Coco Bandero Cays

Yesterday we sailed east from the Holandes Cays to the Coco Bandero Cays. The weather was good with winds from the ENE at 15-20 Knots. We decided to go around the weather side of the cays which made for an interesting trip. The seas were 2-3m but up to 4+ at times. This was mainly because we were in shallower water. We stayed out further from the reef than planned as the shoals at 5-6 meters seemed to be breaking at times with the larger swells. At the eastern side of the cays we had to cross a 7m shoal. It was not too bad as we did not have a large swell cross it with us.... once we crossed this area we were back into deeper water and headed for the lee of the cays barrier reef, which is four miles long, and we now only had to sail back to the west to the islands to anchor. Where we are anchored there are four main islands with others just a little away from here. The names are great ... we are anchored between Taidup, Dupwala, Olosicuidup and Guariadup (Dup means Island). None of these Islands are larger than 100m across, normally full of palm trees with white sandy beaches or reef around them. Only Taidup has some Kuna's living on it. We will spend another night here then head off to Green Island tomorrow. This lies to the SW of us and only about an hour's sail away. There is fairly open water until we reach the island but then have to get through the passages in the coral to get to the anchorage. Due to this one needs to get there when the sun is high to find your way in. The coral here is the best that we have seen in the Caribbean with many varieties shapes and sizes... including some old large corals that are still going strong. The fish are plentiful as well as colourful, however the fish at les Saints in Guadeloupe were more prolific and I reckon more colourful. Generally the islands here are extremely beautiful and in the most parts prestine. Time for lunch... "tuna melts" then a swim and snorkel and may catch some fresh fish for dinner. Last night we were trolling a rapala(lure) and caught a fish that was then eaten by some bigger fish while we were winding it in - Unfortunately that one missed the hooks.
Until we catch something or move again we will write again... till then

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