Our "Secret" Spots: Best Secluded Anchorages in the Exumas

[@12B4Christ]

Ok you two: This is award winning in my opinion. Just EXCELLENT in every single way! This is the best visually, informational, stimulating island video of ALL on youtube! (ok that I've seen at least!). You should be especially proud of this one - and I'm certain it took a great deal of time to edit. All of your videos are great, but this takes the cake! Love your calming character on top of the vibe of the surroundings. You are blessed and thank you for sharing your blessings.

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you very much for the kind words! Very encouraging!

[@seagirl1100]

12B4Christ I agree! Audio is exceptional also! And forgot to mention the drone footage is incredible!

[@donb4386]

I have to agree. Very much a professional production.

[@hthring]

A1

[@guidedmeditation2396]

This video is like a drug for me. I feel dizzy and lethargic it is so awesome. I love all the white sand secluded anchorages and beaches and yet the proximity to amenities when you need them.

[@SV-DEDICATED]

Great video. I'm using this to "Get Her On Board".

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Roger, that's awesome. Hope we see you out there soon.

[@michynature]

Lol did it work?

[@thebear6529]

Lol, good luck.

[@geoffgelow4241]

This has to be one of my favorite videos in a long time. I am going to keep it for future reference.

[@TheOKellys]

Awesome. Makes me feel so good to hear that. Thanks Geoff.

[@PhilipKlawitter]

Thank you so much for this video. We have watched it countless times to refresh our memory about the spots in the Exumas. Just as you say, it never gets old. For years, we have visited at least twice every year, and there are always new places to explore. Without exaggeration, this video is the best information about the area on all of KZbin.

[@TheOKellys]

Hey thanks! Enjoy paradise!

[@TheJOberg83]

Awwwww SUGAR! She looks so sweet and happy in the Exumas! She is my favorite Sailor of all the youtube sailing channels!

[@TheOKellys]

Aww thanks Jeremy. Hoping she makes it down there for another trip. Thanks so much for the kind note

[@jimcahill6330]

Great video, guys. I especially love that closing shot. Well done.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Jim!

[@MikeSmith-ek6mc]

What a place to hang out I can see why people would keep going back. Stunning

[@clifflong1203]

At 7:45 you are anchored on the north end of Dennis Cay! Dad bought that island in 1962 and spent all my summers there beginning in 1967😎 It was ALL pristine back then! Great video Nick!👌

[@TheOKellys]

What an awesome spot. How lucky! Hope to get back down that way someday soon. Thanks Cliff!

[@dougtratch8260]

Never disappointed in a video from you O’Kelly’s. Seeing the fish swim around Sugars feet was great footage as well. Great description of all the Cays and Islands. Well done. Can’t wait for the next vid.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Doug! Next one will be a little more nuts and bolts.

[@patrickwilk6342]

Yea, I’m just gonna mirror previous comments. This is a really good video, in every respect: editing, music, your calming voices, drone footage, and of course the Exumas. Thank you .

[@TheOKellys]

Awesome. Thanks for saying that!

[@henryolson9732]

Breathtaking closing shot!

[@TheOKellys]

I know. That place took us forever to find, but once we did we had it all to ourselves.

[@kenkoehler08]

@@TheOKellys Great video. I'm wondering where this is as well. Is it the area used by the "Pirates" movie? That would be at the very south end of the Exuma chain. I think it's called Hog Cay.

[@troybabs]

From @13:37 - 15:05..... pure bliss. What a place to decompress and fill the soul back up with positive, life energy! 🙏⛵️

[@todaysrealhealth8153]

Thanks for the shark knowledge. I don't want to play all day splashing around where they hang out. The fish around sugars legs and the last shot was awesome. The entire video 5 star.

[@TheOKellys]

Hey thanks! Appreciate it. Sharks overall are not too scary to us, but hunting with them around is just too stressful. They come in and steal the catch!

[@captaingregger]

Easily the best Caribbean/ Bahamas video I’ve ever seen. Just awesome! 🤙👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@TheOKellys]

Wow thank you! The Bahamas are other worldly.

[@VERTICALWisdom]

This is by far the best photography and editing of any sailing video! Incredible. I grew up in S. Fla, know these waters well and no one has captured the beauty and peace of these islands. The drone footage really tells the story. Thank you

[@MrStangdawg]

agree this very well done as both entertaining and informative

[@bradmottishaw467]

Okay this video, WOW! It should be on the Travel Chanel it was so good. It is like a guide to what you should do for the winter. THANKS AGAIN!

