Nautical route is a road map to destinations traveling by boat

May 5, 2024June 17, 2024

A Day of Joy and Compassion: Cruising with Freedom Waters Foundation and 26 North Yachts

We recently had the incredible opportunity to volunteer with Freedom Waters Foundation for a day that was not just about cruising the New River but also about spreading joy and making a difference in the lives of some remarkable individuals. Joined by my company 26 North Yachts, it was a day filled with warmth, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.

Marina Bay Marina

We departed Marina Bay Marina in Fort Lauderdale where 26 North Yachts is headquartered. Four yachts donated their time and vessel, accommodating four families. While I had the privilege of being aboard the graceful Nautor Swan 43, Scott embarked on the sleek Formula 48. It was a sight to behold as our parade of boats glided down the river, a symbol of unity and shared purpose.

Cruising The New River

The journey took us by Safe Harbor Marina (LMC) and then through the residential route of the South Fork River. Our group cruised through Downtown Fort Lauderdale about 20 minutes into our cruise. Freedom Waters Foundation had organized a delightful lunch for all, providing not just nourishment for the body but also nourishment for the soul.

What truly made this day special, however, was the opportunity for the kids to take the helm and become captains of their own adventures. Despite their battles with cancer and other health issues, their spirits soared as they navigated the waters, their laughter echoing across the river.

Two Hour Magical Cruise

From Downtown Fort Lauderdale, we headed to the infamous sandbar where the New River meets the ICW. Our parade of boats circled around the sandbar and headed back to Marina Bay Marina as we had now been cruising about an hour and fifteen minutes.

Special Bond

But the magic didn’t stop there. On Scott’s boat, something beautiful blossomed. Captain Ben’s daughters struck up a friendship with the kids from Freedom Waters, proving that kindness knows no bounds and that friendships can emerge from the most unexpected places.

Thank you for your support

We are immensely grateful to Starboard Yacht Group for donating the expertise of Captain Marco and their 35′ Everglades, to Captain Mark for generously offering his time and the 28 Scout, to Captain Ben for his dedication and the 48 Formula, and to Captain Mike from 26 North Yachts for his unwavering support and the Nautor Swan 43. A big thank you to Robin of Freedom Waters Foundation for making it all come together! It’s these acts of generosity and compassion that truly make a difference in the lives of others.

As we reflect on this incredible day, we are reminded of the power of community, compassion, and the joy that comes from giving back. Our hearts are full, and our spirits uplifted, knowing that for a few precious hours, we were able to bring smiles to the faces of those who need it most. If you are looking to give back, Freedom Waters Foundation is a wonderful organization whose efforts are immeasurable. It truly was a moving day for all of us involved and we are looking forward to doing more with this amazing group.

Thank you for joining us on this journey of compassion and camaraderie. Until next time, may your sails be full, and your hearts even fuller.

As always, thank you for following our journey. Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and our YouTube channel (see link below). Follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

August 27, 2023August 27, 2023

Weekend in the Exumas

For my birthday this year, Scott and I spent the weekend in the Exumas. We flew out on Wednesday afternoon and we got upgraded to first class on American. The funny thing was that we were the only people in first class!

The flight was about 45 minutes, one of the shortest flights we have been on!

Soon I started to see the beautiful turquoise waters of the Exumas! In just 90 minutes we had landed, gone thru customs and immigration and were in our hotel room!

Sandals Resort Emerald Bay Exumas

For this visit, we stayed at the Sandals Emerald Bay Resort in Georgetown.

The resort was beautiful and upon our arrival, they drove us to our room on a golf cart and gave us a quick tour.

We had a beautiful ocean view room and we had no complaints!

The grounds were well maintained and beautiful. Over the next few days our plan was to relax by the pool, use the Hobie Cats, and go snorkeling.

About the Exumas

The Exumas, a stunning archipelago consisting of over 365 cays and islands, possess a captivating history that mirrors the Caribbean’s rich tapestry. Originally inhabited by the Lucayan people, the islands encountered European explorers during the 15th century. The Exumas became a haven for pirates and privateers during the 17th and 18th centuries, with figures like Captain Kidd leaving their mark.

The islands played a pivotal role during the American Revolutionary War, acting as a base for loyalist troops. The Exumas’ historical significance also includes their role in the salt industry and plantation economy. Today, these islands have transitioned into a paradisiacal destination celebrated for their turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and luxurious retreats, inviting travelers to relish in their natural beauty and diverse past.

The Beach at Sandals Emerald Bay Exuma

Scott and I were disappointed that we were under a red flag every day, so we were not able to use the water toys. It is hurricane season, so perhaps if we return during normal weather it won’t be so windy. We were really looking forward to taking the Hobie Cat out and trying the paddle boards.

