Bakers Bay

[MarinMom]

We walked over from BAkers Beach to Bakers Bay. Set our stuff down about 30 yards from the chairs and we were approached by a staff member telling us it was private property. However, there were people swimming in the water and hanging out at the end farther away and closest to where the rocks separate the bay from the ocean. We thought it wasn't official (the purchase). We didn't move right away as we were trying to figure out wether to anchor our boats or not and this staff member called security and two guys showed up on their four wheelers. So what is the real story with Bakers Bay as of today?

[Tingum]

I was under the impression that all beachs in the Bahamas were public up to the high water mark. Does anyone actually know the law?

[BahamaAngie]

I thought so too! It is in NJ.

[AbacoPeach]

It is in the Bahamas also.

[R]

Good day,

From high water mark down is open to all.
It is becoming common to try and intimidate visitors and Bahamians off the beaches, but if you stay below high water line you are OK.

Regards,
R.

[Charlotte Couple]

It's good to know the law on this, but what are your options when they call security on their 4-wheelers? Generally there are no authorities we can call nearby to resolve the situation. Is there a place online that has the statute about beach access below the high tide line? If so, I'll print a copy and have it with me when I visit Bakers Bay.

[mrbill]

PLEASE let they try to arrest you! this issue has been raised several times...

(from what I've read:)

legally you have a right to the water and beach to high water mark...

we NEED an example to set them straight. just bring a video camera for the court.

[elcahun]

See the picture on my trip report of the card we were given. Feel free to print a copy and show it to them next time.

[R]

I would love it if BBC - or anyone else tried to force me to leave a beach.
We go to the beach at Winding Bay without problems.
R.

[Under the Palms]

Just plain sad...isn''t it?

[oldoc2]

It would seem to me that the more hostility they exhibit the more anger they will incur for their development. We who visit the Abacos on a regular basis are the financial strength of the area. Eventually some dolt will figure this out. In the meantime-I'll be there Moday afternoon-let's see.

[Erin]

They don't care about "us". they want people who will spend $12 million on a lot. remember this is an ultra exclusive resort. File a police report .. this way it becomes public record. As far as what I would do ... I would simply not leave. The beach belongs to all of us.

[elcahun]

If anyone gets pictures of them driving four-wheeler on the beach please let me know.

[Erin]

....which they are also not suposed to do. I guess rules are only for those of us who follow them.

[bellavista2]

Went fishing off north end for 5 straight days over week of 4th. wish i had
seen as many fish as i saw vehicles on beach. on the beach driving up and down all day long. kinda like Barney Fife on patrol in Mayberry USA but with more damage done.

[DaGoose]

When Rick & I were there in March we stayed in the water the whole time just because of these kind of stories. On one visit, a group of teens rode their dinghy in and were walking on the beach when sure enough here comes the 4 wheeler! The 2 men on the vehicle spoke to the kids for a few minutes and then headed back. I asked them if they were hassled and they said not really but were told to stay off the dunes. I guess that's because of all the work BBC did to restore the dunes. Ha! For us it's still a definite do not miss beach but we're newbies and don't remember it pre BBC.

I guess it's hard to sell a multi million dollar lot when the riff raff are enjoying a day on "their" beach!

[Bren737]

We were there in mid-March and anchored in the bay for an afternoon. We dinghied over to the beach to swim, snorkel and have lunch. The 4-wheeler security people passed by and asked if we were having a nice day. They said to enjoy the bay and beach but asked us not to go past the tree line due to 'construction hazards.'

We stayed several hours and they passed several times, smiling and waving. No problems, as I had been expecting. The indeed were on their 4-wheelers on the beach but just along the tree/grass line.

[l'il gecko]

For me, their obvious and intentional presence spoils the purpose of time at Baker's: relaxation - kinda hard to experience while under the "watchful eye" and surveillance! Kinda' makes me just wanna skip it - hmmmmmm, is that the strategy?

[Erin]

Last year 2 women came up to me at Nippers and told me of their experience on the beach. the security guards were harrassing them to the point of making them feel concerned for their safety ... being 2 young women. The security guards had asked them some very inappropiate questions and the women who were alone were very uncomfortable and became afarid. I told them to file a police report, which they did. This is what it is now. Stand up and don't be intimidated. The Baker's Bay people are very scary people. I went up there as I said before with a group of locals to get a first hand experience. I video taped a converstaion with the security people telling us "not asking us to leave. I also got on tape the many things they have told the people of Guana they were not doing. It is a bad sitaution for everyone. No one will win in this. On another ocassion, one of the high ups of the development company, Discovery land Co, looked Troy right in the eye and said they would NOT remove the wreak that is just off the old dock that is home to many tropical fish. Guess what they did last week.... they removed it. Troy said the fish were swimming around frantic looking for their home. Nice guys huh?

[Moderator242]

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