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.