Swimming Pigs

The following day we headed up north to Rolleville to catch our excursion boat. For most of the trip we were on a pot hole filled dirt road! Talk about bumpy!

Check in was easy and within 15 minutes of arriving, we were on the boat and headed out. We were on a double decker power cat and it was extremely comfortable.

We booked a 4 hour (half day) excursion with Exuma Water Sports. Had we booked the full day, we would have headed towards Staniel Cay and the bigger sites. This tour would take us first to the smaller pig beach, then to a blue hole, then to mile sandbar and finally to the iguanas.

The Swimming Pigs

Last year I didn’t get the chance to see the swimming pigs, except for a quick 5 min stop at night. When we arrived the pigs were anxiously awaiting for us.

The excursion company brings fresh water and food to the pigs every day, so they are well cared for.

The origin of the famous swimming pigs of the Exumas, has a somewhat murky and debated history. One popular theory suggests that sailors or settlers may have introduced pigs to the island as a potential food source, leaving them there to breed and multiply. Another story points to shipwrecks, where pigs might have swum ashore after vessels were wrecked. Some locals claim that the pigs were left by sailors who intended to return and use them as a food source but never did.

Regardless of their initial arrival, the pigs have become a beloved attraction in the Exumas. Over time, they’ve become accustomed to visitors and even learned to swim out to boats approaching the beach, expecting food. The swimming pigs have gained worldwide attention through social media and tourism promotions, making them an iconic and endearing symbol of the Exumas’ unique charm.

There was also a very friendly sting ray and it kept swimming between people’s legs.

Blue Hole

Next we headed over to a blue hole. This was only about 30′ deep and we jumped in for a snorkel.

Since it was a bit choppy, the water was a bit murky. But there were plenty of fish, especially the Jack fish. One kept trying to bite me! Watch the video to see the footage.

Mile Sand Bar

After the Blue Hole, we headed to Mile Sand Bar to relax on the beach and enjoy some cocktails. The water was absolutely gorgeous!

Trust me, the photos don’t tell the entire story. You have to see this yourself!

The water was also the perfect temperature!

The beauty about the Exumas is the water and the way it makes you feel as you cruise through the islands. In many areas, we were only in 3 or 4 feet of water!

Time to Feed the Iguanas

We then headed up past Norman’s Pond Cay to Leaf Cay, to feed the iguanas. We were also trying to outrun a major squall that luckily never got us.

They gave us kale leaves to feed the iguanas and as soon as we were on the beach, they came running! Some were fighting with each other over the kale. Again, watch our YouTube video for the footage!

It was a great excursion! I think next time it would be fun to do the entire day or rent a day boat for ourselves. The catch is, we don’t know the waters and these guys were going past and through some sketchy spots. Best to have a local take you.

Wrapping Up Our Weekend in the Exumas

This was a great 4-day trip to the Exumas. It was easy to get to, there was plenty to do at the resort and the people were all incredibly friendly. Being that we are so close, we will definitely be back.

We got to the airport about 2 hours before our flight departed. Don’t expect much. This airport is smaller than the one in Belize! There’s no restaurant or bar, but you can buy wi-fi, snacks and beer from each of the two shops. The photo below is the terminal.

As always, thank you for following our journey! Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and vlog (link below) and on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney

Cheers, Scott and Ally

August 6, 2023August 6, 2023

Pontoon Cruise Down the ICW

Last week Scott and I took a pontoon cruise down the ICW from Deerfield to Delray Beach. Overnight Boat Rentals gave us a deal on the boat for a few hours. Overnight boat rentals offer daily and weekly boat rentals, so it’s a great option for people who want to boat, but not own one. Scott had never driven a single screw or a pontoon boat, so this was a fun experience.

We picked the boat up at Sullivan Park in Deerfield Beach where they have a few public docks available. Brandon, the owner of Overnight Boat Rentals was waiting for us with the captain.

Godfrey Pontoon

Our pontoon was actually a “tri-toon” as it had three pontoons underneath it. It was 26′ in length and had plenty of room for entertaining. It had a side entrance door along with a stern and bow door for easy access.

The helm offered a very comfortable captain’s chair along with the control panel with all of the necessary electronics from Garmin. It also had a Bluetooth stereo by Fusion.

The pontoon was powered by a single Yamaha 150hp outboard. It also had a super sturdy swim ladder and a “Power-Pole” (see black pole to the right). When engaged it keeps the boat from rotating while on anchor.

There was plenty of storage throughout the boat, to help keep your accessories, like lines, fenders and the anchor tidy.

Heading up the ICW

Scott was back at the helm and happy as a clam as we headed up the ICW. Most of the route was a no wake zone, so we took our time enjoying the view. We had the boat for 3 hours, so we figured we’d head north for an hour and half and then turn around.

We did have to wait for a couple of bridges. The clearance on these was only about 7′ at high tide and with our bimini top, we knew we were too tall.

