Norman's Cay, Private island in Exuma, Bahamas
Norman's Cay is a private island in the northern Exuma archipelago of the Bahamas, extending across several hundred acres with white sand beaches and clear surrounding waters. The island features a marina with 37 slips, a restaurant, and coral stone paths that wind through newly established mangrove areas.
Between 1978 and 1982, Carlos Lehder used the island as a base for drug smuggling operations, building an airstrip for small planes. After his arrest, the property was abandoned until it was later redeveloped for tourism purposes.
The island's modern development includes MacDuff's restaurant, which introduces visitors to traditional Bahamian food and local maritime customs.
The marina offers docking facilities for different boat sizes and sits sheltered among the newly planted mangroves. Visitors reach the island only by private boat or charter flight, as it remains closed to general public access.
A sunken aircraft from the 1980s rests in shallow water near the shore and draws snorkelers who want to view the wreck up close. The wings and parts of the fuselage remain well preserved and are inhabited by coral and small fish.
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