Life on a Houseboat -- The most offbeat way to live in the Exumas is on a brightly decorated floating houseboat. Each boat is like a hotel suite that can be used to explore Elizabeth Harbour and the coast of the Exumas. In between moving your houseboat from anchorage to anchorage, you can go fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, or beachcombing. Each houseboat is fully equipped, sleeping six to eight, with air-conditioning, hot and cold running water, a marine radio, an inflatable dinghy, a fully equipped galley, all linens, purified water, and a propane barbecue grill. Boats range from a one-bedroom 11m (36 ft.) to a two-bedroom 13m (43 ft.). It doesn't take a special license or even much experience to operate one of these boats. For reservations, contact Bahamas Houseboats (P.O. Box EX29031, George Town, Exuma, The Bahamas; tel. 242/336-BOAT; fax 242/336-2629; www.bahamahouseboats.com). Daily rentals (3-day minimum) range from $385 to $520 (£204-£276). A $500 (£265) deposit is required. American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted.
