Bell Island

2016 March 6

by Greg & Lyn

One of the challenges in the Exumas is that there are very few anchorages with protection from Westerly winds, which is the case whenever a cold front passes through the islands. Bell Island is one of those places. The guidebook describes a narrow cut, about 50’ wide, with a rock on one side and a 1’ deep sandbar on the other, “that should pose no difficulty for the experienced mariner.” I guess there are a lot of mariners with a lot more experience! It was a bit snug for our taste – especially since you have to go back out the same way and experience it twice! But there was good protection, plenty of room and some fantastic snorkeling. Of course, the reefs are inside the Exuma Park so no fishing allowed. But we were able to find a couple hidden beaches to just relax and soak up the scenery.

Bell Island, like too many of the Exumas, is now privately owned. Rumor has it an Iranian religious group of some sort bought it and has built a retreat center. For neighbors, they have Johny Depp a couple islands up, David Copperfield a little ways to the south and a few others scattered around. Seems like the islands are mortgaging their future in return for some short-lived cash. Doesn’t seem like a very good deal!