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Allen Cay Iguanas

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Animal habitat
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Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)

Weather…

The Allen Cay Iguanas, scientifically classified as *Cyclura cychlura inornata*, are among the most endangered lizard species in the world and are endemic to the northern Exuma Cays. These reptiles can grow up to three feet in length and have a lifespan exceeding 40 years in the wild. They primarily inhabit Allen Cay and Leaf Cay, where they dwell among the rugged limestone formations and coastal scrub vegetation. The population is strictly protected under Bahamian law, as they were previously threatened by invasive species and human encroachment; however, dedicated conservation programs have helped stabilize their numbers. These iguanas are primarily herbivorous, feeding on local fruits, berries, and leaves, making them vital seed dispersers for the island ecosystem. Geographically, the isolation of these cays facilitated the evolution of this distinct subspecies. Visitors typically arrive by boat and are advised by conservationists not to touch the animals or feed them inappropriate food to maintain their long-term health.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232323242628292929282524
Rain mm353238581181501171401541116638

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The best time to observe the Exuma rock iguanas is year-round, as they do not migrate. In winter, temperatures are more pleasant for longer beach stays.
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Best time of day
Iguanas are most active early in the morning when they bask in the sun. Around midday they retreat to shady rock crevices.
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Etiquette
Do not feed the iguanas, as their natural behavior is impacted. Do not touch the animals and keep your distance to avoid stressing them.
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What to bring
Comfortable swimwear and water shoes are useful as iguanas often sit on rocks by the water. Sunscreen and a hat are essential.
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Getting there
Allen Cay is accessible only by boat, typically as part of a guided tour from Great Exuma. Private boats need a permit to land.
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What to expect
The iguanas are accustomed to humans, but not always visible right at the landing point. Walk slowly and quietly along the beach for the best chances.

Geography

Coordinates
24.75700, -76.83700

Facts

  • They are a subspecies of the Northern Bahamian Rock Iguana.
  • Capable of living for more than 40 years in their natural habitat.
  • Endemic only to a few small islands within the Exuma Cays.
  • Adults can reach a maximum length of about one meter.
  • The iguanas serve as primary seed dispersers for island flora.
  • Protected under CITES Appendix I as a critically endangered species.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Saddleback CaySaddleback Cay7 km · NWExplore →
CurrentCurrent17 km · EExplore →
Spanish Wells Lobster PortSpanish Wells Lobster Port22 km · NEExplore →
Griffin's Bunker RuinGriffin's Bunker Ruin22 km · NEExplore →
Lower BogueLower Bogue22 km · NEExplore →
Preacher's CavePreacher's Cave26 km · NEExplore →
North Eleuthera Fish PlantNorth Eleuthera Fish Plant27 km · NEExplore →
Exuma Cays Land and Sea ParkExuma Cays Land and Sea Park28 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Allen Cay Iguanas (1)

Highbourne Cay Wreck📍 landmark

Shipwreck off Highbourne Cay in the Exumas, a site for diving and snorkeling.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What animals live on Allen Cay?
The rare species of Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas.
How do you reach the island?
Only by boat, usually as part of an Exuma day tour.
Are you allowed to feed the iguanas?
Many tours offer grapes for feeding, but you should be careful.
Are the iguanas dangerous?
They are generally peaceful but can bite if they feel threatened.
What should you bring?
Sun protection, water, and a camera for close-up shots.
Allen Cay Iguanas: where is it located?
Allen Cay Iguanas is located in Bahamas.
Allen Cay Iguanas: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Allen Cay Iguanas: why is it worth visiting?
The Allen Cay Iguanas, scientifically classified as *Cyclura cychlura inornata*, are among the most endangered lizard species in the world and are endemic to the northern Exuma Cays.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Hartswell — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Hartswell
A coastal settlement on Great Exuma.
Stewart Manor — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Stewart Manor
A residential settlement near George Town, Exuma.
George Town (Exuma) — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
George Town (Exuma)
The capital and largest town of the Exuma island chain.
Staniel Cay — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Staniel Cay
An island in the Exumas famous for the nearby Thunderball Grotto.
Black Point — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Black Point
One of the largest settlements in the Exuma Cays.
Little Farmer's Cay — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Little Farmer's Cay
A small, family-run island in the Exumas.
Ramsey — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Ramsey
A small, quiet settlement on Great Exuma Island.
Williams Town — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Williams Town
A settlement on Little Exuma Island.
The Ferry — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
The Ferry
A settlement on Great Exuma that serves as a ferry link.
Barraterre — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Barraterre
A fishing community on Great Exuma.
Rolleville — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Rolleville
A historic settlement in Exuma founded by a former slave.
Forbes Hill — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Forbes Hill
A small coastal community on Little Exuma.
Moss Town — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Moss Town
A settlement on Great Exuma, near the international airport.
Alexandria — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Alexandria
A small, rural settlement on Great Exuma.
Rolletown — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Rolletown
A historic settlement on Great Exuma founded by Lord Rolle.

History & landmarks

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
A protected area in the Exumas known for its pristine beauty.
Tropic of Cancer Beach — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Tropic of Cancer Beach
A stunning crescent-shaped beach on Little Exuma, crossed by the Tropic of Cancer.
Hermitage Tomb — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Hermitage Tomb
A fascinating family tomb from the Loyalist era on Exuma.

More places

George Town Marina — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
George Town Marina
A central harbor basin for yachts, provisioning, and charter boats.
Saddleback Cay — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Saddleback Cay
A picturesque uninhabited island in the northern Exumas with a crescent-shaped beach.
Fauna of Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Fauna of Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
The park is a sanctuary for a variety of marine and terrestrial life, including seabirds, hutias (a species of rodent), and reef fish.
Compass Cay Nurse Sharks — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Compass Cay Nurse Sharks
A marina in the Exumas where visitors can swim with a population of relatively harmless nurse sharks in shallow water.
🗺️
Exuma Cays Karst Topography
The landscape of the Exuma Cays is defined by karst, featuring countless caves, blue holes, and sharp limestone formations.
Pig Beach (Big Major Cay) — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Pig Beach (Big Major Cay)
An uninhabited island famous for a colony of swimming pigs that live on the beach.
Black Point Dock — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Black Point Dock
A local landing point for supplies and small cargo vessels.
Fish Cays (Exuma) Relief — Allen Cay Iguanas (Bahamas)
Fish Cays (Exuma) Relief
A group of small, low-lying cays in the Exumas surrounded by sandbars and coral reefs.