Day of the Iguana

Endangered Exuma Iguana on Bitter Guana Cay.

Heading south through the Exuma chain of islands, we stopped off at Bitter Guana Cay to explore the island and try to spot the Exuma Iguana. An endangered species native to the islands, the iguanas have been released on Bitter Guana as part of a research project funded by the Bahamas National Trust.

And find them we did. Lots of them. In fact, after anchoring our dinghy off the beach, we were met by five big lizards (they grow up to three feet long and can weigh up to to 24 pounds). It seems that tourists have been feeding them fruit and vegetables, and we were expected to do the same. We made an effort to not be intimidated.

One of the big lizards that met us on the beach.

Brenda and I took time to hike around the uninhabited rocky island, and discovered more than 50 of the animals scattered across the landscape.

One was hiding in a cave, another perched on a high bluff, and another hiding among sea grape leaves. Prehistoric looking beasts. Very cool.

We found this guy perched high
on a bluff overlooking the beach.
King of the hill!

The jagged bluffs of Bitter Guana provide a sharp relief against the sky.

Update on S/V Pandion: Due to Hurricane/Tropical Storm Beryl, we altered our  course and headed north back to the Exumas Land and Sea Park to wait out the weather. The remnants of Beryl have finally subsided, and our journey continues. More blogs on the way!