The sites along the ICW

As we arrived in Boca, we came across a large sandbar. At 12pm, it wasn’t that crowded but when we returned, it was packed!

The view never gets old, that is for sure!

Soon, we left the giant mansions and were surrounded by mangrove trees. We had hoped to see a manatee, but no luck. Perhaps the people below saw one?

I’m digging the names of these two yachts – I see a theme here! My style that’s for sure!

On our way back, it was much busier and far more crowded than when we left.

We had a great time spending the day on the water. Our only disappointment was the rude boaters who didn’t follow the “no wake zone” rules – below is a great example. It was a wash machine in the ICW!

A big thank you to Brandon at Overnight Boat Rentals! Just as the title says, they have overnight and weekly rentals available. I think Scott and I will definitely look at renting one over night and head north to explore more.

As always, thank you for following our blog and journey! Be sure to subscribe to our channel (see link below) and follow us on social media @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

April 23, 2023April 23, 2023

Sea Trial and Photo Shoot in Miami

Before I left my job at OneWater Yacht Group, I was on location for a sea trial and photo shoot in Miami for a Sunseeker Predator 65. Having never been on either (of this scale) I wasn’t sure what to expect. The first day, we hosted sea trials with Boat TV, Power & Motoryacht and Boat International. I left Fort Lauderdale at dawn and arrived by 7:30am. As I approached our yacht, (which was at the Miami Beach Marina), I realized I would need some help getting on the boat. Remember, they have fixed docks here in Florida. It’s hard to see in the photo below, but the swim platform is actually about 3′ below the dock, so my best bet was to swing my leg around to the steps.

Fisher Island

Our first stop was in front of Fisher Island where the film crew could get some great angles with a gorgeous backdrop. Fisher Island is a luxury country club and is only accessible by boat or ferry.

The weather forecast was calling for 20kn winds, so we headed out to sea to start our sea trials.

Channel Markers

Heading out to sea, you will follow the channel markers for quite a ways. You do need to be aware of other marine traffic around you as well.

Before you knew it, we were pretty far off shore.

Sunseeker Predator 65 Sea Trial

Time to put this bad boy to the test. The Predator 65 is known for its’ agile hull and IPS drives that allow just the right amount of lean to feel the thrill – I on the other hand was terrified. LOL!

Using the joystick, the yacht turns on a dime at about 30 degrees, side to side. I didn’t enjoy this part of the trip, but for those that love adrenaline, this is the yacht for you. To get a feel of how it was, be sure to watch our YouTube episode.

Photo Shoot

We spent the following two days (dawn to dusk) doing a photo shoot complete with models and a full crew. First we needed to find a great spot for a back drop and headed towards downtown Miami.

Miami does have a very impressive skyline, but it was too choppy for us to find the right scene.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Hoping that the Vizcaya Museum would be a great backdrop, we headed towards the Key Biscayne bridge towards Deering Channel.

It was extremely shallow and our draft was only 5’3″ and soon we were in 4′ waters.

Unfortunately, the museum didn’t work out as it had some kind of tent structure in front of it. Our crew decided to head south in search of another spot. Make sure you stay in the channel or have outboard engines as you will end up on the sandbar.

In search of the perfect photo shoot spot

Our crew headed south to Hurricane Harbor in hopes we would find a gorgeous estate for our photo shoot backdrop.

There were plenty of boats anchored nearby and we entered the harbor. Soon we were in very shallow waters again and we did not find that amazing estate.

Heading south towards No Name Harbor, we hoped to find the perfect spot. But it was not to be. Instead, we headed to Cape Florida to use the lighthouse as our backdrop. Going south to Cape Florida, you’ll pass “Stilt City”. These are homes people have built and stay in for weekends and vacations. Many were destroyed after the last few hurricanes. It is extremely shallow, so you can only access during high tide.

Photo Shoot Sunset in Miami

Soon the sun was setting and we only had time to capture some amazing shots of the sunset and the city. Because many of the shots were drone shots, I actually had to stay below in one of the cabins, so I wasn’t in the shot. It was definitely an interesting experience.

This “office view” certainly beat my regular desk, so I was not complaining.

As always, thank you for following our journey. Be sure to subscribe to our channel (link below) and blog to stay updated. You can also follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

February 5, 2023February 5, 2023

Taking the Water Taxi to Hollywood

Last weekend Scott and I took the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi down to Hollywood, FL. It was a pretty cool trip down the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway).

The entire trip took about 45 minutes. We picked up our first water taxi in DT Fort Lauderdale, at Los Olas (about 2 blocks from our home). Then we transferred to the Hollywood water taxi at the 17th Street stop.

