INAGUAS ATTRACTIONS Inaguas Lighthouse Built in 1870, the Great Inagua Lighthouse is one of only three remaining and (still operating) hand-wound, kerosene-burning lighthouses in the Bahamas. Standing 120 ft. tall, and easily visible from Matthew Town, it also an important part of the Inaguas product mix, and a significant tourism attraction. TDI Corporation Morton Salt Works In 1954, Morton salt Works, acquires the Canadian Salt Co. Ltd. and West India Chemicals, a solar salt operation in the Bahamas. But why is there salt in Inaguas? It is a combination of factors, mostly attibutable to both the weather and the conditions in Inagaua. the topagraphy is flat, dry, and windy, which helps in the productions of salt from the sea. Birds and Wildlife Why is there a huge collection of West Indian pink flamingos in Great Inagua? Weather and Geographical Niche. Inaguas is warm and dry, and has lots of brine ponds with shrimp, which flamingos love. Great Inagua unlike any other Bahamian island is a naturalist paradise where rare birds, reptiles, and wild animals thrive in the thousands. The Bahamas National Trust has leased 287 square miles of land in the center of Great Inagua Island. One of the National Trust’s greatest accomplishments is the saving of the nearly extinct West Indian Flamingo. The largest flock of flamingoes in the Western Hemisphere (80,000 flamingoes) resides in Lake Windsor, the biggest lake in the Bahamas. Programs were innovated to prevent the extinction of the Green Turtle, White Crowned Pigeon and the Bahama Parrot. The park is a natural habitat for a diversity of birds: Pelicans, Roseate, Spoonbills, Blue Herons, West Indian Tree Ducks, Humming Birds, and the Reddish Egret. The Union Creek on the north coast is populated with various types of turtles such as the Green, Loggerhead and Hawksbill Turtle. There are two full time wardens who can arrange a tour of the National Park. The names of the present wardens are Henry Nixon and Randolph Burrows. (from www.theinagues.com) See this webspage for further info on birding in Great Inagau...... Diving The buzz is the Inaguas may be one of the next great Bahamas diving places. It is isolated, unspoilded, and undiscovered. Marine life is plentiful and beautiful. Snorkelers and scuba divers can enjoy breath-taking views of coral formation, colour fish, the Nassau grouper, manta, and spotted eagle rays close to shore. There are no dive operations on the island of Great Inagua, but it is possible to arrange a driving trip. For diving information, contact Mr. Alex McIntosh, main line (242) 339-1379 or cell (242) 422-5095 Union Creek Reserve Union Creek Reserve covers 4,940ac/2,000ha of an enclosed tidal creek on Great Inagua. The area is a research facility dedicated to turtles, in particular the Green Sea Turtle. The reserve has been functioning in conjunction with the Caribbean Conservation Corporation for over 25 years. Great Inagua Tours Mr. Colin Ingraham has been a tour guide for over twenty years, specializing in birding and island tours. He can also arrange fishing and water sports excursions. A complete island tour includes visits to the National Park for birding and wildlife (including flamingos and wild donkeys), caves, Morton Salt facility, lighthouse and museum. All information is presented in the form of a brochure. Manager: Colin Ingraham Burnside Street Matthew Town, Inagua The Bahamas Phone: 242-339-1336 Cell: 242-464-7050 Fax: 242-339-2091 greatinaguastours@hotmail.com Tour Prices Island Tour, including birds and wildlife (2½ hours): $30.00 per person; School Groups – $20 Adults/$10 Children Island Tour, including birds, wildlife and tour of Morton Salt facility (8 hours): $150 – two persons Little Inagua Little Inagua, designated a National Park by the Bahamas Government in 2002, is the largest uninhabited island in the Wider Caribbean and exists in a REMOTE, natural undisturbed state. It is a documented nesting location for critically endangered sea turtle species. Its surrounding waters contribute to the supply of fisheries eggs, larvae, and sub-adults that are swept into the remaining Bahamian marine territory. Park designation includes the marine area to 100 fathoms, increasing the percentage of marine ecosystem under protection for fisheries replenishment purposes. Approximate area: 31,000 acres (not including marine area).