Petting the Sharks

Sharks passing under our dinghy as we approach

the Compass Cay Marina dock.

“They’re our pets,” Jonathan of Compass Cay Marina explained, nodding at the swirling sharks working their way on top of their dinghy dock with the rising tide.  “Meet Our Pet Sharks,” encourages their sign.

Indeed, they’ve named each of the dozen or so friendly nurse sharks who cozy up for treats… Mutt, Woody, Hook, Squirt, and Scar are a few in the gang.

They wiggle and waggle up like friendly kittens.  Their skin looks velvety, so I satisfied my curiosity and petted one.  The texture was like a150-grit fine sandpaper; still softer than a cat’s tongue.

Sharks queueing up over the dock in anticipation

of feeding time at Compass Cay Marina.

I know nurse sharks don’t attack humans.  Still, it’s disconcerting when there’s a dozen jaws at feet level, all swimming in the same watery plane. 

When we watched their feeding from the high dock at Highborne Cay, several days earlier, I did not want to encounter them on my swim from the beach to our anchorage.  I swam that as swiftly as the time a Doberman chased me at the track, back in my days as a runner.  In fact, I was back at the boat on the foredeck before Wayne motored the dinghy out of Highborne Cay’s harbor.

Brave visitor volunteers to feed the sharks at her feet

on the dock at Compass Cay Marina. I tossed ‘em

a tidbit too.  Disconcerting.

Back at Compass Cay, We weren’t at all concerned about our safety (at least not from the sharks -- but that's another post!).  Our biggest worry was not getting our dinghy motor too close to the gang; for their safety. 

Location, Location

Feb 16, 2014. BAHAMAS. Prescheduled Feb 15 2014 from Warderick Wells Cay, Exumas (N24.23.624  W.76.37.975). These posts were photographed in Highborourne Cay (N24.42.303  W.76.49.325) Feb 8, 2014 and Compass Cay (N24.15.273  W.76.30.825), Feb 13, 2014, both in the Exumas.  Next stop: TBD – most likely Staniel or Major Cay, the Exumas.

“Gulp!” Right place, right time.  In a split second, one lucky shark

swallows its treat.  The others?  Close, but no cigar.

Wayne at Compass Cay Marina.

Sharks a little too close for his comfort…

on the dock!?!

Unlike the pet sharks at Compass Cay, the Highborne Cay ones

looked menacing.  I swam near these sharks, but not that near

and definitely not with them!