The Bahamas can seem to be a world away from South Florida as you peer into the piercing blue and turquoise waters surrounding a near-endless provide of idyllic islands. Whereas the tri-county space offers huge water entry to expertise a plethora of ocean-related adventures, the Bahamas’ numerous ecosystem provides a singular vacation spot even for probably the most seasoned water adventurer. Fortunately for South Floridians, getting there in type and luxury is accessible on Makers Air. The air provider options the biggest collection of each day Bahamas flights to and from Fort Lauderdale Govt Airport (FXE). The plentiful choices make for an excellent weekend getaway or brief tour for a big group or couple. A current day journey to Staniel Cay on a Makers Air Cessna Grand Caravan reintroduced me to why we’re so fortunate to name the island nation our neighbor.
Though I’ve by no means flown non-public, the intimacy of the flight out of FXE was an incredible introduction. It began with an early morning rise and assembly at Makers’ non-public constitution departure lounge. With no safety and baggage strains to navigate, having fun with the pre-flight snacks and drinks on the boutique lounge with out conventional airport hassles set the tone for a soothing journey.
After a fast immigration cease in San Andros, we arrived at Staniel Cay within the Exumas for a five-hour tour of ocean-related actions. We have been rapidly whisked away with Staniel Cay Adventures on a middle console hard-top boat good for navigating across the islands. Our first cease was at Thunderball Grotto, made well-known within the James Bond film Thunderball. Snorkeling the underwater cave system overflowing with unique marine life and crystal clear water was not like something I skilled in South Florida. The fish have been plentiful and fairly giant, with a mutton snapper over two ft lengthy casually swimming amongst the snorkelers, seemingly with no care on the planet (very like the native residents).
I’d’ve been delighted with the Bahamas expertise if the Thunderball Grotto expertise was your complete itinerary for the day. Nonetheless, one of many island nation’s hottest locations was additionally included in our journey—no, not Atlantis, however a cease at Pig Seashore to work together with The Swimming Pigs of Exuma. One loud “sooooieeeee” name from our boat captain and the cute creatures swam over, figuring out what we needed to supply. Whereas not often called an impressive animal, it was arduous to not adore their pleasure and swimming ability stage within the pristine waters. Just some minutes into the feeding, it was evident how they’d turn out to be well-known on social media and morphed right into a bucket-list attraction.
One other animal encounter I completely loved was a cease at Compass Cay Marina to pet a number of the native Nurse sharks—sure, you heard that proper. The docile sharks have grown accustomed to the presence of fishermen, making them very human-friendly. They even mean you can choose them up and supply light rubs on their sandpaper-like scales. Though they don’t purr like cats, it was straightforward to inform how satisfying a stomach scratch was to those light creatures.
Because the day’s adventures continued, a cease on the bustling Staniel Cay Yacht Membership for cocktails and lunch offered a wonderful refueling. Primarily based on the advice from our pilot, the crab truffles have been large and expertly ready—the sweetness of the crab meat made for a genuinely irresistible dish that completely fits the island vibes.
All through our island-hopping Bahamas expertise, one journey at all times topped the subsequent to supply a singular and thrilling day journey. South Florida’s geographical location and the bountiful flight itineraries on Makers Air make exploring the islands the final word day or weekend deal with for us locals. With Makers Air’s 30-year legacy of providing specialised luxurious air journey providers, vacationers can now attain everything of the practically 400 islands from Fort Lauderdale. Though leaving the island chain to move again to South Florida did invoke a tinge of disappointment, I used to be buoyed by an intimate and easy airplane trip. To not point out, I had a fast immigration expertise by means of FXE, which was a breeze in comparison with what I’ve had flying into any of South Florida’s main worldwide airports. Study extra about out there bookings at Makersair.com or by calling 954.771.0330.