[@TheOKellys]

Wow that is an awesome compliment. Thank you! Will you be my agent? Lol

[@michaelo1907]

I almost cried when Sugar barked to her friend on the other boat. Great video as usual

[@TheOKellys]

She misses Pluto! They were buddies.

[@playb4work447]

This video is like a dream. Have to say it’s on an other level. Keep them coming.

[@TheOKellys]

Hey thanks. Appreciate that. Exumas are definitely another level!

[@lindakindig576]

It won’t be so secret now!!! 😂 hope to see you guys out there next season. Great music too btw.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks! Put together that little ditty myself actually! Hope we see you too!

[@dave9072000]

Just popping by to say that we've done two seasons in the Exumas and will be leaving for the 2024 season in a few weeks. This video is what convinced us to go there. If you're ever in Samson Bay just North of Staniel and see a 75' Hatteras w/ a blue hull named "Copper," that's us! Thanks again for this.

[@CarlosHernandez-yy8ic]

This is eye candy. Beautiful beautiful and beautiful. Thank you so much.

[@Chipiricuiki0083]

Nick my hat's off to y'all! the content, editing, and music in your videos have gotten outta this world good! In my humble opinion, y'all are the heirs apparent to Distant Shores! Keep up the awesome!

[@TheOKellys]

Wow, that is an extraordinary compliment. Back in the day, when we started all of this, which is pushing 20 years ago, Distant Shores VHS tapes were about all that was out there. The ORIGINALS! Thank you so much. We are not worthy! Lol.

[@michaelrouse627]

Great information Nick and Megan. I put that video in my Bahamas playlist so when we go cruising we'll know where to go!

[@TheOKellys]

Awesome to hear that Michael! Just a few of the awesome spots...poke your nose around and report back what other awesome spots you find. See you out there.

[@JibeTalking]

Who else has this type of information on the Exumas, and can talk specifics about each cay. An, absolutely amazing video that is incredibly informational has great music and very good editing. You broke open the bottle of champaign traveling for the Bahamas. I agree, AWARD WINNING.

[@TheOKellys]

That’s really nice of you to say. They sell themselves!

[@dave9072000]

I watch this video whenever I've had a bad day. In March of 2022 I'll be taking my boat to the Exumas for the first time with my wife. While we repair and upgrade the new (to us) boat and wait for hurricane season to pass, we put this video on in the evenings with the Explorer chartbook on the coffee table, and plan and dream. Thanks for the great video, guys.

[@TheOKellys]

wow, that's incredible, so excited for you and hope we share an anchorage in those incredible, glowing waters. You're going to be blown away.

[@ski69]

Thank you so much for sharing...wow. I'm tagging this video to be my "Bible" of places to visit when we retire in exactly 2 years, so 2024 here we come!!!! Again, thank you so much and just like you guys, we don't like crowds so even though we might spot ya, no worries, we wont bother ;) Luv ya and keep this up plzzzzzzz

[@charmlite6584]

One of the best sailing destination videos I have ever seen!

[@TheOKellys]

Wow, that is saying something! Thank you!

[@robertparnoff6424]

Thanks for the video. The Exumas were even better cruising when we visited 23 consecutive years starting in 1983. Bell Island the best until designated a Park. Then it was Between the Darbys when we traded the 37 Alberg to the 42 Bristol trawler. The concrete blocks in a square was my conch crawl. Both boats were named Joy and our 26 logs are a joy to re read.

[@Niagra2011]

Wow! The video, editing, superb! Absolutely breath taking views! That was an enormous amount of editing but your end product is excellent! Thank you for taking me along for the ride!!!

[@rgtllc9959]

Thanks for the go pro and drone footage, excellent beaches, kudos for bringing natures' beauty to us, obviously you guys make it smoking hot.

[@rickwilson3032]

Best lay of the land walk through the Bahama's... Awesome!

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Rick

[@gregroesner2939]

Incredible video. I hope to visit every nook and cranny of the Exumas. Thank you for all of hard work and time that putting this video together must have taken. So much information to take in.

[@TheOKellys]

Ah thanks Greg. Our pleasure.

[@Supe063]

The travel bureau of the Bahama's could probably use this video for promo's!

[@TheOKellys]

Maybe they should give us a discount on our cruising permit! Lol

[@happygamer3931]

As free as the ocean, Beautiful world oh beautiful paradise

[@lessd685]

Thank you for such a comprehensive overview. I had no idea there was so much there. Fair Winds.

[@SearchingforCShels]

Wow great stuff, and you have given us a couple more places to check out on our next visit this winter. Thanks!

