Elizabeth Harbour: The Bahamas’ Most Perfect Spot

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The thing about the Bahamas is that it’s a short, extremely affordable jaunt from the mainland US—a mere hour if you’re in Atlanta, a couple if you’re up in New England. So how people can go back to the beaches of say, Florida, after experiencing this sort of paradise is beyond me when it’s essentially the same distance and expense (if not cheaper).

You don’t find pristine snow-white sands, a mix of translucent blue and emerald green water warm enough to bathe in, coral beds teeming with such diverse life around every corner anywhere on the Eastern Seaboard.

Exumas, Bahamas | Camels & Chocolate

I went out on a boat tour with Captain Steve, friend to the A-list, on my final day in the Exumas.

Exumas, Bahamas | Camels & Chocolate

Besides being about the nicest boat guy known to man, the Cap’n also had the taxing chore of ferrying the Pirates of the Caribbean crew to and from the set while they were in the area filming. So if the fact that he resides in such a heavenly place doesn’t make you jealous enough, seeing him in a photo with Jack Sparrow’s arm slung over his shoulder surely will.

Exumas, Bahamas | Camels & Chocolate

The Cap’n deposited us directly in the middle of the ocean in Elizabeth Harbour. It was low tide, so there were sandbars galore upon which to frolic.

Exumas, Bahamas | Camels & Chocolate

I don’t know about you, but I find sandbars mesmerizing. Maybe it’s because you know that no one else will ever be on this exact formation where you currently stand, as the moment the tide comes in, the sand will shift and be buried beneath the ocean once more.

Exumas, Bahamas | Camels & Chocolate

Patches of the bay were ripe with starfish just like elsewhere in the Exumas, but this time I stuck to playing with the sand dollars. Enough things had already gone on early in the trip, and I didn’t want to end my time in the Bahamas with a trip to the hospital to cap it all off.

Exumas, Bahamas | Camels & Chocolate

Angie, being both a friend and blog reader, knew what such an isolated stretch of sand meant without me even having to ask her…

Exumas, Bahamas | Camels & Chocolate

HANG TIME!

Exumas, Bahamas | Camels & Chocolate

It was probably my most challenging jumping shoot to date, given the soggy nature of the sandBAR—meaning it was under water just moments before we arrived and we sank quicker than we could give Michael Jordan a run for his money—but I think we got some real gems. Outtakes, too.

Exumas, Bahamas | Camels & Chocolate

After we were sufficiently tired from trekking through the water-logged sand, we went for a snorkel before continuing across the bay to Chat ‘n Chill on Stocking Island for some mid-afternoon grub and libations.

Exumas, Bahamas | Camels & Chocolate

For everyone else, this meant one last chance at lobster and conch. I, on the other hand, was seafooded out and tried to order the hot dog. (Hey, I’m only human. For a non-shellfish eater, I had enough crab, lobster, mussels, scallops and conch in that one week alone to last me a lifetime!)

Exumas, Bahamas | Camels & Chocolate

But the owner, KB would have none of it! It was the chicken or nothing, he said. So I had the chicken. (The man is a force to be reckoned with; I wasn’t about to cross him.)

Exumas, Bahamas | Camels & Chocolate

And some sort of electric blue Bahamian concoction, heavy on the rum, light on the mixture.

Exumas, Bahamas | Camels & Chocolate

A bit more light-headed than when we arrived, we sped back to George Town in time to hop up the road to Sandals Emerald Bay for a nice, relaxing sports massage as the winds picked up, the thick, gray clouds rolled in and the sky began to rumble.

Exumas in the Bahamas
Exumas in the Bahamas
COMMENTS
  • October 22, 2010

    I absolutely love the last picture of you reflected in his sunglasses.

  • October 22, 2010

    Yes: that frock is a definite winner. Especially for sand bars in island paradise.

  • October 22, 2010

    That water is stunning. I would like to just move onto that beach, bookshelves and all.

  • October 22, 2010

    That blue stuff looks like this drink we used to have in college that we called bleach. Very effective but worst hangovers ever.

  • October 22, 2010

    This is my favorite post ever! And not just because I’m in it…. you took some amazing photos!

  • October 22, 2010

    I love this set even more than I usually love Photo Fridays. Adding Bahamas to my list of places to go before I get old and wrinkly.

  • October 22, 2010

    Great stuff Kristin! Your photos just made me weak in the knees and I just got a strong craving for a conch burger! That sand bar was a magic place. I totally agree that you can’t help but walk around on it and feel completely in awe of your surroundings.

    What, no pointing pictures!? 🙂

    Cheers!

  • October 22, 2010

    That first photo took my breath away – honestly, my husband and I were planning a trip to Mexico, but I might change that soley based upon the photos in this post – amazing!!! Thank you for sharing!

  • October 22, 2010

    Wow – what beautiful pictures! Elizabeth Harbour just jumped to the top of my list!!

  • October 22, 2010
    troutfly

    We love the Bahamas…the Exumas are very special to us especially Staniel Cay…leaving in a month for Green Turtle Cay…love the pics!

  • October 22, 2010

    Gorgeous pictures! I think I need to do more jumping around, too.

  • October 22, 2010

    Lovely pictures! I’m craving a tropical holiday about now.

  • October 22, 2010

    Wow! The water is SO clear – how inviting! Love the jumping shots too, looks like great fun.

  • October 22, 2010

    I’ve actually never been to an island in the Caribbean. I’ve been in Caribbean waters thanks to trips to Colombia and Belize, but that’s it. Now that we live in NC, I think I better get on it. A short trip to the Bahamas this winter when I can’t stand the cold for one more second sounds exactly like what I need.

  • October 23, 2010

    These pics are insane and make me want to desperately return to my 2nd home. The jumping pics should be framed. Hi from Buenos Aires!!!

  • October 24, 2010

    I love the patterns on the sand!

  • October 24, 2010

    we need to go there. NOW. what incredible photos!! thanks for the inspiration!

  • October 25, 2010

    the photos you took are awesome, it looks like you had a lot of fun. i am planning to go to Elizabeth Harbour, Bahamas soon i hope its as great as you put it

  • October 25, 2010

    That’s it. You actually made me want to vacation in a tropical place. Don’t tell.

  • August 9, 2013

    Great blog and article! Thanks so much for sharing the amazing pictures too! looks a great time was had by all and the Bahamas is always beautiful no matter what island you visit! Thanks gain for the post and can’t wait to see more.

  • March 26, 2016

    Great photos. I was just in the Bahamas last month and these pics make me want to return asap. I didn’t make it to Elizabeth Harbour, but it looks pretty. We looked for starfish and sand dollars with no luck. We did see some snails and sea urchins though. Better luck next time I guess. Nice post.

    • March 26, 2016

      Thanks, Chad! Elizabeth Harbour is definitely worth the trek if you find yourself in the Exumas again.

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