Introduction to Mayaguana Island

The least visited Bahamian island, sleepy Mayaguana, across the Mayaguana Passage from Acklins Island and Crooked Island, seems to float adrift in the tropical sun at the remote extremities of the southeastern edge of The Bahamas, 564km (350 miles) southeast of Nassau. It occupies 285 sq. km (110 sq. miles) and has a population of about 400. It's a long, long way from the development of Nassau and Paradise Island.

Standing in the Windward Passage, Mayaguana is just northwest of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It's separated from the British Crown colony by the Caicos Passage. Around the time of the American Civil War, inhabitants of Turks Island began to settle in Mayaguana, which before then had dozed undisturbed for centuries.

Mayaguana is only 9.5km (6 miles) across at its widest point, and about 39km (24 miles) long. Its beaches are enticing, but you'll rarely see a tourist on them, other than the occasional German. A few developers have flown in to check out the island, but to date, no new development has occurred.

Summer brings rain to Mayaguana. Combined with the heat and mosquitoes, it can get a little rough here. However, summer is also the best time to go fishing.