Ocean Adventure Cat

A mockingbird was traveling amongst the rock iguanas this week. He and his mate seemed very sure they knew what they were doing. I’m not sure what they were doing, but the juxtaposition of the two species traveling across the rocky ground looked cool.

Lara found one of these guys, a red cushion sea star, caught floating around in the rough surf this week, so she walked in and helped it settle on the bottom. 
 
At first glance, they seem tough—thick, textured, kind of heavy, but cushion sea stars are more sensitive than they look.  
 
They rely on the water around them to function, and lifting them up out of the water can stress them, impact their breathing, and cause them to fill with air. Surprisingly, incidents like the one Lara witnessed can even kill them. 
 
It’s possible the one she encountered was just stirred off the bottom by the waves, but it’s also possible a passerby had picked it up, then placed it back down, not knowing it could no longer sink itself to the bottom. 
 
They’re beautiful creatures, relatively rare, and they photograph beautifully from just beneath the surface, which is why we teach our guests to leave them exactly where we find them. 
 

It’s been a windy week in Exuma, with very few lulls—but after 5 years of running charters here, we’ve learned a few ways to keep the experience just as special, whatever the weather brings. 
 
Sandcastles, starfish, and a stretch of beach all to themselves—just one of this week’s moments. 
 
We’re already looking forward to having this awesome family back. Now that they’ve gotten a taste of Great Exuma, there’s plenty more of our Bahamian backyard to explore. 
 

The Lagoon at Conception Island, in the rain.

We love seeing (and hearing the lively chatter of) these graceful white-tailed tropic birds. When Lara worked in tourism and economic development with Bermuda’s official destination marketing organization, “longtails”, as Bermudians call them, were an enthusiastically regarded icon of the country’s national identity.

They exist in many other places throughout the world, however, and the Bahamas are one of them. They’re very vulnerable to predation when nesting, as they nest in rocks and crevices on the ground.

There’s a thriving population in Conception Island.

We got a special treat this week. Our guests requested an itinerary we don’t get to do very often.

George Town → an otherworldly dinner at Chez Pierre in Long Island, after being welcomed by a pair of playful dolphins → Thompson Bay, with a car rental to visit Dean’s Blue Hole followed by a delicious burger at Tiny’s Hurricane Hole → Calabash Bay and Cape Santa Maria → Conception Island → George Town.

It can be a very weather-dependent route, but when the weather is right, this trip is legendary.

We ask for a minimum of 6 nights for this itinerary so we have space to plan around the weather during the week, but an ideal trip is more like 7–8 nights.

If you’re interested in learning more, send us a message. We’d love to talk about it with you.

We tried a couple of new recipes the other night and they turned out fab!

Pictured here: Fennel, orange and watercress salad topped with a ginger-lemon dressing, and a colorful lemony risotto with blackened Nassau grouper, which just came into season.

That’s what it’s all about on Tahina – Fresh, seasonal local flavors, and fresh, vibrant local experiences in the out islands of the Bahamas.

Come join us sometime! We have three available weeks remaining this season: April 30-May 7, and May 18-June 3.

Some mornings just stand out more than others. This morning was the kind of morning that sets the tone for everything that follows. The kind you share with guests you instantly click with — who are happy to slow the pace, explore a little deeper, linger over coffee, and really savor the small, quiet moments that make a place like the Exumas feel so special.

Exuma nights. Where do you find your peace?

Big moon nights in Exuma! WOW!!