A Captained Bahamian Sailing Charter

See the Sea of Abaco

Sample Cruises     SkyeLark Info     FAQ's     Abaco Info     Getting to Abaco     Land Based Accomodations

Sample Cruises

Sample a half day:  Sense the natural high of propelling yourself through the water with nothing more than the forces of nature. (This is a very good option for land-lubbers who have never sailed, and want to "put the toe in the water" before embarking on a full adventure.)

Enjoy a full day: Chart a course around (circumnavigate) Great Guana and Scotland Cays, feel the power of the wind as you "Come About", feel the presence of Captains Kidd and Blackbeard as you glide through the turquoise waters of The Sea of Abaco and the dark blue waters of the Atlantic.

Romanticize under the stars:  "The stars are never as bright, as when at sea night.  And the stars in your eyes are as bright."  This can be done as a dinner cruise, or after you have dinner ashore.

Explore the outer reaches of the Sea of Abaco, discover the charms of Green Turtle Cay or experience Little Harbour, then sleep that night "at sea".  Return to your base the following morning, or extend the voyage for multiple days.

Follow the routes of Bahamas' sailing generations among the Outer Islands from Walkers Cay to the Turks and Caicos.

SkyeLark Information

SkyeLark, a US registered vessel, is a Bristol 33.3.  She has a generator and central air conditioning.  She is licensed (#FCB-371) to operate in Bahamian waters.  Captain John holds a US Coast Guard Masters license with sailing endorsement (#960425), and a Bahamian Boat Master's License (#7672).

SkyeLark will come to you, at your cottage or hotel.  Within the Sea of Abaco there is no additional charge for SkyeLark to come to you.  Contact us to determine the exact logistics.

You are encouraged to bring your personal sunscreen, hats, and long sleeve shirts.  Foot wear is suggested (although the term "barefoot" is romantic, this a safety precaution).

A cassette player, CD player, and MP3 player are available for your personal music.

Maximum of 4 passengers.

FAQ's

Q.  How much can we participate in the sailing?

A.  Captain John's attitude is to cater to each guest's desires.  You can do as much, or as little, of the sailing as you desire.  Whether you want an intensive "learn-to-sail" experience, simply want to contemplate the universe, or some mix, you make the decision regarding your participation.

Q.  What level of instruction is available?

A.  Formal courses that will certify an individual for Bareboat Cruising are available.

Q.  Can SkyeLark be described further?

A.  SkyeLark is a Bristol 33.3 sloop rigged sailboat with a furling headsail and auxillary engine.  She also carries a storm sail and trisail.  She has a head, refrigeration, and galley.  The berths include a double berth in the V-berth, a double and single berth in the main cabin, and a single quarter-berth.  Electronics include (2) VHF radios, GPS, autopilot, radar, knot meter, wind machine, and depth sounder.  Her parts and tools inventory are more than adequate for long off-shore passages.  She has a dingy with motor for getting ashore to the numerous settlements/beaches throughout Abaco.

Creature comforts include a 4.2KW generator, central air-conditioning, and a music system that can play your favorite cassettes, CD's, and MP3 recordings.  A cell phone is available for your communication.  SkyeLark has access to multiple "hot spots" throughout Abaco for internet connections.  

Q.  Where can we go?

A.  Although SkyeLark operates primarily in the Abaco region of The Bahamas, longer trips throughout the Bahamas and to/from Florida are possible.

Q.  What are the rates?

A.  All rates are for the vessel with from 1 - 4 guests.  A half-day, evening, or dinner sail is $249, a full daytime sail is $479, and a single full day (24 hour) sail is $529.  When multiple days are chartered the rate is $479 per 24 hours.  Breakfast, happy-hour, and sunset sails are $179.  These rates include Bahamian taxes.

Q.  What is included?

A.  Lunch is included with a full daytime sail.  Lunch, breakfast, and dinner (aboard) are included with a full day (24 hour) sail. Breakfast is included with a breakfast sail, cocktails are included with a happy-hour sail or sunset sail.  Cocktails and dinner are included with a dinner sail.  Any instruction you receive during your sailing adventure is included.  

Q.  Are credit cards accepted.

A.  Yes, VISA, Master Card, and American Express are accepted for payment.  Checks are accepted if they arrive at our US office 2 weeks prior to the scheduled charter date.

Q.  Why are advance reservations required?

A.  As a condition of operating in Bahamian waters, SkyeLark and her master are licensed by The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.  This is simply a governmental regulation for all non-Bahamian vessels.

Q.  How can reservations be made?

A.  Please call 1-800-774-5321 or 1-242-375-8246 to make your reservation.

Q  Can we email Captain John?

A.  Yes, the email address is:  SeeTheSeaOfAbaco@aol.com.

Q.  How can we get to SkyeLark for our charter?

A.  If you are staying within The Sea of Abaco's region, SkyeLark will come to you.  There is no additional charge for this service.  Your origination and termination destinations can be different.  If your sailing adventure starts or ends outside the region of The Sea of Abaco, additional transportation charges may apply, but you will certainly be advised of this in advance.

