Hi Reader,

Let me tell you about one of the Exumas' most fascinating stories—a sunken relic from the turbulent era of drug lord Pablo Escobar. Escobar was a notorious Colombian drug kingpin whose Medellín Cartel dominated the cocaine trade during the 1980s, making him one of the wealthiest and most infamous criminals in history. Nestled in the shimmering turquoise waters off Norman's Cay lies the wreckage of a smuggling plane, a stark reminder of the island’s past as a key hub in Escobar’s narcotics empire.

Today, you have a unique opportunity to visit this remarkable piece of history firsthand during an Exumas yacht charter. Explore the submerged plane wreck through an unforgettable snorkeling experience and discover Camp Driftwood at nearby Shroud Cay, once a covert DEA observation post that spied on Escobar's operations.

A Paradise with a Dark Past

Back then, Norman's Cay wasn't just another beautiful Bahamian island—it was effectively under the control of Carlos Lehder, one of Escobar’s most infamous associates. Lehder transformed the island into a heavily fortified trafficking headquarters complete with armed guards, radar installations, airstrips, and extensive warehouses filled with cocaine destined for the United States. It became a thriving and dangerous node in Escobar's extensive smuggling network from the late 1970s through the early 1980s.

Why is There a Plane Wreck?

This World War II-era plane, fully loaded with cocaine, narrowly missed the island’s runway when stopping to refuel on its route to Florida. The pilot misjudged the landing, causing the aircraft to crash-land into the shallow waters just offshore. Everyone aboard survived the wreck, and the "cargo" was quickly recovered. Abandoned, the plane has turned into an artificial reef, now resting in approximately seven feet of water and becoming home to vibrant marine life.

Snorkeling around this historic plane wreck has become one of our favorite adventures in the northern Exumas, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience both fascinating history and some interesting marine life.

DEA Spy Base: Camp Driftwood

Just a short sail to the south at Shroud Cay, the U.S. DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) found the perfect vantage point to secretly observe Lehder and Escobar’s operations: Camp Driftwood. Originally established by a wandering sailor in the 1960s as a peaceful retreat, this remote hilltop transformed into a clandestine observation post during the height of Escobar’s reign.

Camp Driftwood at Shroud Cay can also be visited on your yacht charter. Your skipper will time your visit carefully to drift lazily along Sanctuary Creek at mid-high tide, spotting sea turtles and nurse sharks on your way to the exhilarating waterslide—a thrilling natural river created by tidal flows.

After a refreshing plunge, hike the short, well-used path up to Camp Driftwood. Though little physical evidence remains, the views from the top are unmatched, offering a stunning 360-degree panorama. Looking northward, imagine yourself standing in the very spot where DEA agents once monitored the illicit empire unfolding at Norman's Cay.

This unique combination of history, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty makes Norman and Shroud Cays indispensable stops on any Exuma yacht charter itinerary.

That's it for today!

- Matt Weidert