Local Knowledge

If you plan on eating at restaurants,  there are some very good ones.

Nippers beachbar and grill is probably the least expensive.  Sunday from 12-3 there is a wild pig roast. It’s a buffet and quite an experience, as is Nipper’s itself.  You can walk to Nipper’s along the beach. It’s easily found by going down the path and taking a right.  15 minutes later, you’re staring at the sand dune ladder of Nipper’s. Take a flashlight, Nipper’s has a particular rum drink that may make it difficult for you to find your way home without a flashlight.

Another restaurant recently opened called ‘blue water / red sky” and it is quite good.  It’s easy to find and only about ten minutes from the house on the bay side. You will need dinner reservations.   Mermaid cafe is located within the Dolphin Beach compound. There is also a restaurant within the Orchid Bay Marina area.

The beach area is easy enough to explore by yourself.  However, if you have little ones in your group, there is a wonderful tidal lagoon located 100 yards toward the village. It appears in low tide in front of the Dolphin Beach compound.   In low tide, it’s about a foot deep and filled with little minnows and sea creatures. There are no waves as the coral blocks them entirely in low tide.  For swimming, the best place is to the left of the ladder in the big area of blue.   It’s easy to find and a wonderful spot.  While not a necessity, you may want to rent a golf cart.  Ruth Sands can arrange for a cart rental.

If you are not renting a boat, you can make a wonderful day trip to shell island.  It’s about a twenty minute boat ride from the harbor.  Contact Ruth and ask her to connect you with a person that can run you over and pick you up later in the day.   Shell island is enchanting.  As the name indicates, it is literally covered with shells.   The photo is just a typical shot of the shoreline.  It is a ten acre or so low lying island made from the dredging of a long defunct Disney cruise ship channel. The island was an unintended by product.  Take a cooler and lunch. It’s worth the effort.