Sight seeing tour

The Fort Lauderdale water taxi is a great way to see the famous sites in Fort Lauderdale. In fact, my college roommate was just here and she took it for the first time. It is a great mode of transportation, but remember that it is also a sight seeing tour, so they announce the sites along the way.

After we transferred to the Hollywood water taxi, we passed by Port Everglades. This is the largest container port in Florida and the 3rd largest cruise terminal in the world.

The super-sized cranes at the Port are the largest of their kind in the world at 175′ and valued at $13.8 million each.

Along the route, you’ll pass by mangroves and marinas. We were hoping to see some manatees, but no luck.

What to see and do in Hollywood, FL.

Once you arrive in Hollywood, you’ll walk across the street and head towards the beach. Here you will find Margaritaville Beach Resort with plenty of dining, shopping and activities.

Finally, we arrived at the Hollywood Broadwalk (yes, broadwalk, not boardwalk). This is lined with shopping, restaurants and rental stores. You could spend all day here, laying by the beach, renting a bike or shopping.

We were shocked to find this artifact! Watch the video (link below) to find out what we think it is.

So if you are looking for a fun way to explore Fort Lauderdale, the ICW and Hollywood Beach, I highly recommend the Water Taxi!

December 11, 2022December 11, 2022

Our First Time on a Cruise Ship

Scott and I decided to spend Thanksgiving weekend cruising to the Bahamas on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship. This was our first time on a major cruise ship. Back in 2019, we did take the Star Clipper ship through the Leeward Islands, but it only held 135 people. Not having cruised before, we had no idea what to expect or if we would like it. We booked a balcony room and added the unlimited beverage package.

This trip departed from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Friday at 4:30pm and headed to Nassau, Bahamas (arriving in the morning.) Ironically, that is only about a 120 nm trip, so the cruise ship must have traveled at a very slow speed through the night. The second night it traveled to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Coco Cay and then headed back to Fort Lauderdale on Sunday night, arriving at 5:30am (just in time for us to go to work).

Pre-departure Preparations

About a week before our departure, Royal Caribbean had us download their app and the app included our daily planner (by the hour), a map and shore excursions. During this time, you also select your boarding time, which starts as early as 12pm. Since this was all new to us, we decided to book the first window, so we could explore the cruise ship for a few hours before we left port.

About a month before we left, we booked two excursions including a day at Pearl Island in Nassau and the Beach Club in Coco Cay. Unfortunately two days before we left , Pearl Island was cancelled. Luckily, we found a snorkeling trip at the last minute.

The ship did not require any kind of testing and in fact, you don’t need a passport. You can use your state ID and birth certificate.

Departure Day

Port Everglades is about 20 minutes from our home, so we planned on taking Uber around 11:15am, just to give us plenty of time. Well, it’s a good thing we did. Scott entered the Royal Caribbean address on our ticket for the Uber driver and it took us to their corporate office! Soon we realized we didn’t know what terminal we were leaving from and you have to tell the guard at the gate what terminal you are traveling too. Luckily, when we told him “Liberty of the Seas”, he knew what terminal we needed. We were shocked to see that no where on our app or ticket, does it tell us what terminal.

There was a bit of a traffic jam leading to terminal 29 and finally we arrived at the ship around 11:45am. We hopped out of the Uber and instantly a porter grabbed our bags and hauled them off. God, I hope we see our luggage again! (You do have the option to carry on your own bags as well).

Going through security and customs

Scott and I followed the crowd into the welcome building (hoping we were headed the right way). If you want more details about all of this, be sure to watch our YouTube video (link below).

We’re not sure if it is normally packed with people, but when we went through security, we walked through the entire building in less than 15 minutes.

As soon as you board the cruise ship, you must go to your muster station and show the attendant that you took the safety course. After we checked off our muster station, we then headed up to the 11th deck to get our beverage package bracelets (per our app). However, when we got up there, we learned we didn’t need any bracelets.

By now it was 12:30pm and we couldn’t check into our room until 1pm, so we decided to walk around the ship and get the lay of the land.

We were also starving, but unfortunately none of the restaurants were open except a pizza by the slice restaurant. (Seemed odd to us….) There were plenty of bars that were open though. While we were enjoying a slice of pizza, the server offered us a dining package at 40% off. Confused, we asked “what is that?!”. Turns out, if you want to eat anywhere except the buffet or main dining room, you have to pay extra. Since it was 40% off, we caved in and bought it. We also made our dinner reservations (Steak Restaurant and Italian Restaurant) for the next two evenings.

Your room key is also called your “Sea Pass” . This is what you use for the drink package and it also has your main dining room table number on it. We decided we would at least eat in the main dining room our first night. While we were checking out the ship, we decided to hunt for our table.

Turns out that no one showed up for dinner with us and we had the entire table to ourselves. They serve a pre-set menu and I will say, the food must come from a kitchen far away. Don’t expect the food to be hot at all.

