Named for pirate Arthur Catt, our morning anchorage found us at the northern reaches of Cat Island, in the protected area of Pigeon Cay. Another sunny and blue sky greeted us. As the day unfolded, we looked ahead to our plans to explore the inland waterways of the island.
After breakfast, we landed on the western beach of Pigeon Cay, which has the softest white sand that flows out into beautiful, tranquil aquamarine waters. It’s as if the entire blue spectrum is represented from the beach when looking out into the water. Previous snorkeling days found us in the pocket reefs just off the shore. However, today we set out to explore the inland waterways and the mangrove environment by way of snorkeling. The mangrove snorkel showcases a vital marine habitat. We observed fish nurseries and the twisted root structure of the mangroves, which provide protection for fish, turtles, and birds. It also provides the area with valuable protection from storm surges and coastal erosion.
With a rising tide in the afternoon, we brought our fleet of expedition landing crafts to shore. Kayaks and stand up paddleboards let us explore the calmer waters of the mangrove and its protective habitat. Guests on Zodiacs and paddlers enjoyed the serene ride up Pigeon Creek while meandering through its twists and turns. We spotted baby sea turtles, stingrays, and even lemon sharks! What a day we had here on the Out Islands of the Bahamas.
