THE BAHAMAS INVITES ANIMAL LOVERS TO EXPLORE THE ISLANDS
Get Up Close and Personal with the Wildlife in The Bahamas
Nassau, The Bahamas: Oct. 2022: Catnip for animal lovers, birdwatchers, and nature travelers, The Bahamas welcomes visitors to 32 national parks; all with a treasure trove of creatures and critters that add to the beauty of these protected places. www.bahamas.com/
West Indian Flamingo
Where to find them: Inagua National Park on Great Inagua Island
Home to just over 900 residents but over 130 bird species, remote Great Inagua Island is a haven for bird watchers. In Inagua National Park the real star is the spectacular West Indian flamingo. This park is home to the largest breeding colony of West Indian flamingos in the world, thanks to its isolation and concentration of salt. Getting there will require some effort. You will need time and a vehicle with four-wheel drive. In the end, your journey will be rewarded, especially in early spring, when the females lay their eggs and form a mega-flock.
Sandy Cay Rock Iguana
Where to find them: Sandy Cay in Exuma Cays Land and Sea National Park
Sandy Cay, also known as the island of iguanas, is home to the endangered rock iguana. These curious critters are incredibly rare but are most likely to be spotted in The Bahamas. The rock iguana will take on a new color depending on the island they inhabit. On Sandy Cay, they all share distinct orange spots. Visiting these elusive creatures is an easy boat ride from Long Island.
Caribbean Reef Shark
Where to find them: Walker’s Cay National Park
Walker’s Cay is an isolated 16-square-kilometer island in the northernmost part of The Bahamas. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in abundant biodiversity. The island is bordered by its own barrier reef making the area a haven for marine-life enthusiasts and divers. The most exciting of all marine life is the Caribbean reef shark. These six to ten-foot-long apex predators are found exclusively in the Western Atlantic Ocean and are an absolute thrill to see in person.
Abaco Parrot
Where to find them: Abaco National Park in South Abaco Island
The Abaco Parrot, affectionately known as the Bahama Parrot, is unique to The Bahamas and the most colorful animal on this list. These small parrots are recognized by their green and red body and white-topped heads. When they take flight, they provide a dazzling show of rich blue feathers on the underside of their wings. Abaco National Park in South Abaco Island, famous for birdwatching, is the best place to spot these creatures.
ABOUT THE BAHAMAS
With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy flyaway escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating, and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples, and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas. www.bahamas.com/
