Exuma Land and Sea Park

Just 36 miles due west of Cape Eleuthera is the northern end of a long chain of islands called the Exumas.   There is deep 4000 ft water on their eastern side known as the Exuma Sound.   To the west is the Grand Bahama Bank (15 feet) that extends over to Andros and up to Nassau.   This chain of tiny islands runs basically southeast for over a 100 miles.  We are starting in the north end where the Bahamian government has established a national park surrounding a large portion of these islands and their water.

Remember that we are still in search of sunshine for over 3 weeks.   The Exumas are ground zero for a swath of spring moisture starting in Central America and pouring up over  Cuba and onward to Bermuda.   It is raining and windy, day after day.   But in spite of the cloudy conditions, I have never seen water so clear and so pretty.   Most of the islands are uninhabited, and the Park is off limits to any commercial activity.  Their reefs, beaches and salt ponds are the main attraction, and well worth it.

We have been out of cell and internet connections for days!!!    Major withdrawals here.   Last night in advance of some really bad weather coming, we came into a private marina on Sampson Cay.   It is a very high end resort with small villas and a restaurant in addition to the marina.   It is small but very well protected as the winds are up over 30 knots.   Plus they have internet, and Staniel Cay is just 5 miles away, so we have cell coverage.

 Snorkeling anyone?

 Warderick Wells Cay

 Our friends on Last Dance on a mooring at Cambridge Cay.  The ray is below our boat in 12 ft. of water.  Very clear.

More bad weather is coming, so we are hunkered down here for a few days.   Very expensive to stay here, but better than the alternative.   But let me have the pictures do my talking.   I can only do a few as we have a limited data connection.   Enjoy.   Marc