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Originally
named Santa Maria de la Conception by Christopher Columbus. Rum Cay derives its present day name for the cargo
carried by West Indies sailing vessels during the rum-running years of the 1800's. Arawak Indians lived peacefully
on Rum Cay when Columbus briefly disturbed their tranquility in 1492.
One
of the smaller islands, it comprises only 29 square miles running 10 miles east to west and spanning only 5 miles
at the ester end, and is located 20 miles due east of Cape Santa Maria, Long Island and about 20 miles southwest
of San Salvador Island.
The
population here is approximately 100 inhabitants, with the only settlement being Port Nelson on the southern coast;
a picturesque village surrounded by coconut trees.
Annual Residence
Permit
South
of Port Nelson off Sumner Point, lies the wreck of the 101-gun-man-of-war,
H.M.S. CONQUEROR, which sank there in 1861. The wreck, although
sunk in 30 feet of water, is still visible from the air and is listed
as a historical site by the Bahamian Government.
Rum
Cay's history was only slightly tinted by explorers, colonists,
and pirates. Salt mines were operational until a hurricane wiped
them out in 1853, leaving the isle to bask in the sun for over 100
years until developers began plans for a resort.
Miles
of golden beaches stretch around the island and make Rum Cay an
excellent place to visit. Beachcomb long stretches of sparkling
white sand…swim in quiet secluded coves…find shells and exotic objects
washed ashore from distant places. Visit the old jailhouse…hike
to historic colonial plantation ruins…even explore Harford Cave
with pre-Columbian Indian drawings. Enjoy superb snorkeling and
scuba diving on rarely visited reefs where you can actually pet
inquisitive groupers.
The
airport, is 5,500 feet long and will accommodate jets as well as
commercial airlines. Cat Island Air has regularly scheduled flights
to Rum Cay from Nassau.
The
resort and the water provided the base for Rum Cay fun. The number
of guests on Rum Cay at any one time is low, so the miles of beach
that fringe this 30 square mile isle are more than ample to assure
privacy.
Other
offerings provided by Rum Cay include bonefishing and deep sea fishing,
catamaran sailing, and a proposed resort with bar, boutique, recreation
and an existing library on the isle.
Out
in the clean, clear waters of the Atlantic, with underwater visibility
usually exceeding 100 fee, Rum Cay is only three hours from Florida
by small plane.
Rum Cay Island Bahamas - Photo Tour
"RUM CAY, UNSPOILED JEWEL OF THE
BAHAMAS".
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