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FOR COMPLETE DETAILS ON EXPLORING GUANA CAY, VISIT THE "AROUND TOWN AND AROUND THE CAY" PAGES IN THE RESORT PAGES

Take a short golf cart excursion or bike ride and explore the tiny, picturesque settlement of Guana Cay and meet the friendly locals - descendants of loyalists. Great Guana Cay remains a tranquil, unspoiled hideaway known to few outsiders. Only about 100 people, most of whom make their living fishing for lobster, call this island home. Children go to school until they are 14. To continue their education, they must leave the island, but many don't.

The minuscule village is always quiet except when the silence is pierced by the cry of a rooster. Here a hand-lettered sign echoes the sentiments of the island's warm, welcoming residents: "It's Better in the Bahamas, but . . . it's Gooder in Guana." There are few cars along the paved paths bordered by palm trees. Laundry flutters on clotheslines between small clapboard houses with picket fences.

Walk up a path from the waterfront, and you'll come to a small graveyard with above-ground tombs decorated with flowers and colorful bows and ribbons. A tiny, weathered grave bears an inscription that reads, "Pearl Bethel, born April 23, 1920, Fell Asleep in Jesus July 2, 1920." Another path takes you across the island's narrow width, past the school with its bright mural, to the Atlantic.

You can walk to nearby shops, but don't expect any big name stores or restaurants. The shops look like houses, and some of them are. You'll find t-shirts, snacks, drinks, limited fishing supplies and other items normally found in a convenience store. You'll also find the shop owners to be very friendly and helpful in offering advice on fishing and other useful tips.