Warderick Wells Cay

Warderick Wells Cay is within the Exuma Land and Sea Park which is a government protected area of 176 square miles. In 1959 the Bahamian Parliament set this area aside to be overseen by the Bahamian National Trust. It extends 22 miles long and 8 miles wide. Its purpose is to provide a safe haven and replenishment area for the wildlife & sealife native to the Bahamas. There is no taking or destruction of any marine mammals, fish, birds, plants, coral reef or beach sand within its boundaries.

Our stay within the park was not long enough. You could easily spend the entire winter within this playground of beaches, coral reefs and hiking trails.


Music night at park headquarters


Taking a break during one of our hikes along the eastern side of Warderick Wells.

"Murphy's Hide Away" Hole along the Hutia trail.

We found these lizards to be quite unafraid of humans. If you sat very still they would scurry up onto your legs as if they thought you were a rock. We saw many, some with short tails lost from battle, and some with very long ones that had been regrown.

Inviting isn't it?

Sharing Seazen's now famous "Blow Hole Pie!"
There were amazing blow holes along the trail to Boo Boo Hill.

If caught at high tide they would emit both air and intense sound, no water from the incoming waves. As the waves would crash the shore the air would be pushed up and out of these holes!

Hook and Seazen joining the ranks of cruisers from this year and years past.

Night hike up to Boo Boo Hill in search for the beheaded ghost of "Murphy", who legend says was marooned on Warderick Wells. It is told that his crew returned to find his body. To prove his death, they returned to Georgetown, Exuma with just his head.

Hutia (Hoot-E-A)

The hutia are the only land mammal native to the Bahamas.

There are only 3 locations in the world where you will see a Hutia, and they are East Plana Cay, Warderick Wells Cay and Little Wax Cay, all in this small area of the Bahamas.

They are plump, brown, rabbit-sized members of the rodent family, weighing only 1-1.5 pounds.

They tend to be nocturnal so this little fellow was a fun sight to see.

Beach at Park Headquarters

Atop Boo Boo Hill. Leaving our contribution to the hill.

View of Hook from the hill top.

The 3 privateers...

Cute little Bananna Berry Birds. The park supplied a container of sugar to shake into your hand to lure the birds to you. They had strong little feet and would scoop their bills into your palm to get the sugar. Very fun.

Mooring field at Warderick Wells.

Kirsten "attempting" internet. Sketchy reception to say the least but we did get a few emails out!

Here we are! Exuma Land & Sea Park.

March 26-30, 2010