Chub Cay, Bahamas

Tulip Shell Get away from it all in one of the quietest of Bahamian islands. No town on this cay - only a resort and a few private homes and miles of white sand beaches fringed with incredibly clear, blue water. The Flame Helmets from this area are particularly clean and beautiful and we have found some marvelous shells there, including Fasciolaria tulipa (pictured) Pecten ziczac, Chicoreus florifer, Helmet shells and Phalium granulatum. Sometimes there are good shells on the beaches, but you'll want to snorkel to get the best ones.

This trip I will hire boats to take us to some of the islands to the south, so the trip is longer and more expensive than in the past, but perhaps more exciting!


Date: September 25-29, 2011 Chub Cay
For: Snorkelers and beachcombers
Cost: $1800
Includes:
  • Air fare from Ft Lauderdale
  • Accommodations
  • Golf cart, boats
  • guide.
  • Not included: Meals, bar,
    departure tax.
    • Deposit:
  • $500 with reservation
  • balance due 6 weeks before trip.
  • Passport required.
  • Reservation Form

    • More about Chub Cay

    The Bahamas – many islands, each one different! Chub Cay is in the group called the "Berry Islands", near deep yet sheltered water. Large, luxurious yachts visit this island for its excellent harbor.

    We walk or drive golf carts to varied shelling areas which include an elkhorn coral reef, "ironshore", grass flats, sand bottom, and rocky shore. There is a pure white sand beach which stretches for miles ­ some days with lots of shells on it, some days with none! However, there are always shells in the water.

    Chub's Flame Helmet shells are lovely and rather common. Queen Conchs are so numerous there is a large fishery for them here. Large, clean Apple Murex are easily found in the turtle grass, along with Milk Conchs and many lovely bivalves. Occasional black lace murex and cowries come from the rocky shore, and a variety of smaller shells live near the elkhorn reef (though wind may prevent snorkeling there.) The water is as clear as the air. Snorkeling from shore, you can go as deep as comfortable for you or stay in the shallows. If you like to sort through tiny shells on shore, there are usually drifts high on the beach with green nerites, dove shells, olivellas, and sometimes trivias to be found.

    If what you seek is bright lights and exciting shows, Chub's kind of Bahamian life is not for you; if you want to relax in the sun and sea and find lovely shells in the bargain, this is it.

    Karen VanderVen has written a wonderful article about Chub Cay that I invite you to read.

    Ready to go? Fill out the reservation form and send a deposit. I will send a list of items to bring about 6 weeks before the trip. You will need a passport.