Q.  Can we dive during our charter?

A.  Storage restraints prevent SCUBA diving.  Snorkeling can certainly be done.  However, if you want a full snorkeling experience, it is better to do that with a dive shop.  

Q.  Is SkyeLark available for bareboat charters?

A.  No.  There are several companies that do provide bareboats in the Abaco region.

Getting to Abaco

First of all, SkyeLark does offer excursions between Florida and The Bahamas.  This could be Abaco, or elsewhere.  This adventure involves crossing the Gulf Stream and is not always "pleasant cruising".  It can definitely be an "ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE".

If you want to fly to Abaco to experience what many consider the best sailing in the world, there are numerous options.  American, Continental, and US Airways all offer service from the US to Marsh Harbour (airport code MHH) and Treasure Cay (airport code TCB).  This list changes from time to time.  Optionally, you can fly to Fort Lauderdale (airport code FLL) on almost any carrier and then fly to Abaco with Air Sunshine, Gulfstream, or Island Express.  Surprisingly, this option is frequently less expensive than routing yourself all the way through on a single ticket.  If you elect this option, consider getting to Fort Lauderdale, staying a night, and then flying to Abaco early the next day.  This approach eliminates the pitfalls of delayed flights and missed connections.  You'll arrive in Abaco without stress and anxiety, and rested.

Another option is charter service to Abaco.  National Air Transport is such a company.

SkyeLark will meet you in Marsh Harbour or at the Treasure Cay Marina depending upon which airport you fly into.  If you want to meet SkyeLark at her normal berthing spot in Great Guana Cay, fly into Marsh Harbour, take a taxi to the Great Guana Ferry, and take Albury's ferry to Great Guana Cay.

A passport is not necessarily required, depending upon with whom and when you are interfacing with the various authorities.  However, it sure makes life a lot easier.

Land Based Accomodations

As much as we enjoy sailing, we recognize that sometimes people want solid earth under their feet.  The following are accomodations that you might wish to include during your Abaco adventure.

Elbow Cay

Cottages/Houses

Ekali Estate - Three gorgeous, waterfront properties north of White Sound and south of the village of Hopetown on the Sea of Abaco. Modern and luxuriously comfortable with every modern convenience, these properties have it all with a large 100 ft private dock. This is one of the best locations on the island.

Twin Dolphin Point - Four unique units on private family estate.  Within 3 minutes of Hopetown by boat, but with the peace and tranquility and privacy sought by so many visitors.

Rental Agents

Abaco Vacation Reservations - Reservations for Small Resorts, Inns, Condos, Villas, Luxury Estates and Island Style Cottages throughout Abaco, Bahamas 

Elbow Cay Properties - Vacation home rentals on beautiful Elbow Cay provide you with the ideal vacation experience -- all the convenience and comforts of home!

Out Island Travel & Photography - Ocean & Bayfront Homes; Dockage-Rental Boats-Sailing Charters; Discount airflights; custom Diving & Fishing; vans/cars/carts

Great Guana Cay

Cottages/Houses

Blue Coral Landing - Three Bedroom, three bathroom waterfront cottage with a dock and central AC overlooking Great Guana Cay's most popular anchorage.

Guana Ridgehouse - Brand new 4-bedroom, air-conditioned vacation home with fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Sea of Abaco, private dock, privacy, peace and quiet.

Resort

Dolphin Beach Resort - Experience all the comforts and amenities you expect from a first-class resort, but with a personal touch.  Seven very private, island-style oceanfront cottages with full kitchens, covered decks, CD players, TV/VCRs, unexpected amenities.  Four cozy tropical rooms in the Main Lodge with kitchenettes, private baths, private screened-in decks with teak steamer reclining chairs overlooking the tropical bush or the deep blue Atlantic.

Rental Agents

Abaco Vacation Reservations - Reservations for Small Resorts, Inns, Condos, Villas, Luxury Estates and Island Style Cottages throughout Abaco, Bahamas 

Out Island Travel & Photography - Ocean & Bayfront Homes; Dockage-Rental Boats-Sailing Charters; Discount airflights; custom Diving & Fishing; vans/cars/carts

Green Turtle Cay

Cottages/Houses

Coco Bay Cottages - 1 and 2 bedroom cottages on 6 acres at north end of Green Turtle Cay

Louie's Seaside Villas - Newly constructed 2 bedroom units with central AC and dock on the shore of Coco Bay.

Rental Agents

Abaco Vacation Reservations - Reservations for Small Resorts, Inns, Condos, Villas, Luxury Estates and Island Style Cottages throughout Abaco, Bahamas 

Out Island Travel & Photography - Ocean & Bayfront Homes; Dockage-Rental Boats-Sailing Charters; Discount airflights; custom Diving & Fishing; vans/cars/carts

Lubbers Quarters

Cottages/Houses

Lazy Days - Directly on the water. Fabulous views. Happy hour sunsets. Private dock. Luxury 2 bedroom, 2 baths. All amenities. Central A/C, cook’s kitchen, satellite TV, VCR, music system, wet bar with icemaker, designer furniture. Several private sundecks in tropical garden settings. Every room has a view of the water.