[@TheOKellys]

Right on! See you out there

[@gray7863]

Some of the best drone footage out there, a very professional video to be sure. I have never seen the colors of the ocean show up so well on my screen ............Fantastic !

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks G. Appreciate it.

[@roberthaberkorn7930]

Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Robert!

[@gyzmopower7599]

Beautiful work guys👍👍

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you. Appreciate that.

[@ianadkins471]

Thank you for a fantastic summary of this area. I’ve watched a lot of vids on the Bahamas but this was the most informative and entertaining of the area by far. My goal was initially the Abacos but after watching this vid I am placing the Exumas on the todo list!

[@wildcoastadventures7535]

My Dream destination. Thanks for bringing it to life.

[@jonathanneethling]

Only recently discovered your channel. I’m busy binge watching. Living life through your eyes! ✌🏻🇿🇦

[@TheOKellys]

Awesome. We are ready to binge-live it! A week in the yard and we will be out again soon!

[@jonathanneethling]

The O'Kelly's well that sounds great: look forward to seeing the video. Safe travels.

[@DSKim-ej5uf]

love so much this video. like the video is the best. As we develop day by day, Always follow your luck I sincerely hope that your channel will be very big.

[@AssiToniful]

wow..amazing "pictures"... I follow your channel completly and love it.. keep it going....greetings from germany :-)

[@TheOKellys]

Many thanks Tim!

[@stevel7465]

Really well done guys. The drone footage on this episode was amazing. Cheers from Canada Steve

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you sir! I've got so much awesome drone footage. Hard to pick. I could do hours long vids of just drone shots! LOL

[@Hank_Galt]

More of these please, from around the world. Loved it.

[@svrojax]

Another fabulous video, Nick & Meagan!

[@TheOKellys]

Ah thanks Jackie! Appreciate that.

[@rustyjeff3007]

Ok.. You made your point. Looks awesome. Now all I need is a boat...🤣 And great video as usual. Thanks guys.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Jeff. Go get one! Get on out here!

[@rustyjeff3007]

@@TheOKellys Workin on it

[@markrvp]

My dream is to sail Exuma and this is the best video I've seen on it by far!

[@pd1jdw630]

Absolutely stunning!

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks JD.

[@soundbeings1]

Wow! I hope the Bahamian Tourism Board are watching!!! If ever there was an ad for getting on a sailboat - and that final shot is a classic. Congrats guys - you keep nailing it. Phil.

[@bazbbeeb7226]

Brought a tear to our eye seeing Sugar saying goodbye to her doggy friend. Great vid guys, love from Australia.

[@TheOKellys]

That was Pluto....she passed away a few weeks ago. We miss Sugar every day. What a good girl.

[@bazbbeeb7226]

@@TheOKellys theyre heartbreakers, its not the same without our furry friends around.

[@waltguzman]

Great video. You two are truly blessed.

[@TheOKellys]

We are and we don’t forget it. Thanks!

[@thechaplain9906]

FANTASTIC VIDEO FOR CRUISERS!!! EXTREMELY PROFESSIONAL AND ENJOYABLE TO WATCH YOU TWO!!! Nick you reminded me of the younger version of the older guy who used to narrate the Disney movies when we were younger. You missed your calling my brother...lol

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks. I think I remember that voice. Ok, now I just need an agent....! LOL

[@benoitmaisonneuve8100]

This is such a great video about anchoring spots ! Hope to see you again once your Outremer cat will be on this side of the Atlantic !👍⛵️

[@Technorv]

Sitting in our RV watching y'all in a boat. Pretty sure our transition to a sailing cat is coming soon. Thanks for the great videos.

[@blazejennifer2507]

Like someone else shared...I just showed this to my wife to get her thinking about life on the water!

[@Kmartinusa888]

I rarely comment on KZbin but we are on our last day down here and you did a fantastic job of describing a good part of this area, very nicely done all the way around! Wish I’d seen this before we got here…would have been a great help and resource for our adventures. We had a great time but now we know what we’re going to do next time. Well done and thank you for putting this together.

[@jasc6864]

Grt Vid Nick n Kelly . M saving this to be my Exuma Guide

[@TheOKellys]

Awesome. So glad it is useful!

[@Bare36]

The last scene is absolutly amazing

[@jodymooney255]

Great video and footage! Thank you both!

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Jody!

