Morning Splendor on a Bahamas Mega Yacht Charter

On my first Bahamas Mega Yacht Charter, I woke up just after dawn with the sun making dapples on my half-open blinds.  Not known for being fast on the rise and shine, I'd left them open on purpose, hoping to catch some photos with the early morning light.  We'd arrived at Shroud Cay in the Exumas after the sun had set, and I was eager to get my bearings - to see what glorious scenery might be surrounding us. From my large cabin ports, the water already shimmered a kaleidoscope of blue, indigo, sapphire, and tourmaline.  Ahhhh - those famous Bahamas waters - so shallow that the colors are like nowhere else in the world. I remember the first time that I sailed into Georgetown on Great Exuma in the early 1990s.  After spending many years of running BVI charter yachts, I expected the Bahamas to be much more developed and busier than the Virgin Islands.  After all, they are so much closer to the U.S.  But to this day, the Exumas are still sleepy, secluded, and serene.  Off the beaten track islands, or as my captain liked to say, "Off the grid." So, camera in hand, I tiptoe to the bridge deck, following the scent of brewed coffee.  A platter of tropical fruits and spring berries along with freshly baked muffins are already laid out next to cereals, granola, and yogurts.  The dining table on the aft bridge deck is set with what I will learn is a unique table setting for each meal.  This morning's table shines with oranges and yellows and a centerpiece of driftwood and shells.  I pour my cup of Joe and head for the view. A low-lying deserted island with a sugar sand beach and a scattering of palms. Not another yacht in sight.  It looked like it was going to be up to us to make some footprints in that sand.  Four deep purple wave runners floated off the transom of At Last, a 145' Heeson charter motor yacht, that was my floating home for the next five days.  With only a 5 1/2 draft, the captain was able to park us right off the beach... an uncommon feat for a  Bahamas mega yacht charter of her size and a distinct advantage. After the chef's special breakfast entree and an enthusiastic overview of our activity choices for the day, we mustered on the aft deck where our crew had handled all of the "getting ready" for us - a cooler of cold drinks, sunscreen for our faces, life vests, towels, dry bags for our cameras, and lots of laughter and good cheer.  They'd already outfitted us with hats and rash guard shirts as part of our lovely Welcome Aboard gifts.  With a crew of seven anticipating our needs before we did, I easily settled into being carefree and letting go of the details... knowing they had me covered.  Being a yacht charter guest is like taking a vacation from yourself. If you're a take-charge person like myself, it's delightful to just let someone else make the decisions. True confession # 1. I really don't like wave runners.  Too noisy. I'm a kayak kind of gal where the only noise is the paddle lapping the water.  The last time I was on a jetski was when you had to stand up and hold the handlebars and your thighs ached for days.  (OK, okay, I'm showing my age although those stand-ups are making a comeback). So I guess I could say I had never been on a wave runner.  Now how can I be a yacht charter broker for Bahamas mega yacht charters if I have never been on a wave runner?  It's not high on my bucket list, but I'm always game to try new things. True confession # 2: I had a blast.  After a short demo and safety briefing, we were off on an "idle speed" tour of a shallow tidal mangrove creek which is a  nursery for conch, lobster, sea turtles, birds and many varieties of fish. We emerged on the windward side of the island with jitterbug waves, and our leader of the pack (that would be our fearless captain and his six female charter guests) decided it was time to rock and roll and show us the stuff that wave runners can do.  Torrents of salt water shoveled over us as we whooped and hollered on our circumnavigation of the island which ended at that sugar sand beach where we did make our footprints in the sand, hiking to the top of the hill (there aren't many in the Bahamas) for some panoramic views. By now, the other four mega yacht charter boats that were cruising with us had come around from the other side of the island and dropped anchor near us.  What a great way to visit friends on other yachts.  You just nose the wave runner alongside their swim platform. Their crew is standing by to keep you from crashing into the yacht and to hand you a towel as you climb off and head for the Bloody Mary that's being offered.  Oh yes, please.  Extra spicy! And there you have it - another typical Bahamas mega yacht charter morning in paradise.  Stay tuned for my typical afternoon which includes swimming with the nurse sharks. Exumas Photos and Bahamas Mega Yacht Charter Itinerary