Moonrise for Romance - Celebrate your life as you become merged with nature on this magnificent private island in Abaco.  Serene, secluded private getaway. Ideal romantic pioneer lifestyle experience for HONEYMOONERS (first and second time), for nature lovers, for spiritual seekers, for sensual soulmates, for creative spirits and for soul renewal. Private dock and beach, wooden cottage, ecological harmony, sunrise and sunset views.

Sandy Bottoms – Directly on the water. Every room has a view of the water. Luxurious new 2 bedrooms, 2 baths. Private dock. All amenities. Central A/C, satellite TV, VCR, music system, gourmet kitchen, spacious living area, separate dining room with large wetbar. Private sundeck. Cocktail hour sunsets. This home has it all.

Summerview Cottage - Sample paradise in your own private Bahamian style cottage on Lubbers Quarter Cay. Tropical gardens, magical sea breezes and mystical charm.  Located on 7 acres of property on the water, very private, no cars and a private road leading to a secluded sandy beach on the western shore.

Villa Poincianna - Large, private house on the Sea. 2 bedrooms with A/C, upper level with breathtaking view, ice maker and lots more amenities. Private and secluded, yet close to all the local fun.

Watercolours Cottages - Two fully air-conditioned, sparkling clean, waterfront Bahamian style cottages, surrounded by a tropical setting of fruit trees and lush landscaping.  Private deep water dock foot steps from your front door.  Backup generators.

Rental Agents

Abaco Vacation Reservations - Reservations for Small Resorts, Inns, Condos, Villas, Luxury Estates and Island Style Cottages throughout Abaco, Bahamas

Out Island Travel & Photography - Ocean & Bayfront Homes; Dockage-Rental Boats-Sailing Charters; Discount airflights; custom Diving & Fishing; vans/cars/carts

Marsh Harbour

Cottages/Houses/Villas

Driftaway - Spacious, airy, 2-bedroom house near the end of Eastern Shore.  The property runs sea to sea and has a protected deep-water dock on the south side, with the Sea of Abaco on the north. The house is nestled in a lush tropical garden of colourful Hibiscus, Orchids, Bromeliads, Oleander, Palms and fruit trees.

Lofty Fig - Impeccably clean house-keeping villas, a sparkling pool and within a 5 minute walk of Marsh Harbour's best restaurants, marinas, duty free stores, art galleries, boutiques and several rather unique drinking etablishments.

Rental Agents

Abaco Vacation Reservations - Reservations for Small Resorts, Inns, Condos, Villas, Luxury Estates and Island Style Cottages throughout Abaco, Bahamas

Out Island Travel & Photography - Ocean & Bayfront Homes; Dockage-Rental Boats-Sailing Charters; Discount airflights; custom Diving & Fishing; vans/cars/carts

Treasure Cay

Cottages/Houses

2326 Royal Palm - First floor harbourside condominium with tennis courts, golf, snorkeling, bone fishing and boat rental for deep sea fishing and island hopping nearby. A beautiful swimming beach is only a few steps away. 

Mariners Cove - 1 bedroom, 1 bath on marina at Treasure Cay.

Ocean Harmony - 2 units:  Main Quarters has 2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bath, family room, fully equipped kitchen, dining room, laundry room, and patio.  Bachelor Suite has 1 bedroom, 1 bath, family room, kitchen, porch, and patio.  Just steps from the centre of Treasure Cay's world famous beach.

Seaside Treasure - A condo on the marina that sleeps 6.  Amenities include:  air conditioning, satellite TV, bicycles, sporting equipment.  In close proximity to stores, bakery, 5-star restaurant, beach, and swimming pools.

Treasure Hunt - Two Bedrooms with Queens, each with Full Bath, 1/2 Bath on 2nd Floor, Loft with Twins.  Air Conditioned, Full Kitchen, Microwave, Dishwasher, Cable TV.  Secluded, but located near the center of Treasure Cay.  Telephone, Internet Access available.

Resort

Bahama Beach Club Resort - All 2, 3 & 4 Bedroom luxury Beachfront condominiums are fully equipped including spacious kitchens, cable TV, air conditioning and telephones with data ports. You'll love our super service and swim up Tiki Bar & Grill! 18 hole Championship Golf Course, Tennis, 150 slip Marina & Scuba Center, Restaurants, Groceries and Duty Free Shops nearby.

Rental Agents

Abaco Vacation Reservations - Reservations for Small Resorts, Inns, Condos, Villas, Luxury Estates and Island Style Cottages throughout Abaco, Bahamas

Island Dreams - Rental condominiums, homes, and villas in Treasure Cay.  1 to 5 bedroom deluxe accommodations, including apartments, villas and homes for short term rental.

Out Island Travel & Photography - Ocean & Bayfront Homes; Dockage-Rental Boats-Sailing Charters; Discount airflights; custom Diving & Fishing; vans/cars/carts