The least-visited of the Bahamian islands, sleepy Mayaguana 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 (111 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.
Acklins Island and Crooked Island lie across the Mayaguana Passage. 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 the rains to Mayaguana. Combined with heat and mosquitoes, it can get a little rough here. However, summer is the best time to go fishing.
