Adventures with the 'Duke of the Bahamas'!

         

     On January 1, four days before the end of our trip and following thrilling Junkanoo experiences, my group sought respite at the relaxing and beautiful Cable Beach.  This beach is located near the Melia resort, relatively central to the island.  Interestingly enough, it gets its name from the large wires and cables which were originally built there, allowing the island to gain contact and telecommunication with other areas.  To access the beach, we traveled via the public bus, per the recommendation of our tour guide, to avoid paying expensive fees for a taxi.  We embarked on our journey shortly after breakfast, around noon. 

     After boarding the bus, we shortly realized that this means did not appear to be frequented by tourists, but rather locals who knew the system.  Unsure of where to sit, when to pay, how much, and when to get off, we were very lucky to encounter a kind gentleman who deemed himself the “Duke of the Bahamas.”  We asked us where we were headed and not only told us when to get off but was heading there himself and walked us directly to an area where we could set up and enjoy the beach.  He appeared to be selling souvenir t-shirts to those on the beach.

    Once we arrived, there was an area to purchase a variety of affordable foods, there was a clean bathroom and changing area, clean sands, and even beach chairs.  However, the catch was that we appeared to be in some sort of resort area, seemingly with a variety of timeshares, with an adjoining private beach for those specific residents.  Had we not arrived with the “duke,” it is likely we would have been turned away from the property. 

    Despite the clear blue waters, availability of water sport activities, free Wi-Fi from Melia resort, and beautiful beach area, this experience was hindered by the knowledge that we were likely interloping on a private area and were enjoying amenities which we should not have.  The monopoly by private resort areas of Cable beach however, is an inherent weakness of the beach and a critique which others who have reviewed the beach online also had.  There were potentially other more public areas, but similar to the lack of information present when attempting to navigate the bussing system, directions to such an area were nowhere to be found. 

    The interaction we had with this helpful man who led us to the beach stood out not only because it was our only means of locating our destination, but because it demonstrated a willingness to assist and to go above and beyond which we did not always encounter.  Although we thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Cable Beach, it helped to emphasize the limitations placed by private resorts, lack of information, and a lack of care involved with a service received, which in turn limit the destination and its associated attractions.