21:37.72N 81:56.28W

Cayo Compos was indeed a special place. After a morning of boat chores, we took the afternoon off and explored the reef by dinghy with Brent and Ana (s/v Impi). We were assured by local conservationists that the crocodiles here are not aggressive, but we weren't really willing to put that theory to the test! The areas is stunningly beautiful and we were lucky to have the place to ourselves.

In the evening we were approached by the local fishermen who wanted to trade their catch of crayfish and even showed us how to cook it Cuban-style. A truly memorable meal and evening. After the trade was done, we were happy to offer some gifts which, though basic supplies for us, were very gratefully received. They were particularly thankful for the olive oil we were able to spare.

This morning it was time to move on and we needed to be well reefed down to make this passage to windward comfortable. Although only 5m deep in this sheltered bay, it can deliver a mean chop. We are now anchored in the lee of Cayo del Rosario after tip-toeing our way through the shoal area off Cayo Pasaje - not for the faint-hearted at low water!

Cayo Compos:

Hunter-gatherers Mark and Brent (sv Impi) in the Cayo del Rosario: