Highborne Cay, the northernmost island in the Exuma chain, is reviewed by boaters as a beautiful spot with nice amenities, but expensive.

Marinas charge by the boat length. We have been staying for anywhere from $36-72 per night ($1-2 per foot).
Here it’s $99 per night.

Pretty cheap when you consider we are on the water with a 2-minute walk to a harbor beach, a 5-minute bike ride to the ocean beach, free bikes, free kayaks, access to golf carts and laundry/showers, a wonderful grocery store and beautiful little cabanas for cocktails.

Not too shabby.

Sharks come to the fish cleaning station hoping for handouts. Apparently they didn’t realize the restaurant was closed on Monday.

We chose to come into the marina for a few nights due to windy conditions and chop forecast. It was not a hard decision. We have had some busy and challenging days and this is really our first chance to relax and put our toes in the sand.

Speaking of toes, I had the misfortune of cutting mine on a hidden rock as we walked on the beach so I am hobbling around a bit. Ed on the other hand is doing his usual energetic activities.

He rode one of the free cruiser bikes yesterday and challenged some native kids to a race up the hill (he kicked their butts). Then he went to what’s called the Crows Nest at the top of the hill, which is outfitted with Cross Fit type gym equipment. Gracie you should be here!

Then Ed came back and cleaned the hulls of the boat before joining me at the waterfront cabana for sunset cocktails.

All I did was read a book and nurse my toes all afternoon. But I really didn’t feel bad about it.

The charter yachts here come and go, amazing 75-100 foot beasts towing little runabout power boats behind them. Their crews, called “yachties” are friendly young people who maintain the ship and serve the passengers in return for beautiful destinations and hopes of generous tips.

Not a bad life if you’re in your twenties.

I bet they have boat challenges from time to time too?

Naaaahh.

We are staying here in Paradise through Christmas, after which the winds are forecast to turn so we can sail down the chain further.