Killing Time in Thompson Bay

15th April 2026 | Odometer: 1939nm | Bahamas

Dad had arrived right at the start of some extremely high winds. Thankfully, we were tucked in close and nice and protected in Thompson Bay, with strong easterly winds blowing over us. Even though the anchorage was well protected, there were white caps all around us, and we could feel strong gusts of wind pushing the boat around on the anchor.

The winds were also cold, surprisingly cold! To the extent that I wound up wearing a windcheater jacket everywhere, and we really gave up on the sundowners on the roof! We would optimistically head up, then after a few minutes we were all freezing and tired of hanging on to our cups to stop them blowing over. Although it wasn’t the most exciting anchorage to be stuck in for 7 days, we found a few ways to keep ourselves entertained. It was also nice just to spend a bit of time just hanging out with my Dad, swapping all the stories of our very different travels.

Nap time

Putting Rusty in the brig

Hammock and a Blanket for the Cold Wind

Watching Ryan work hard

Getting Some Practice In

I swear there is a city on my coffee cup

Laptop Time

Ooh Getting There!

Oooh Looking Good!

More Fish!

Flying the NEW Aussie Flag Rusty brought for us.

Exploring Indian Head Point

We jumped in the dinghy and headed to the inside edge of Indian Point to go exploring. We had read there was a cave to visit and you could also walk along a trail to the beach on the far side. After pulling up on a very dodgy little beach between two strips of rocks, we started walking up to the cave.

A vehicle dirt round ran along the point with 2-3 meter tall trees on either side that were very thick, thick enough to kill all the breeze. It was stifling and hot on the road, until we ducked into the shadier small trail to the caves. The trail itself was extremely overgrown and we nearly missed it, but after a few little wrong turns here and there we found ourselves in a large rock formation with a low cave system scattered underneath. Occasional breaks in the rock spilled light in from above, creating variations in the light patterns on the rock underneath. It was really quite pretty.

Pepi’s Wheels Working Well

Stifling Heat

Beautiful Lighting

Exploring!

Looking like a chump

We headed over to the beach to cool off. This beach is so protected from the strong easterly winds; it felt like a different planet to the bay where we were anchored! Calm, unruffled water, we spotted a turtle along the shoreline just moments after arriving. This is definitely my favourite type of beach for swimming, a gentle gradient, white sand, calm and refreshing, clear water.

Gorgeous Calm Beach

Once we were sufficiently refreshed we headed back to Pepi to go back to the boat. A wild difference! Riding the dinghy through the massive waves that had formed at the downwind end of the bay, with a crazy, cold wind gusting, we were splashed continuously and were all drenched and frozen on arrival back at Perspective. Good thing we were wearing our swimmers!

Anchored at the X, Caves at the O, Waves Get Bigger Downwind

The Windward Coast

Another morning we decided to walk over to the eastern side of the island to see the windward coast. With the wind howling, we took our spray jackets to keep warm (well, I did haha). The temperature is impossible to get right! In the open sun it can get really hot, or if you are doing any exercise, but if you are in the shade and in the wind, it can get really cold! I just couldn’t win and kept alternating having the jacket on or off hahaha.

This coast line was very exposed, with big rolling waves crashing along the length of the shore. Interesting limestone rock formations and cliffs bounded the long beaches, creating dramatic outcrops and making for some gorgeous scenery. Although we didn’t swim, the walk was well and truly worth it for the incredible views.

Beach Views Ahead

Look at this Agave!

So much Sargassum and Trash 🙁

Interesting Rock Patterns

The Cutest Terns

Thompson Bay Beach & Bar

Thompson Bay itself has quite a nice little beach to pull up on, although its more rocky than sandy so not the best spot for swimming. It was still nice to explore along the shoreline and find pretty shells.

We also frequented the local beach bar a couple of times in the evenings to get off the boat for a bit and enjoy the sundowners in a less wind-swept spot. Kalik really is the best beer in the Bahamas :).

Of course, boat life isn’t complete without chores, so we did all the usual bits and pieces, grocery shopping, laundry, etc, and of course, treated ourselves a handful of tasty meals ashore. Despite the windy, noisy nights, the anchorage was calm for sleeping, and we had a pleasant time for a week or so here.