Iguanas

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Northern Bahamian Rock Iguana

The northern tip of Bitter Guana Cay is an iguana sanctuary. This is where many northern Bahamian rock iguanas call home. And, they have become quite a tourist attraction. This is not a bad thing as tourists bring food. In fact, the iguanas are so use to the tour boats, when we arrived ashore in our dinghy they immediately came out of the brush onto the beach and gave us the sad hungry face. I was pretty amazed how fast they moved. But, I guess when food is involved there is motivation. I know food motivates me. And, I guess free food delivered and hand fed by strangers would be kind of nice.

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Cindy with Iguanas – Cream Puff in the Background

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Sunbathing

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White Cliffs on the Leeward Side

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Looking out of a cave

We watched a couple of tour boats come and go. The guides put food on the end of a stick (iguanas bite) and had them do little dances or even jump for the tasty treat. It was very entertaining.

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More Humans = More Food

Sadly, the northern Bahamian rock iguanas are declining in population. According to Wikipedia, the population has decreased 50% in the past 60 years. In some areas they are hunted for food and also feral pigs eat the iguana’s eggs. However, we are pleased to report that on Bitter Guana Cay there are thriving. They are everywhere.

A hike to the windward side of the island revealed a vastly dissimilar terrain than where we landed on the leeward side sandy beach. Our walk was less than a ¼ mile and the scenery went from sandy beaches and calm lapping water on the beach to raging waves crashing over rocks.  The area is very rocky and because of the high winds this week was being pounded by the ocean. The air was so full of saltwater mist we both needed a good rinse off when we returned to Cream Puff.

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The Windward Side

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Probably NOT the best place to go for a swim

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Looking for Shells

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Looking for shells

 

 

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