We have found paradise!
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a 176-square-mile enormous open aquarium with pristine reefs, an abundance of marine life, and sandy cays. The park is a collection of cays and the surrounding ocean that spans 22 nautical miles long and 6 nautical miles wide. Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park is a no take zone by land and sea. The motto is “Leave no sign of your visit but footprints in the sand and ripples in the water.”
We secured a mooring ball at Warderick Wells. The headquarters of Exuma Park’s office is located on this remote location. The park ranger is the only resident here and the island had no cell service. We spent two days hiking and exploring the most gorgeous, secluded beaches. One trail in particular we hiked is called Boo Boo Hill. It provides magnificent panoramic view of the cay and central Exuma. Legend has it that it’s named Boo Boo Hill because it’s haunted by the souls of a missionary ship that went aground on the reef below and sank with everyone aboard. Tradition also has it that cruisers leaving an offering to King Neptune and the at top of Boo Boo hill will incur good sailing and safe passage. Not being very prepared, we found a piece of drift wood and borrowed a paint pen to apply “Three Sons.”
Exuma Land and Sea Park is an ecological refuse to diverse plan and coral communities due to it undisturbed eco systems. it has numerous dive and snorkeling sites. We had our first attempt at snorkeling in the Bahamas – from our dinghy. We did not venture out of the dingy, but enjoyed seeing the aquarium like fish while hanging our heads over with mask and snorkel. Turtles and stingrays were sighted from the decks of Three Sons. When swimming off the bow, Bob calmly said “See the shark” and continued swimming while Tracy swam and climbed the ladder in record speed. Needless to say, she was done swimming.
