| Mayaguana Bahamas... |
Mayaguana The easternmost island in the Bahamas archipelago,
Mayaguana lies half way between South Florida and Puerto Rico.
Approximately 450 nautical miles southeast of Palm Beach, Mayaguana
boasts a year round tropical climate and a tranquil, island
atmosphere. Mayaguana Island, an Arawak Indian name, is the least
developed and most isolated of the family islands. With unspoiled
beaches and excellent scuba diving and fishing, Mayaguana Island
offers a quiet and relaxing getaway for vacationers.
Mayaguana Island was uninhabited until 1812, when people began to
migrate from the nearby Turks Islands. Located 60 miles north of
Inagua, Mayaguana Island is a popular stopover for yachtsmen on a
direct route to the Caribbean.
Of all the Out Islands, this is the most "out" as well as the least
developed and visited. This eastern-most island boasts large stands
of lignum vitae and other hardwoods, at least two fine anchorages
for yachtsmen, magnificent beaches and superb duck hunting.
Still retaining its aborigine name and populated mostly by fishermen
and farmers, Mayaguana's main settlements are Betsy Bay, Pirates
Well and Abraham's Bay. All three are truly old-time Bahamian in
spirit and appearance.
The deep Atlantic waters surrounding Mayaguana are rich in conch,
fish and shipwrecks. The island's unofficial coat-of-arms bears a
Spanish coin, evoking the long-ago era when treasure-laden galleons
sailed through on their way to Spain.
Mayaguana's lone airstrip is part of the former U.S. missile
tracking station used in the early days of space exploration. The
base closed but the airstrip is still used by Bahamasair and private
aircraft.
Mayaguana Island is home to 312 locals who live in 3 quaint
settlements; Pirate's Well on the north coast, Abraham's Bay on the
south coast, and Betsy's Bay on the west coast. Another inhabitant
is the Bahama hutia -- a cross between a rat and a rabbit that was
thought to be extinct until the mid-1960s. Most people make a living
fishing and farming the fertile soil of this woody terrain. The main
form of communication on Mayaguana Island is the mail boat, which
transports the mail once a week.
Nature lovers will enjoy the fact that the island has an ecological
significance, being home to tropical birds like the West Indian
Flamingo and the Booby. (A type of gannet that breed on the small
cays offshore of the main island) Other wildlife includes osprey and
iguanas. An important venue for nesting sea turtles, the eastern
half of the island is completely undeveloped. This side of the
island is attractive to those extreme hikers that enjoy the
challenge of hiking without developed trails.
Get out in the sun and enjoy peaceful beaches surrounded by a
spectacular diving reef. And if you want to check out the local
life, visit the shops, bars and restaurants in the three main
settlements -- Abraham's Bay, Betsy Bay and Pirate's Well. |
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