The Inaguas, Great Inagua and Little Inagua

The Inaguas are in the southern most island chain of the Bahamas and consist of Great Inagua and Little Inagua. Great Inagua is known as "Bahamas Great Outback" or "Wild West" and is roughly 55 miles by 19 miles. It is about 55 miles from the eastern tip of Cuba. Great Inagua is the third largest island in the Bahamas. The island is home to the West Indian Flamingo, which out-number humans 60 to 1 (human population 969 - 2000 census). Little Inagua is just five miles north of Great Inagua and is roughly 30 square miles. This island is uninhabited and has a large natural protective reef that should keep it in its uninhabited state. Little Inagua has herds of donkeys and goats, which were br ought over by the French, and has a large land and sea park. The national park of Great Inagua is roughly 287 square miles. The geographic location and the weather, that this island is subject to, have created the hottest and driest island in the Bahamas. It is mostly flat with some hilly areas. The environment is perfect for cacti, as there are more cacti here than on any other island in the Bahamas. The Morton Salt Company has its salt operations here and they have produced the second largest solar saline operation in the world. Many plants cannot survive the arid environs and the "salt soaked" land that Great Inagua offers. Lake Windsor (also known as Lake Rosa) occupies ¼ of the interior of this island. Matthew Town is the capital and provides the only harbor on the island. This town is also the headquarters of the Morton Salt Company. If you are a nature lover and enjoy a slightly more arid environment, than give The Inaguas a try. These islands' habitats reach one of nature' s purest forms. The island of Great Inagua offers sailing, deep-sea fishing, walking, scuba diving, snorkeling in The Inaguas, swimming, and sun bathing.