Expert: Barry Benjamin - 5/16/2006

Question
my family (husband and seven year old daughter) will be staying in nassau from june 9th to the 16th.  We want to visit harbour island or eluthera for a day or two.  We were thinking of staying at tingum village in harbour island.  The price is good and it is near the famous ma Ruby's resturant.  Do you have any advice or sugguestions on what to do or if there is a better place to stay.?  Thanks jayne
P.s.  My daughter is scared of sharks and says she will not get in the water.  Are sharks of a concern as far as you know?)

Answer
I have always heard great things about Tingum Village. As far as the sharks: it would be a shame if you daughter didn't experience the water of the Bahamas. I do have to say though if she is really really scared don't make her get in the water. Maybe next year she will be much less afraid. If you do decide to go in the water with her, one of you can swim in front and the other behind her to give her more confidence and you will see anything that might scare her before she does. Sharks are not very plentiful in most places. Find out if the local dive shop is doing a shark dive anywhere close to where you will be snorkelling. Explain to them you daughter's fear and they might be able to tell you a quiet and safe snorkelling place to give her a great experience.
Barry