2011-12-18 - to Warderick Well, Exumas

Today, we made it to Warderick Wells. For those who know this place, it needs no introduction. For those who do not, it needs to be explained. Warderick Wells is in the Exuma Cay Land and Sea Park. It is a large ecological zone that is protected by a no fishing, no taking rules. This, I feel, makes this place special because there is an abundance of sea life, and what is here is BIG. So we made the short 4-hour sail here in anticipation of what we would find. In the morning we caught the parks broadcast of mooring ball assignments on the VHF. This is where people let the park staff know that they are leaving and allows for those who are coming to request a spot. Since there was going to be a front moving in over the later evening hours, we thought it would start to fill up. When we arrived, we found the park empty. Only one of the mooring balls in the main mooring field was taken, and I think that the person on that boat worked there. So, we pulled up to the ball, hooked on and turned the engine off. The colour of the water was magnificent. We love this place. It took Connor about 30 seconds to grab his snorkel and jump in. I am always a little more cautious and kept all eyes on the water and surrounding water. I could see a couple of smaller fish darting about. 
 I had a piece of popcorn in my hand and tossed it in the water. Both fish went for it, startling Connor. Then, a Remora came over. We saw this one in Allens Cay a couple of days ago. It was darting in and out under the boat. After several minutes, more fish (even bigger) joined in and found shade under the boat. Then Connor said in a slightly elevated tone…’shark’. Now, he was already a little excited about our little shark-like fish...the Remora…so, I was thinking he was talking about that one. Then, a darker, larger fish came out between our hulls. Kerry was
already to go in, so he popped in the water with Connor they both identified it as a nurse shark. They both were in the water while the 6-ft shark swam slowly around the boat and then settled on the shady patch underneath. He had, in tow, two sharksucker fish. All three rested on the sea floor. It was exciting to see. We decided to jump in the dinghy and land on Powerful Beach near the park office. Connor enjoyed more
snorkeling and I took one of the kayaks out for a few laps around the lagoon. Dylan loved that and wouldn’t let me stop. We met another family tonight who is here for their 3rd time. They ended up staying here for 2  months last year enjoying the park and volunteering their time. If you do volunteer, the mooring is complimentary. Lots of cruisers spend some time here helping out with the parks  ‘to-do’ list. It was such a full day.


1 comment:

  1. Look for the yellow and gray Bananaquits beside the shelter on the whale skeleton beach. They are not timid at all.The path leading up to the park office is quite busy with large land crabs. (SH3)

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