[@clifflong1203]

Very nicely done! I see you like hanging out on the north tip of Dennis Cay( next to Sampson)...my brother Eric,s ashes were spread on that little north beach. He named his son Dennis Cay Long! Many great decades of fun for us back before anyone ever knew such a place existed!

[@TheOKellys]

Yes, one of our favorite spots for a number of reasons. In fact we will probably head back up there in a couple days. Stay well Cliff!

[@marshallbrowne5371]

Wow .....great video. I'm making a list of places to visit this year. Thank for the options. I am leaving Rhode Island Oct 8. Then I am volunteering to help with hurricane relief in Hope town for 3 months. Then take a few months to play! Hope to stop by on the way down.

[@TheOKellys]

Excellent. Keep in touch and safe travels. Nick

[@akbaralisheikh]

Excellent work Nick & Megan! This is top level travel guide video to the Bahama's hence saved to collection for my time on water :)

[@pbertf24]

Very nice Nick ! Just came back from the Exumas this summer and I agree with you guys , it is , by far , the best sailing grounds I have been too ! Pierre

[@CessnaPilot99]

Particularly good content and production value of this video. The exit shot where she's walking solo on that narrow strip of sand is amazing. If I may ask what in specific about a crowded morning is unappealing? The noise of outboards and the smell of generators? Congrats on getting current in an A36. G1000 it's a real game-changer, kind of feels like cheating huh?

[@TheOKellys]

Something going weird with comments here on YT. To answer your question, we just like to have some space around us. Water is cleaner, less boat wakes, less noise...and we can walk around with less...wardrobe. LOL Yes, the G1000 is amazing, but as a steam gauges guy (instrument in 1993), the learning curve has been steep. But yes, it does make flight management much much easier. She's actually a G36, but more or less the same thing.

[@elianselmi4099]

Beautiful video of your adventures! Excellent information and will for sure go back to this when planing my trip to Exumas! Thank you and have a great time out there

[@ProjectsinLessTime]

great video. the drone footage is simply spectacular. I like your nerdy videos, too, but this is a nice change of pace.

[@TheOKellys]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Boody523]

That place looks amazing and can spend forever there. Sharks, boat wrecks and “human bones.” Might not be exhibit A for “getting her on board” lol! Great great video.

[@jtacunab]

Nick, your channel has the most useful content by far! With my family (wife and 2 kids) will be cruising next Caribbean season on a Seawind 1260 that is supposed to be ready by mid-January. Our first stop will be the Bahamas, and we were planning to spend most of our time in Exumas. Already have the explorer chartbook, CMP chip, and the Exumas Guide. But this info in your video is priceless! We also don't really like crowded places so thank you very much for all of your advice!! Jose.

[@TheOKellys]

Email me at [e-mail] and I will give you a couple of my top secret spots not in the video. No sharing though! Congrats on the boat! Awesome choice.

[@jtacunab]

@@TheOKellys Oh man your Awsome! I will write to you right now! Thanks

[@cungvo2066]

This is the excellent video I’ve ever seen, thank you

[@thebear6529]

Omg is the water that beautiful? I’ve been watching sailing/boating vlogs for a while now and the Bahamas is always the nicest, BUT THIS is just stunning Literally, It stunned me for a few seconds.

[@TheOKellys]

It’s even nicer in person! We’ve heard many around the world cruisers say the water in the Bahamas is the best so that’s saying something!

[@robertadamsmetaldetecting6324]

Damn it you guys. Your killing me! Lol. Sitting here looking at the brown Caloosahatchee river water in my canal and this pops up. I can't wait to take my kids cruising!!!

[@TheOKellys]

Sorry about that Robert! LOL. Hope we see you out there soon. It is amazing. You have lucky kids! Thanks for the note!

[@richardosman6825]

Awesome video and great information. Thanks for making the effort.

[@TheOKellys]

Appreciate that Richard. Thank you.

[@laurastumm2742]

Super super nice, no much more FANTASTIC!

[@laurastumm2742]

in two weeks We’ll sail in the exuma for a month with our cat. How can I speck with you? If we can 🙏 without bother you!

[@helmsman3838]

On our way in the slow boat. Thank you for the “most excellent review”

[@robadams5239]

one could only dream of your adventure, I truly envy you 2 for having the time of your life. Unfortunately wife is sea sick and we can only free dive in south florida almost impossible to get her on a boat. Love the channel, information which you share is priceless and true human spirit to share with one another. Safe travels

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you for the kind kind words Robert. I’m sorry to hear of the mal de mer. Fortunately you’ve got some fine territory to explore down here in FL. It just occurred to me there is a medication called stugeron that many people swear by. I don’t think it’s available in the states, but maybe worth looking into, but with a doctors supervision, as they say. Best to you!

