The Exuma Land and Sea Park                                                         

   In the late 1950's, the Bahamas National Trust instituted the worlds' first Land and Sea Park. Located approximately 65 miles southeast of Nassau, the Land and Sea Park offers a destination for those who love diving, snorkeling, hiking, or nature walks in a pristine environment. Many cruising yachts and sailboats tie up to the moorings in the park , which provide for safe anhorages and offer a spectacular area to just laze the day away. The islands that consitute the park are  Little Wax Cay, Shroud Cay, Little Pigeon Cay (private), Hawksbill Cay, Little Hawksbill Cay, Cistern Cay (private), Long Cay, Warderick Wells, Halls Pond Cay, Little White Bay Cay, South Halls Pond Cay (private) Soldier Cay (private), O\'Brien\'s/Pasture Cays, Bell Island (private), Little Bell Island (private) and Rocky Dundas.

The area is currently a no-take zone, meaning that the fish and fauna are protected against fishing and harvesting, thus insuring growth and health of the pristine environment and  marine ecosystem. If you're diving or snorkeling in the park, you will see a multitude of brightly colored tropical fish, healthy coral and sponges, and perhaps a sea turtle or two swimming by. Grouper and lobster populations have benefited from the protection in the sea park, and you will see plenty below the surface of these clear blue waters. A trip to the Exuma Land and Sea Park wouldn't be complete without a visit to the  park Headquarters located on the island of Warderick Wells. If you are visiting the park, plan to stay for the day so you can hike the many trails and visit some of the popular sites on the island such as Boo Boo Hill. The story goes that 'many years back, a schooner sank off of the island of Warderick Wells, and no bodies were ever recovered. Local lore says that on a moon lit night, if you were to climb to the top of the hill, you would hear voices from the souls of the deceased', thus the name "Boo Boo Hill". At the top of the hill, you will notice a pile of signs with boat names and messages collorfully painted on sea-washed lumber planks, which are left by visitors to honor the dead. The view is beautiful from the top, and you will want to make the hike for sure.

Before you enter the trail that will take you to Boo Boo Hill, you will see something on the beach that you will never get to see anywhere else except perhaps in a museum. You can view the remains of a 53 foot Sperm Whale that washed up on shore several years ago. It is said that the whale choked on a piece of plastic, and died only to wash up on shore as a reminder of what polution can do to these precious creatures.

If you would like to see photographs from the Exuma Land and Sea Park, please visit the pages of our book, Island Time