DISCOVER THE BAHAMAS: NASSAU AND BEYOND

Nassau has been the colourful gateway to the Bahamas for three centuries. It once welcomed dissenters and rum smugglers, and still retains a libertine air. Hedonists can shoot a round of Championship golf on Paradise Island, while gamblers shoot craps in the Atlantis Casino. Historians can take High Tea at Government House.

Turquoise shallows form a halo around Nassau. These sublime seas have formed the backdrop for three Bond movies, and the underwater scenes for Jaws. The island’s beaches once drew pirates from across the Caribbean. Nassau’s Pirate Museum highlights the lives of buccaneer queens Anne Bonney and Mary Read, while the Hilton was built on top of Blackbeard’s lair.

Situated just 5km east of Paradise Island, you will find a stunning private cove with a powder sand beach on the north side of Rose Island. An exceptional place to snorkel over the beautiful reefs or just swim amongst the turtles. The beach has views of neighboring Sandy Cay, Salt Cay and even a peek-a-boo view of Paradise Island.

Kayak alone through the sandy shallows of Highbourne Cay. It’s like paddling through a postcard of the Bahamas’ finest beaches. Or set off by bike or jetski from the island’s petite marina. The only animals sunbathing on Highbourne’s eight arcs of sand are sun-obsessed iguanas. Here, locals live on lobster for lunch and harvest conch by hand. Highbourne Cay also makes for perfect arena to learn to windsurf or sail. After all, the only thing you may bump into is virgin white sand.

The waters off Norman’s Cay would make Jacques Cousteau weep. Schools of mahi-mahi and angelfish and the odd turtle cavort in the blue yonder. By sail or steam, over 10km of virgin white sand lies within a 20-minute reach. Crew can organise a pirate-themed barbeque for an entire complement of guests on a deserted beach.

But in the 1980s, Norman’s Cay was still a place of piracy and vice. Colombian smugger Carlos Lehder turned the island into a private fortress and built the airstrip that remains in use today. Lehder’s life in the Bahamian sun met a sticky end and his private DC-3 airplane now makes a great snorkelling spot just offshore.

One of the northernmost islands in the Exuma land and sea park, and the first park of it's kind to equally protect both above and below the water line. Shroud Cay is separated by many miles of creeks, all navigable by small tender and kayak. Spend an afternoon making the most of the yachts water toys or take a sand art master class on the beach and create sculptures made out of sand, drift wood and shells.

Hawksbill Cay lies between Shroud Cay and Cistern Cay or “between heaven and paradise” according to one recent guest. Sunshine, snorkelling and Singapore Slings are what this uninhabited island does best. Better still, Hawksbill sits at the centre of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Divers can swim with rays, grouper and other giants of the deep.

Island landmarks speak of Hawksbill’s pirate past. Hunt for treasure at Smugglers Cove, kayak through Pirates Cut, or wander through the abandoned village on Ruins Bay. Saunter to the island’s lofty peak for a sublime 360° view.

The most famous and photographed residents of Big Major Cay? A few dozen friendly native sea pigs. The best way to discover these waters is by private yacht. Local folklore says the pigs were the survivors of a nearby pirate shipwreck, others say they were dropped off by sailors who planned to come back and roast them later.

Twin Cay is the perfect place to get up close and personal with sharks. Nurse sharks (we aren’t talking great whites) are bottom-dwelling sharks that swim in the warm shallow waters of the West Atlantic. Quite accustomed to human interaction you can swim, snorkel and capture incredible photos of these usually rather dangerous creatures. Visit Twin Cays private island to experience the epitome of paradise all to yourself.

Start your Bahamian adventure at the Albany Marina, a swift 10-minute drive from the nearby Nassau International Airport. While meeting your Captain and crew and getting situated aboard, enjoy a light lunch cruising to your first stop in the Exumas, Highbourne Cay.