Things to Do in Great Inagua
Reviewed by Captain Ronald RolleGreat Inagua is the Bahamas' third-largest island and its most remote inhabited destination, lying just 55 miles from Cuba at the archipelago's southern tip. With approximately 900 residents concentrated in Matthew Town, this 596-square-mile island remains gloriously undeveloped, its interior dominated by the 287-square-mile Inagua National Park that protects the world's largest breeding colony of West Indian flamingos.
The island's harsh, sun-baked landscape proved ideal for salt production, and today Morton Salt operates one of North America's largest solar salt facilities here, with crystalline mountains of salt sparkling along the coast. But it's the flamingos that draw most visitors to this frontier island, their brilliant pink plumage a stunning contrast against the stark salt pans and mangrove wetlands where they feed on brine shrimp.
Inagua National Park
WildlifeEstablished in 1965, this 287-square-mile park protects approximately 70,000 West Indian flamingos, the world's largest breeding colony. The population represents a remarkable conservation success, having recovered from near extinction over a forty-year effort by the Bahamas National Trust.
Tip: Contact the BNT warden in Matthew Town to arrange guided park visits.
Lake Windsor Flamingo Viewing
WildlifeLake Windsor, also called Lake Rosa, lies at the heart of Inagua National Park and serves as the primary flamingo habitat. The shallow, saline lake provides ideal conditions for the brine shrimp and algae that give flamingos their distinctive pink coloring.
Tip: Early morning offers the best light for photography and most active birds.
Great Inagua Lighthouse
LandmarkThis gleaming white stone lighthouse has guided mariners since 1870, rising 113 feet above Matthew Town. Climb the spiral staircase for panoramic views stretching across the salt pans, the town, and on clear days, the mountains of Cuba to the southwest.
Tip: Visit the adjacent small museum for local maritime history.
Morton Salt Company Tour
LandmarkOne of North America's largest solar salt operations, Morton Salt produces over one million tons annually using a two-year evaporation process. Tours reveal how Atlantic seawater becomes the salt on your table, with massive crystalline mountains glittering under the tropical sun.
Tip: Arrange tours through the company office in Matthew Town.
Birdwatching Beyond Flamingos
WildlifeBeyond flamingos, Inagua supports remarkable bird diversity including the endangered Bahama parrot, endemic Inagua woodstar hummingbird, roseate spoonbills, brown pelicans, reddish egrets, and burrowing owls. The park is designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
Tip: The bonsai forests in the interior harbor unique species not found elsewhere.
Wild Donkey Encounters
WildlifeDescendants of animals brought by early settlers, wild donkeys roam freely among the mangroves and scrubland of Great Inagua. These friendly creatures often appear along roadsides and near the national park, adding to the island's frontier character.
French Cay Beach
BeachThis local favorite near Matthew Town offers soft sand and clear turquoise water for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. With minimal development and few visitors, the beach provides peaceful relaxation after wildlife excursions.
Tip: Bring all supplies as there are no facilities at the beach.
Best time to visit
January through April offers cooler temperatures and peak flamingo nesting activity. The breeding season, when birds gather in dense flocks, provides the most spectacular viewing. Summer brings extreme heat but fewer visitors. Hurricane season runs June through November.
Getting there
Bahamasair operates flights from Nassau to Matthew Town's airport several times weekly. The journey takes approximately two hours. There is no regular ferry service to Great Inagua. Cruising sailors can anchor off Matthew Town but should be aware of the long, exposed passage from the central Bahamas.
Read the full Great Inagua guide
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a guide to see the flamingos?
- Yes. Access to Inagua National Park requires a Bahamas National Trust warden as guide. Contact the BNT office in Matthew Town to arrange visits, which should be booked in advance of your arrival.
- How close can you get to the flamingos?
- With a knowledgeable guide, visitors can approach within reasonable viewing and photography distance without disturbing the birds. The flamingos are habituated to guided visits but will flush if approached too directly.
- What else is there to do on Great Inagua?
- Beyond wildlife, visitors explore the historic lighthouse, tour Morton Salt facilities, visit caves, and enjoy deserted beaches. The island appeals to those seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences rather than resorts or nightlife.
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