Hiatus in The Bahamas

 Thunderball Grotto     This morning low tide, which is the best time to see the Grotto, came early.  The skies were partly overcast.  The combination allowed us to have the Grotto to ourselves!     The Grotto is located between Big Majors and Staniel Cay.  Along with "Pig Beach" (video coming), it is a must see in the Staniel Cay area.

  How to Swim with Sharks   Francine, we aren’t on Lake Michigan anymore. Sharks.   They’re everywhere.   Under the boat.   Under the dock.   Passing below the paddle board.   Circling the snorkel spot.   To swim in Bahama waters, is to swim with sharks. How?   Carefully, of course.   First, learn your sharks .     There are three kinds around, though one is seldom seen. First, bull sharks .   The scary shark.   “REACTION TO DIVERS:   Wary; generally move away when approached, but may make close pass.   Considered dangerous, especially in the vicinity of spearfishing activities.”   Reef Fish Identification. “Since bull sharks often dwell in very shallow waters, are found in many types of habitats, are territorial by nature, and have no tolerance for provocation, they may be more dangerous to humans than any other species of shark.   Along with the tiger shark and great white sh...

Iguana Beach(es) We waited at West End Bay, New Providence, until the weather improved for a passage across the Great Bahama Bank to the north end of the Exumas.  40+ nautical miles with an average depth of ly 10'-15', except the White Bank, where the water can skinny down to 6' and visual pilot rules (VPR) are required.  VPR = keep a look out so you don't run into stuff. The day broke calm with fog, which cleared as we passed below New Providence.  It was an easy motor to Allens Cay. Allens Cay is the nickname for a group of islands: Allens Cay, Leaf Cay and SW Allens Cay.  It's a popular stop for boats traveling our path south.  It has relatively protected anchorages, especially SW Allens Cay where we dropped our hook.    The real draw is Iguana Beach.  There actually are two.  The main beach is on Leaf Cay.  And the critters are also found at our beach at SW Allens Cay.  We visited both.