Bahamas, Water Cay, Jumentos (Ragged Islands) – The best sights are under the surface

We had come to the Jumeto Cays for some peace and quiet and some good fishing.  Thankfully we found both.

The whole ‘armada’ of boats we found anchored up at Water Cay the evening started radioing each other first thing in the morning and they all left together shortly after.

This left us alone in the south anchorage nestled between the main cay and some outlining smaller cays, rocks and sandbars.

This little spot gave us a little protection from the waves created by the westerly setting winds.  Mind you there is quite a strong tide through here and the boat seemed to prefer to turn with that rather than face the wind.

There was even a little beach and shallow sandy swimming area for me.

The first order of business was to go off exploring the Cay.  There are no ‘walking’ trails on the Cay, but the arid exposed limestone here keeps vegetation low and the sea has beaten it well back from the shoreline.

Picking your way along the windward side (exposed to the Atlantic) is the most interesting.

The sea has seriously underpinned the coastline on this side of the Cay.

As you walk along you find regular holes where the sea comes bubbling up.

Despite the very calm sea conditions we did happen upon a few blow holes that squirted us with water.  The flotsam around the edges of these holes is testimony to their power when the sea state gets up.

Despite the very arid conditions on the Cay we were astounded by the number of song and sea birds.  We even found cacti and flowers.

But you do not really come to the Jumento Cays for land based activities.  It is below the surface of the water that the jewels of the Jumentos shine.

We did not have the settled weather we wanted to get out to the blue holes diving.  And we would like to try to get back up here after a front passes by.

But we did have a chance to do some lovely snorkeling on the reefs lying to our west.  Here we found some lovely coral, fish and conch.  On the ‘not as pretty’ east side of the channel, the Cay side, that we found the best fishing bounty.  Nassau grouper for lunch, and lobster for Valentines dinner.

All this watching the humans foraging is exhausting.

We had winds from SW-W-NW not greater than 15 knots and found, anchored in 6m on sand, that it was a very comfortable anchorage with lots to entertain the humans and at least a small beach for me.

It was also great to have an uninterrupted view of sunsets again.  In search of the elusive green flash again.  Get your sundowners out!