WHEN PIGS SWIM
04 May 2010 | Eleuthera, Bahamas
Linda/HOT
Where in the world do you kayak in to the beach and get accosted by pigs? Or swim in a cave accessible only at low tide with the added attraction of climbing the hill and jumping in from above. Or anchor in a spot that you can practically jump ashore when the tide goes out. In the Bahamas, the wonderful anchorages in Staniel Cay, Warderick Wells and so many more, accessible to those with shallow draft boats or those like us with deep draft boats willing to make the effort to get there.
We have been having a great time in the Exumas, Eleuthera and now on to the Abacos. It is VERY different here from the islands to the East that are high, volcanic islands. Here it is all low islands and extremely shallow water. We go for miles across banks with no more than 12-15 feet of water at low tide. Fortunately, the weather has been very settled, perfect for traversing the banks.
The Bahamas are also known for the abundant marine life. Offshore, we have seen whales, dolphin and Mahi and in the shallows, conch in every stage of life along with tropical fish, sharks, remora and skates.
The trip home would have been easier in some ways if we had done the offshore passage from Antigua to Bermuda and Maryland, but far less interesting. So close to the US and so accessible, the Bahamas should be on everyone's travel list.