Finding our Room

As we walked around the ship, we were trying to figure out where the hallway was to our room. We soon realized, that they keep the doors locked to the hallway until check-in time. At 1:15pm, they made an announcement and the doors opened. Turns out, your room keys are left in a pocket on your door (strange, but okay). When we got to our room, I saw one suitcase, but not the other two. Luckily, Scott found them a ways down the hall.

Our room was bigger than I expected. Since we had only been on the Star Clipper, we didn’t know what to expect. The Star Clipper room barely had room for both of us! LOL.

Finally Leaving for Nassau, Bahamas

We were the last cruise ship to leave Port Everglades. I loved that Scott was able to take this journey with me, so he could see what my cruise to the Bahamas this summer was sort of like. The sunset was amazing and we enjoyed it until it went below the horizon.

Tune in next week, as we take you to the Bahamas and share our excursions with you. As always, thank you for following our blog. Please be sure to subscribe to both our blog and channel (see video below). You can also follow us on social media @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. Cheers, Scott and Ally

October 9, 2022October 9, 2022

Exploring Key West & Duck Key

Last month, Scott and I headed back to The Keys and stayed at Duck Key for our friend Jared’s 40th birthday. We met Jared and his family in Seattle when we owned The Wine Alley and became good friends. Our group rented houses in Duck Key near Marathon in The Keys. The trip to Duck Key took us about two and half hours, as we did not run into any traffic this time.

Since our VRBO wasn’t ready when we arrived, we decided to take our friends to Robbie’s for lunch. If you haven’t been to Robbie’s before, it’s a must see, as it is very eclectic and they have great food.

Scott and I were at Robbie’s in February 2015 when we owned The Wine Alley. There are dollar bills pinned everywhere, so back in 2015 we pinned one up. I searched and searched for our bill, but I couldn’t find it. Let us know if you find it some day!

We just got new stickers, so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to add ours.

In addition, Robbie’s is known for feeding the Tarpon. Be sure to watch our YouTube episode – this scene is hilarious. You do have to watch out for the pelican when you are handling fish.

Staying in Duck Key

Duck Key is an island on the east side of US 1 and is built much like Fort Lauderdale, with numerous canals.

The townhome that Scott and I rented was part of a large HOA on the island. We had an end unit with a southern view that was fantastic! Surprisingly, the rates were fairly affordable considering it was Labor Day Weekend.

Our backyard was also home to plenty of friendly iguanas.

That evening, our group of thirty headed to the Lazy Days restaurant for dinner. Here we enjoyed a beautiful sunset. Having had a sunset view for the past twenty years, we really do miss seeing this every night.

Exploring Key West

The last time Scott and I were in Key West (February 2015), we got a surprising warning on my phone. The weather channel had just issued a freeze warning – their first ever! Great, all we brought with us was shorts, flipflops and tank tops. We barely spent any time in Key West, because we were so cold.

Our group parked in the garage next to the Opal Key resort (where we will be staying in December) and explored the city by foot.

Key West is a very walkable city with lots to see. You can also take a trolly through the city if you didn’t want to walk. If you love museums, shopping, restaurants, bars and live music, this is your place. There is plenty to choose from.

The other cool part about this city is that they have kept all of the historical buildings (and trees) in great condition.

When we return in December, we are planning on doing this ghost tour! If you have done this tour, let us know your thoughts. Also, if there is something we should definitely check out in Key West, let us know that too.

End of US 1

Turns out our group wasn’t that interested in the museums, so we decided to check out a few bars and restaurants. First stop was the Green Parrot.

After enjoying some amazing cocktails at the Green Parrot, it was time for lunch and we headed to the infamous Sloppy Joe’s Restaurant. They have music and yep, the original Slobby Joe is on the menu!

Key West Sights

Everywhere we walked, we came across one cool sight after another. Key West is not short on things to see. Check out his Banyan Tree below!

Key West even has a clothing optional bar and no, we did not visit this one!

We spent about five hours in Key West and then headed back to Duck Key to relax before dinner. The drive from Key West to Duck Key is just over an hour, depending on traffic.

Snorkeling in Duck Key

Our group originally had reserved a 22′ Hurricane bowrider boat, but the rental company screwed up and was overbooked. Time for plan B, and luckily I found Sole’ Watersports at Hawks Cay across from our VRBO. They offer daily snorkeling trips to the reef at Coffins Patch and Grassy Key Sandbar, located about five miles southeast of Duck Key.

The boat was a tourist style pontoon boat and it had a cover for protection from the sun.

The ride was smooth, but by the time we arrived to the reef bad weather was on its’ way. Our group still jumped in to snorkel. Though we saw plenty of fish, the 3′ swells did make it a bit uncomfortable, especially for the kids. In addition, our visibility was pretty limited due to the chop in the water.

