Active outdoor types, those seeking sunshine and serenity, will both be enamored with the tropical Bahamas islands, and the Florida Keys made all the better when your accommodation, transport, and entertainment go with you everywhere on a luxury yacht charter.
Avoid the traffic jams and set your timetable, waking up to a different white sand beach every morning. Take a look at some of the best spots to visit in 2020 and plan for 2021.
The Florida Keys
You don’t need to go far to immerse yourself in a world of wonder – the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is world-famous for its Scuba diving and snorkeling among vibrant, thriving coral reefs in the shallows. Elliott Key near Biscayne Bay is a beautiful stop for playing with the water toys followed by lunch on the beach and a hike along the scenic trails. Miami Beach is just a short cruise away for shopping, the Bass Museum, galleries, and sensational nightlife.
The Bahamas
With so many islands to choose from, the possibilities for what you see and do are almost endless: The Abacos Islands are a popular stop for many because of their incredible snorkeling and Scuba diving sites just a few meters beneath the surface. ‘The Fly Wheel’ is home to colorful yellowtail snappers and chubs that glide through the sunlit tunnels, and Reef sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles spotted in the region. ‘The Maze’ at Scotland Cay is a complex tangle of reef home to many stunning fish species that will impress visitors of all ages. Back on land, visitors can see the endangered Abacos Parrot among the pine forest within the Abacos National Park.
Another memorable sight is the pink sand beaches along the eastern side of Harbour Island, making the perfect location for a proposal or honeymoon under vibrant skies at sunset.
When it comes to modern entertainment, Nassau is at the heart of luxury shopping in the Bahamas. Paradise Island, mainly known for its casinos, and guests can indulge in some pampering with the available spa services.
Although it’s not difficult to ‘disappear off the face of the Earth’ in the Bahamas, visitors who genuinely want to get away from the modern world should head south to the Inagua Islands. Around 80,000 flamingos live on the island, along with hummingbirds, the Bahama Parrot, and many other species besides looking majestic when captured on camera.
The yacht, Wicked, is an ideal family-sized vessel with the power and speed to take you to multiple destinations among an island chain: Spend the afternoon snorkeling, fishing on the islands and cay surrounding New Providence Island. Return to Paradise Island in time for its sensational nightlife and casinos while the crew takes care of any children in your group.
The interior offers a large comfortable space suffused with natural light, where guests can admire the changing scenery or while away time in transit with a film on the widescreen TV. On the lower deck, the accommodation sleeps up to eight guests across four en-suite cabins consisting of a Master suite, a VIP stateroom, and two twin cabins ideal for two families with children.
Outside, there’s ample room for alfresco dining, and the flybridge above comes with a bar for a steady flow of refreshments throughout any social occasion. When all you want to do is stretch out in the sunshine, the flybridge and foredeck sunbeds will prove all too tempting to relax with uninterrupted views of your piece of paradise.
Whether celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to an extended break, Florida and the Bahamas offer the perfect weather and scenery to recharge and leave behind your cares.
by Trina Howes