A new excursion has launched, adding adventure to the tourism excursions in Nassau. The Bahamian owned and operated company, Harbour Safaris, is based around a 30' Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) that can carry 12 passengers and 2 crew members.

The Parker 900 Baltic boat was purchased out of the UK and was shipped to Nassau. Parker Ribs has extensive experience in the “sea-safari” operation, with models operating tours throughout Europe and the rest of the world. The boat has many safety features and has great offshore seaworthiness. The RIBis powered by twin 250 Mercury Verado outboards enabling cruise speeds up to 40 knots and a maximum speed of over 50 knots.

The main tour offering consists of an approximately one-hour excursion which will circumnavigateParadise Island through the Harbour and feature the rich history and culture of the Bahamas. Along the way passengers will experience the thrill of the speed and maneuverability of the RIB. The tour isdesigned to be affordable to all persons, whether they are tourists off a cruise ship or staying a hotel, or locals looking for an adventurous afternoon.

Planned full-day excursions are also available on a per-seat basis. These include a North Exuma tour, which includes feeding the iguanas, a lunch stop in Highbourne Cay, exploring the creeks of Shroud Cay and the sights of Normans Cay. Another day-trip is a Spanish Wells & Harbour Island visit with a stop at Preachers Cave in Eleuthera.

By far the most popular excursion has been to see the Swimming Pigs in Big Major Cay, Exuma. The extended day includes visiting the world-famous pigs in their natural habitat followed by lunch at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club where guests can interact with nurse sharks, sting rays, and turtles. The adventure continues back through the Exuma chain, stopping at secluded beaches and zooming over shallow water sandbanks. Before heading into the sunset back to Nassau, the guests stop to feed the uniquely Bahamian rock iguanas on Allen's Cay.

Custom charters are also available to surrounding islands such as Rose Island, Andros, Eleuthera & Exuma. These charters appeal to groups such as birthday parties, school groups, weddings, and corporate team-building adventures.

Harbour Safaris is a 100% Bahamian owned & operated company. The boat is licensed through the PortAuthority and is fully insured to exceed international standards. Captain Daron Whyms has many years of experience in the boating industry and constantly works with the crew to ensure the safe and fun operation of the vessel.

Operations manager Joanne Robertson has experience both locally and internationally in customer service, social media administration, and destination management. She adds “One of our mandates is toensure Bahamians have access to our offerings – we do this by offering local discounts through directbookings and working with schools and charities to get our youth engaged and out to see the true beauty of the Bahamas.”

Initial reviews of the company have been overwhelmingly positive. Reviews through TripAdvisor and Facebook average close to a perfect 5 stars. A TripAdvisor review by Jnell2002 reads “The day trip to the Exuma Cays with Harbour Safaris was a fantastic way to spend my day. The crew are very friendly, easy-going and accommodating!” Tim Taylor, from Texas, wrote on Facebook “This was a day full ofadventure, excitement, laughter, and the most beautiful Ocean and Islands you could ever imagine!Thank you #HarbourSafaris for making us feel comfortable and safe while speeding across the water and looking out for us while we experienced everything the Exumas had to offer.”

Tours can be booked directly through their website www.HarbourSafaris.com as well as through Majestic Tours and other resellers. Harbour Safaris can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using the hashtag #HarbourSafaris

A family from the UK enjoys interacting with the Swimming Pigs at Big Major Cay in Exuma

A group from Freeport enjoyed lunch at Highbourne Cay and feeding the Iguanas at Allen's Cay

Nassuvians take the inaugural Harbour Tour, with sights such as Fort Montagu and Atlantis Marina

Captain Daron Whyms poses with 'Huntress', a 30' Rigid Inflatable Boat custom designed for island excursions