[@aquaman461]

Great video. Thank you We fell in love with the Exumas and are slowly shifting our boating life towards a power cat lifestyle. Really enjoy your videos.

[@TheOKellys]

We ❤️ the Exumas! Let us know how you like the power cat, looks nice!

[@michaeldouglas6872]

Distant Shores couple has done some great sailing episodes about the Bahamas but this episode takes the cake. Hard to come up with something say about this episode that hasn't already been said by many of the other viewers. You can see now why live a board cruisers end up spending so much time in the Bahamas.

[@patricknagel9065]

Awesome video! Well done you two!

[@crono161]

Wow, I want to go there so bad but my parents can barely afford the condo. If I did I would not have a boat but it looks so cool! Hope you guys had fun!

[@chshrkt]

Thank you for this fantastic video. I just have to echo all the other comments about the production quality and laid-laid back, informative content. You have knocked this one out of the park!

[@TheOKellys]

Appreciate that. Thanks man!

[@DIYDaveT]

This is very professionally done. Thanks for putting it up for others to enjoy.

[@TheOKellys]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@monumentmom7593]

Echoing everyone else's comments about the gorgeous footage and long shot at the end. Spectacular! Obviously, with your cat you can get into most anchorages, but do you think a mono that draws almost 6 feet would be able to get into most of the anchorages in this area, or would it be a lot fewer? Thanks for your perspective.

[@collegepros]

Absolutely amazing! Looks difficult to navigate for a novice. Filming and narration was fantastic! I discovered your channel about 6 months ago and enjoy viewing your older videos.

[@mr.nieves4344]

I'm in the process of gathering information to get my ASA certifications to go to the Exumas! As previously noted by other viewers: What an Amazing Video and loved the narration pace! Hope to see you soon in the water! God Bless you all! Great dog inclusion; we watched the video with our kids and even our dog! Hehe

[@phoenixreimagined]

This is wonderful. Loving this one of the Exumas.

[@thehighpriestess8431]

Thank you ! We are in Rock Sound, Eleuthera. Going there on Monday !

[@TheOKellys]

Whoop whoop! See ya!

[@h.v7461]

Wow! Absolutely stunning! It’s on my list of must sees. Cheers 🍻

[@TheOKellys]

You should! It is an amazing playground. One of our favorites.

[@lionelbonini6593]

Wow what a beautiful journey!!! I'm going! Thank you for finally motivating me!! Vasco Bonini

[@richardosman6825]

Awesome video overview with great aerial photography, Thanks

[@chuckdenison]

Wow, guys, this is a top-notch video in EVERY way. Thank you so much for it. I took tons of notes!

[@lifeon8320]

Great video. One Day I want to go there!

[@TheOKellys]

Do it! Like another planet there!

[@lifeon8320]

@@TheOKellys I have been to Bahamas few times but not to Exuma. One day we will charter a cat and go there. It is on my bucket list. Thanks

[@jasonhenry9724]

Planning a trip to exzumas in May videos are real helpful in planning trip

[@notwrk]

Thank you both for the best video guide! I am so inspired and I just watching was so relaxing 😎

[@donwellwood49]

Hey Rick..... Excellent video! We are thinking that Rio is going to be tooooo hot for us, so skooting up to the Exumas and running the chain northbound may be our answer. Cheers and hope we see you out there. Don

[@TheOKellys]

Awesome. Come say hi if you see us!

[@hollyjenkins1500]

The water is amaizing

[@aquascoob]

amazing video, so glad it popped up in my feed. my mom and i have always wanted to do something like this. unfortunately we know nothing about sailing, so will have to look into charters. thanks for the vid and continue enjoying what has to be the good life.

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you. We’re really lucky and try never to forget it!

[@DaddyGoodstick]

Wow!! This is a great video. Very well done (professional grade). Geez...I don't move back to Florida from Oregon for 2 more years, but you can bet I'm gonna follow some of your footprints in the sand ...Thanks :-) Nick looks like he has been working out a little....Gotta keep up with Ms. O'Kelly heh?

[@TheOKellys]

Yeh those Oregon winters (Oct to May, LOL) can be a little tougher when you know how nice it might be elsewhere. Yes, trying to eat healthier! Thanks for the kudos on the video! Nick

[@andrescarrasco4980]

Excellent video you guys , thanks !!!

[@andybelieves]

Thank you immensely, fantastically put together!

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks. Some wonderful spots there.