IGUANAS, PIGS, & SHARKS, OH MY!

Today’s Exuma adventure did not disapoint. We started the morning with an early meet time at the Exuma Markets followed by a shuttle up to the north end of Great Exuma, where we boarded a boat at Barraterre Dock. Our first stop was to visit the endangered Bahamian Rock Iguanas. These ancient looking lizards are only found on a few tiny islands within the Exuma Cays. We got to see hundreds of them on the beach which was quite a spectacle! These critters are very limited in population and super vulnerable due to their fragmented and tiny island habitat.

Our next stop was Thunderball Grotto, an underwater limestone cave system that was teeming with marine life! I got this incredible shot of Cam who was super hesitant to enter the cave. I had to reassure her that it was okay and was proud she pushed past her fear. The outside of the cave system was covered in beautiful, healthy coral and tropical reef fish. Cam called to me from the boat pointing out that I was the only one from our tour still in the water. I could have stayed there all day!

We also made friends with the famous swimming pigs. They are fed daily by tourists and it’s hysterical to watch them come swimming out to boats upon arrival. It was a very odd but fun experience. Some of these pigs were quite large and intimidating but our local captain and first mate pointed out the one trouble maker to be wary of and also told us to splash them if we need space. The babies were quite adorable....the floating poo situation was not so cute.

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Have I mentioned the color of the water WOW the shades of blue here are unreal! The below photo was at a sandbar which was Cam's second favorite stop. Everyone was encouraged to explore and instructed to leave conchs and sea stars in the water. I was happy to hear the staff encouraging good stewardship and stayed on board to enjoy some shade and offer compliments and gratitude to the captain and first mate. These guys told me if I ran boats here I would live on tips but I would enjoy every day “sharing this beautiful water with others so life is good” <3

Our final stop, about 75 miles from Great Exuma, was Compass Cay. This was the entire inspiration for this trip....my daughter asked me to take her here and I am glad I decided to honor her wish. In wildlife conservation, feeding and handling wildlife is a huge no-no. This was conflicting for me but it really was a spectacular experience. Feeding was limited and done only by locals/staff who showed tourists how to responsibly touch and “hold” the nurse sharks. I think there is a ton of benefit in people experiencing these misunderstood animals in a positive way. I know for Cam it will likely be a foundational core memory and the joy I witnessed from her will not soon be forgotten.

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