Exuma Land and Sea Park, Bahamas

We departed Highborne Cay that morning and headed south to 

the Exuma Nature Preserve Park...faint rainbow in tow.

Bish had nibbles at the ready.

There were a lot of shallow spots while underway...
Brad had to keep an eye on every nook we traversed.

 Upon arrival at Warderick Wells, (the location of the bay at the center of the park) we were at the perfect spot to enjoy the water from.
We anchored out and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon and would be staying here for the night.

The island was selected to be the headquarters for the Park due to the wide variety of naturally occurring ecosystems, and it’s centrally located geographical position within the park. From rocky bluffs to sand dunes, mangrove creeks and sand flats, this island has it all. 

Warderick Wells Warderick Wells is typically the center of activity in the Park. In comparison with most of the other islands, it truly is a congregation, recreation, and relaxation location.  Good thing we have a "relaxation station" to hop onto! The island was selected to be the headquarters for the Park due to the wide variety of naturally occurring ecosystems, and it’s centrally located geographical position within the park. From rocky bluffs to sand dunes, mangrove creeks and sand flats, this island has it all.   The Park Visitor Center sits on a point overlooking this harbor, and a pleasant afternoon can be had just sitting on the deck and watching the tide transform the harbor over a five hour period. The Visitor Center has a dinghy dock for tying up to, and features guest check in, books, charts, t-shirts, and a variety of other essential items. A number of artifacts and educational displays are also setup to allow you to make the most of your visit.  We enjoyed checking it all out!

The bones of an old sperm whale (who died after eating a plastic bag. What a travesty!) 
is all propped up showing off every vertebrae.

Once anchored, we took the dingy into shore and checked in at the marina office.

There was a mini museum in the parks office showcasing various specimens of the sea, and the über nice caretaker was a sweetheart. These Bahamians are just the friendliest!!

Pulling up at their dock, we enjoyed how sweet this spot was. 

Loved their "drop box" action!

We noted the "no's" and followed the local rules. No fishing or lobstering we could do. Did you know that fisherman who do free diving often use bleach to coax lobsters out of their holes? Yuk.

That's enough to get me off crustaceans for good.

Anchh leads the way down the yellow-footed road...

Wendy was a brave soul and opted to stick her hand in the "surprise feely" box.

Stinky the pilot whale lived a life of tall sea tales.

He was ready for his close-up.

We all had fun photographing art shots.

   Then we headed back to the dingy...ready for action!

And back to the boat for FUN!

Brad, Duracell Debbie and Wendy decided to hike to Boo Boo Hill. 

Boo Boo Hill has become the spot for visitors to bring a piece of driftwood with the name of their boat on it as an appeasement to the gods.

An infamous spot at the sea park, filled with oodles of seafaring wood nuggets. And en route, Banshee Creek. A great spot for when us girls get restless.

The "hikers" later joined the rest of us paddle boarding and we all enjoyed

a timeout on the infamous "relaxation station". 

It was there we all sat when we saw the shark beneath us circling. 

Luckily it was just a curious nurse shark that doesn't have any teeth. 

We were more concerned with a reef shark showing up and those aren't always dangerous, but better safe than ending up as part of their afternoon munchie fest. 

The inflatable swans added to the afternoon scenery. 

Fun and more fun!

Water guns included...

Deb was off on a paddlebaord adventure.

Laura enjoyed her mini namaste island.

And then it was time for SNORKELING!

We got into the dingy, with our new friend chaperoning us.

All packed to head out on a snorkel adventure...

Deb was ready...

Angela had preparations underway...

Where did the shark go Laura wondered?

Lots of beauteous fish to spot and a few reef sharks lurking low...which is where they can stay!

The skies grew darker, and we eventually had to retreat back to the boat for a rainy evening.

Showers all around, and then Deb shared her all-time fave skin products

being the trips "derm" on call.

After a delicious dinner Bish made for us all, the night was about to set itself on fire. The game on deck was Cards Against Humanity. Absolutely hysterical and we roared with laughter until the wee hours!