Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
INAGUAS & MAYAGUANA
Great Inagua is also the southernmost Bahamian island and is known for its vast flamingo
sanctuary, local salt industry and proximity to both Cuba and Haiti. Neighboring Little In-
agua is an uninhabited isle to the northeast of Great Inagua, while Mayaguana can rightfully
be called one of the most lonesome of all Bahamian islands, lying just 50 miles northwest of
Providenciales (Turks and Caicos).
Half of Great Inagua lies within Bahamas National Trust Park and therefore much of the
island is only accessible with some arduous trekking through brush, with vast acres of ex-
ceedingly briny lakes where wild pigs, goats, horses and donkeys roam (the latter two out-
number humans by five-to-one). The birdlife is however the real draw card here, including
five species of egret, the rare Bahamian Green Parrot and the hemisphere's largest flock of
West Indian flamingos.
The islands' climate is hot and tourist infrastructure cannot even be said to be in its in-
fancy. However the islands are blissfully free of other tourists and you'll be a curiosity to
locals wherever you go.
History
Great Inagua's human settlement was financed and supported by salt. 'Crystal farming' was
began in the late 18th century. The island became a major salt exporter (as told in
Great In-
agua
by Margery O Erickson).
Great Inagua's southernmost position also makes it a prime piece of real estate for drug-
runners heading in from Colombia and other drug-producing nations. So many islanders
profited from the drug trade in the 1980s that when a policeman became overzealous, locals
burned down the police station and took him hostage. The Drug Enforcement Administra-
tion now have a permanent presence on the islands.
Getting There & Around
Most visitors fly into Great Inagua or Mayaguana. Others catch the weekly mail boat from
Nassau.
You'll need your own transportation if you want to explore the islands or visit Little Inagua.
A couple of people rent cars in Matthew Town, though as much of the island is a restricted
national park, you aren't able to drive freely around it.
Great & Little Inagua
POP 951
With salt traders and birds the most recognizable visitors, Great Inagua remains totally off
the beaten path for travelers. The main attraction of the island is the birdwatching in the na-
tional park, where thousands of flamingos nest between February and June.