Grassy Key Sandbar

We spent about an hour snorkeling and then we headed to Grassy Key Sandbar. I wasn’t sure what to expect, as I have only been to a couple of sandbars. Let’s just say, it ended up being an epic day. The kids played, the adults imbibed and we soaked up some much needed sun.

The excursion left at 9am and we returned back to Duck Key around 1pm. We grabbed a quick lunch at Hawks Cay before getting ready for Jared’s 40th birthday party.

Visiting Duck Key

This was such a fun weekend and one we will not forget. We miss our friends and it was awesome seeing everyone. We wrapped up the three day weekend with a wonderful bbq dinner and celebration. Duck Key, we will certainly be back again!

As always, thank you for following our blog. Be sure to subscribe to our Boating Vlog on YouTube (see video below). You can also follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. Next week, we’ll take you on a tour of a 1996 Hatteras 52′, so tune in.

Cheers, Scott & Ally

September 25, 2022September 25, 2022

Cruising down the New River in Fort Lauderdale

Finally after eight days and five hundred nautical miles, I was back on the New River headed home. In our last blog, I made the journey back to Fort Lauderdale from the Bahamas. Unlike other inlets like Haulover and Boca, the Stranahan River inlet is pretty mild. This is the main inlet to Port Everglades where all of the Fort Lauderdale cruise ships are based out of.

Because we were coming back into the US we needed to clear customs. The captain of our yacht used the CBP mobile phone app to check in our crew. He took a photo of our passports and uploaded them to the platform.

The winds were pretty strong that day and I was surprised to see so many small boats out there. In fact as we were coming back, there was a mayday call on the VHF for a small capsized boat.

Water Taxi Route on the New River

Scott and I have taken the water taxi on this route a number of times. That amenity is one of the favorite things we love about living in DT Fort Lauderdale. But there’s something about riding down the river on a yacht versus a taxi. Big yachts come down the river during our walks and I always wondered what it was like to be on one. Well, now I know.

The New River is somewhat narrow and you also have to cross under a number of bridges. Typically the larger boat has the right away, but don’t’ count on every boater following that rule. Plus there are all kinds of vessels on the river including dinghys, jet skis and tiki huts that you have to watch for. Our captain was very experienced and instead of passing by the oncoming vessels, he stayed put and let them pass by us.

Venice of America

When we left for the trip, it was before dawn and it was pitch black. It was pretty cool to see everything along the New River in the daylight. Scott and I can walk to the 7^th avenue bridge, but that’s as far as we can go on foot. As the yacht crossed under the bridge, I was curious what the rest of the river looked like. Cruising down the new river, you will see everything from mansions to old homes, vacant lots, large yachts, tiki huts and fancy RV parks. They call Fort Lauderdale the Venice of America due to all of the canals.

The entire trip from Port Everglades to Roscioli Yachting Center took us about an hour and half. So if you plan on doing this, give yourself plenty of time. I never get tired of seeing yachts, so the trip was pretty cool. There are many other ways to cruise the river if you don’t own a boat. You can rent one with a captain, take the Jungle Queen, hop on the water taxi, take a gondola or rent a jet ski.

Finally we’re home

Soon we were in the industrial part of the river. We passed by Safe Harbor, which is one of the largest super yacht ship yards in Florida.

After eight days of cruising and working at the same time, I was ready to be home. Seeing Scott waiting for us at the dock was just what I needed. This was certainly an epic trip and I respect the job that these captains do. They have to work under difficult conditions and yet the passengers rarely know that.

As always, thank you for following our blog. Please subscribe and leave us your comments. You can also follow us on social media @BoatingJourney. Be sure to check out the full tour on our YouTube Channel (link below.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

September 18, 2022September 18, 2022

Cruising to Atlantis Resort on Nassau

After spending three days in Staniel Cay exploring the magical sites of Staniel Cay and the surrounding islands, my crew headed to the Atlantis Resort & Marina on Nassau. This was a 113 nm journey that took us about three and half hours cruising at about 34knots.

We entered Nassau from the southern end of the channel. Most boats do not go this way due to the shallow “bombies” (large reefs just under the water) but our captain was very experienced and knew the safe route to take.

Entering Nassau Harbor, you will find grand homes, industry and other marine vessels.

Atlantis Resort & Marina on Paradise Island

The Atlantis Resort is located on Paradise Island, which is owned and operated by the resort. Our captain called to the dockmaster before entering the marina to ensure we had a slip ready. As we cruised in a manatee swam past the yacht. (Watch our video for the footage).

The Atlantis marina is very nice with large slips for all sizes of yachts. They do have a minimum dockage of 50′. This means if you have a 30′ boat, you’re still going to pay for 50′. The marina office was located across from where we were docked and it was a longer walk than I expected.

