With a nod to the affirmative, snorkellers zipped tight into wetsuits are ready to slip into the sea in search of the Lost City of Atlantis.
Images: Top 10 Bahamas beaches
Images: Top Caribbean beaches
Moments before, aboard a gently rocking boat, tour owner Bill Keefe provides the lowdown on The Bimini Road believed by some to be remnants of Plato’s famed lost civilization. Keefe tells a fascinating tale of predictions, calculations and personal discovery.
Peering through a face mask, the “road” of rectangular stones lies in 4.5 metres of water a mile offshore of North Bimini, looks to be in the formation of a road or wall.
Since the 1970s when a prediction made by American psychic Edgar Cayce in the 1930s appeared to be realized, the site has been explored by thousands of divers, scientists and TV crews.
From the mysterious underwater road we next snorkelled a colourful coral reef, abundant with the wonders of the Caribbean. The chance company of a pod of wild dolphins including a mother and baby rounded out a perfect voyage with Bimini Undersea Adventures.
We took the boat tour directly from Bimini Bay Resort and Marina — itself just a 30-minute plane ride from Fort Lauderdale.
The luxury resort on North Bimini features pretty pastel-coloured condominiums and estate vacation home rentals. Choose from one, two and three bedroom suites — all with “beachy chic” decor.
The largest marina in the Bahamas is on site as well as high-end restaurants and a breathtaking infinity pool.
Hammock and hot tub haven
Gilligan’s Island in colour. That’s the lingering impression I have of Small Hope Bay Lodge, home to just 21 rooms, each approached by a sandy palm-treed path from the beach.
It’s a path I walked alone after emerging from a relaxing beach-side hot tub after dark. No worries.
With a mission statement that includes “To help guests rejuvenate their bodies with good food and sound sleep and gentle recreation,” expect nothing less.
Bare feet, serve-yourself bars with posted recipes, and an honor-system gift shop round out the picture.
The lodge built with coral rock and pine, has operated on Andros island under the philosophy since Canadian Dick Birch opened it 50 years ago.
His son, Jeff describes the quiet vacation spot as “the thinking man’s resort.” To that end, the superb meals are served buffet style with communal seating to encourage conversation among the guests and staff.
The Finnish ambassador to the Caribbean, Mikko Pyhala and his wife, Pia joined us for an evening meal. A keen birder, Pyhala told me he was seeking the Bahamian mockingbird. Mission accomplished the next morning.
Beyond its quiet shores, the lodge offers a range of diving, snorkelling and fishing excursions. A tour of the big island’s Androsia Batik Factory and outlet store is just three miles from the resort.
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