A floatplane ferried me from Florida to the Exumas, a beautiful flight that left me with two overriding impressions: just how beautiful the water and sand is in this chain at my doorstep and just how vulnerable these pancake-flat islands are.
Flying over these cays, large and small, is a bit like taking a tour bus through the Hollywood Hills; the Exumas are settled by a mix of old timers drawn to island life and more recent adventurers with large wealth or famous names (Johnny Depp is one) or, perhaps, both. Development of the cays, therefore, ranges from the simple fishing shack to cays with wind turbines and solar panels, private marinas, chapels and compound clusters Continue Reading.
All, however, adore the secluded nature of the place, the pristine beaches, the vibrant corals, the turquoise water. And the swimming pigs!