Accommodations at Atlantis

There are four main hotels at Atlantis and I stayed in the Cove. It was located the closest to the marina and is connected to the Royal. I had a great room with a view of the ocean. When you book your reservation, you have to pre-pay for your stay and give them every guest name (you can’t change it afterwards). The cost of my room was about $486 per night. Be prepared to pay not only sales tax but a 10% VAT on top of everything too.

When you check in, you’ll get a complimentary thermal water bottle and they have water filling stations all over the resort. Looking at the map below, you can see how large of a complex the resort is.

The Marine Life & Aquarium

The following day, I took some time to explore the grounds. I headed to “The Dig” which is the aquarium. You can see all that they offer here, including swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling with the marine life.

Atlantis, Paradise island is home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, encompassing 14 lagoons, 8 million gallons of ocean water and more than 50,000 aquatic animals.

Atlantis has a team of 165 marine experts that care for, rescue and rehabilitate over 250 marine species. A portion of Atlantis’ marine interactive programs goes back to the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving sea species.

Pool Time

Later that day, I headed down to the Cove Pool to relax and read my current book, Over the Top by Adrian Flanagan.

The pool had plenty of lounge chairs with umbrellas. My only caution would be the prices of the pool bar. I kid you not, I paid $28 for a Rum Punch!

That evening I had a wonderful dinner at Olives enjoying a delicious ravioli dish.

Back to Bimini Bay

The following morning, our crew left around 9am for Bimini Bay. I managed to find a home for one of our stickers at the marina – so look for it!

We fueled up in Nassau Harbor, just outside of the marina.

As we cruised to each island, I spent most of my time up on the fly bridge or cockpit enjoying the moment and experience. Just 6 months ago, we were living in cold wet weather in the PNW.

Who would have ever imagined that I would soon be cruising the crystal clear turquoise waters in the Bahamas for my job? There is something therapeutic about being on the water with nothing else around you. I certainly didn’t take this moment for granted.

The trip to Mega Marina at Bimini took us about three hours, cruising around 27 knots. We decided to save on fuel since we were not in a hurry to get to Bimini. It’s amazing how beautiful the water is at Bimini compared to Nassau.

I don’t think cruising through the Bimini Channel will ever get old to me.

Our group stayed at Mega Marina this time, which is a bit larger and right next to the Hilton Hotel.

Finally after eight days, it was time for our crew to head back to Florida. We left around 8am hearing that bad weather was moving in. Our trip back was pleasant and smooth. I stayed on the fly bridge the entire way and reflected on the journey I had just experienced. I know I am very fortunate to be living this life and this is one of the many reasons we chose to move closer to the Caribbean.

As always, thank you for following our journey and blog. Be sure to watch our video below and subscribe to our channel. You can also follow us on social media @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. Cheers, Ally

September 11, 2022September 11, 2022

Exploring Staniel Cay in the Exumas

My (Ally) trip to Staniel Cay was one of my all-time epic trips and I’m thrilled I get to share it with all of you. Many of you have asked why I didn’t stay on the yacht at each stop. Remember, this was a work trip for me and all of our staff stayed in hotels so we could keep the yacht clean and tidy. Why you ask? Well, The Sunseeker 74 Sport Yacht that we were traveling on, is brand new and this was our opportunity to show it off to potential clients.

Our crew left Chub Cay Sunday, August 14th early in the morning and headed straight for Staniel Cay Yacht Club. This would be our longest journey at 121 nautical miles and the trip took about 5 hours.

We passed by Nassau on our way and we rarely saw any other vessels on the sea with us.

Arriving to Staniel Cay

As we approached Staniel Cay Yacht Club, we had to sit out a storm before we headed to the marina. The marina is very small and tight and without assistance from the marina it would be difficult for us to dock. Since a huge squall was moving through, we knew their crew wouldn’t come out.

Staniel Cay is a fairly large and populated island (compared to the other cays in the Exumas). The Yacht Club is owned by Makers Air and they have their own airline that services Staniel Cay. For that reason, the yacht club flies in their provisions on a daily basis. This is why you have to order your “dinner” when dining in the dining room first thing in the morning.

Staniel Cay Marina

The marina has fixed linear docks, so you better be very good at docking. In addition, a smaller yacht (say under 40′) wouldn’t do great here due to the height of the docks.

photo credit: Staniel Cay Yacht Club (not our flotilla)

Luckily, the marina office was located right at the end of the dock. Here you can buy ice and also make golf cart arrangements. By the time we arrived, they were completely out of golf carts, but I was able to have a staff member help me with my bags to my cottage.

Just across from the marina office are steps down to the water, you’ll find nurse sharks hanging out looking for snacks.

At night, the marina totally lights up and it’s an awesome scene.

Accommodations on the island

The yacht club does offer villas, but they were all sold out. I would love to come back here and stay in one. Apparently when you rent a villa, you get a Boston Whaler runabout with it. How fun!

