbor to the outer islands. A taxi can take you to the ferry dock for the crossing to Hope Town.
Hope Town is a quaint village of tiny coral pink, buttercup yellow and sky blue houses that will captivate you. While you're there, take your camera and climb to the top of the working lighthouse for a panoramic view of the Bay of Abaco and the Atlantic Ocean. Dogs are allowed, but the steep, circular staircase could be tricky for four paws.
At the southern end of the Abacos, Little Harbor, home of Pete's Pub, is a sand-fringed, almost circular anchorage. A well-known artist's studio sells handcrafted bronze sculptures and jewelry. Take your dog and hike up to the cliffs or fish the mysterious blue-holes.
After Little Harbor, you could sail to Great Guana Cay, anchoring at the settlement or at Baker's Bay. The motto of the residents is "It's Gooder in Guana." Once you've experienced their beaches, restaurants, and snorkeling, you'll definitely agree.
If you have time, sail north of Whale Cay to Green Turtle Cay. Pick an anchorage in White or Black Sounds and stroll the narrow streets of New Plymouth. Small weathered houses and shops, with windows and doors framed by matching shutters, cluster next to the neat streets and walks. Mouthwatering, fresh-from-the-oven bread is sold at the market. Later, go shelling or play fetch on the beach.
No matter where you wander in the Abacos, don't forget to bring your dog's favorite foods and treats in quantities sufficient for your stay. The brand he prefers might not be available in Marsh Harbor supermarkets. (If it is, it's imported from the U.S. and expensive.) Bring a Frisbee or ball for the beach. When walking in the islands' small towns, keep your dog leashed. On warm days, remember to take rest stops in the shade and bring liquid refreshment. Watch your pet doesn't step on spiny sea urchins in the water or cacti ashore. In an emergency, veterinary care is available in Marsh Harbor.
Some of our fondest memories of the Bahamas are those in which we shared surfside walks at sunset or beachcombing on windswept shores with our dog. Dream no longer; you can sail the Bahamas and take your dog, too.