I was able to find accommodations on VRBO at the Chamberlain Cottages. The cottages are walking distance from the marina, but if you have luggage, this is a long haul.

These are about seven cottages each have two bedrooms (some with only one bath). I was fortunate that my cottage (the swimming piggies) had a separate room and bath on the first floor, from the rest of the cottage.

Exploring the Exumas

Our group spent three nights on Staniel Cay. The first night we hosted a cocktail party for our clients at the yacht club. We really lucked out with awesome weather.

The following morning, I went on an excursion with Staniel Cay Adventures for a day of snorkeling and exploring. These guys were awesome! I highly recommend that you hire a local if you want to explore the Exumas. They know the waters, the tides and the special places to visit.

Had I known how far we were headed (45 nm) that day on a 27′ boat, I might have had second thoughts! LOL

Our first stop was the Exumas Land and Sea Park. Here they have a visitors center and a giant whale skeleton. I didn’t explore the island (I was worried about bugs), but I was told they had a number of trails throughout the island. Instead, our crew played with Seabobs before bad weather started moving our way.

Snorkeling the plane wreck at Norman’s Cay

The trip to Norman’s Cay took us about 45 minutes. It was certainly a soggy boat ride, as we got hit with a pretty bad rain storm.

As soon as I jumped in I realized the current was too strong for me (it was about 15 knots). So our guide handed me a line to hang on to while I snorkeled through the plane. Be sure to check out my YouTube video for the footage of my snorkel. It was a bit scary snorkeling around a jagged metal plane, but our guides really helped me out.

Back in the 1970’s and 80’s, Norman’s Cay was a frequent stop for drug transportation during Carlos Lehder’s drug running days with the Medellin Cartel. One story about the sunken plane is that it crashed due to the weight of the cargo on it.

Lunch & the Sea Aquarium

From the plane wreck, we headed to lunch at MacDuffs Restaurant located on the other side of Norman’s Cay. The food and service was fantastic. This is a very small restaurant, so don’t come in with a crowd, without reservations.

I was shocked by how many cicadas there were. They were so loud and they were shedding their shells on the trees.

Everywhere we went, the water was crystal clear and so incredibly beautiful. I don’t think my photos do it justice. Guess we’ll just have to come back.

After lunch, our crew took us to the Sea Aquarium. When we arrived, I was hesitant to jump in after working so hard at the plane wreck. But they assured me this would be epic.

Now I know why it’s called the “Sea Aquarium”. As soon as I jumped in, I was surrounded by hundreds of beautiful fish. Be sure to see my action footage on YouTube (link at the end of this blog).

Surprise ending to a fabulous day in the Exumas

It was almost 5:30pm when we finished snorkeling at the Sea Aquarium. I assumed we were headed back home, but instead our guides had one more surprise. With the tunes cranked, we were flying through the islands headed for a surprise. You really have to see my video footage to grasp this adventure. At one point we were in 1′ of water, as we approached a sand bar (normally covered at high tide). We all hopped off and soaked up the moment. It was such a cool experience.

Day Two in the Exumas

One thing that was on my bucket list for this trip was to swim with the famous pigs on pig island.

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Instead I went with another group and spent the day on our Sunseeker 74 Sport Yacht. I actually didn’t get in the water to play, as I had thrown my back out a few days earlier and I needed to rest up.

While we were anchored out, this old sailboat came into the bay and anchored with us. Not sure what its’ story is.

As our day ended, our crew wanted to enjoy the sunset on another sand bar. We hopped into the AB Jet Tender and the six of us headed to a sand bar across from pig beach.

It was a great ending to such an epic journey.

Surprise stop!

On our way back to the marina, our crew felt bad that I didn’t have a chance to see the pigs. Next thing I know we were at pig island at dusk for a quick hello. They are very docile at night, and we didn’t spend much time with them. Still, I was thrilled to at least say hello.

One thing to note about Staniel Cay is that the island runs off of generator. Unfortunately, we lost power every night we were there. My cottages didn’t have power during most of my stay. So on the last night, I headed to the yacht club for a quick bite, since they were on generator power. Here I met an old sailor (he was in his 80’s) and he had traveled around the world on his sailboat for most of his life. It was so cool sitting there talking to him and listening to his stories.

Time to leave for Nassau

Three days was just enough time to explore Staniel Cay. I do want to return with Scott and share my experiences with him and much more. Things I wish I would have experienced were the Thunderball Grotto, Swimming with the Sharks at Compass Cay and Iguana Island. That just gives us an excuse to come back. Another thing to note, is it is very very buggy here. The noseeums are awful and you will need a strong bug repellant during your stay.

Tune in next week, as we head to the Atlantis Resort on Nassau, a much needed break after being on a pretty secluded island.