Still, despite the reminders of the captain's orientation speech, there were signs of thoughtless tourists: garbage on the beach such as cigarette butts, Styrofoam cups, plastic suntan bottles and empty film canisters. Obviously, some people don't think these items are 'garbage' or maybe they think that someone else is going to come and collect the trash.

Lunch was a generous buffet of barbecued chicken and spare ribs, pasta and salad, and fruit. We were unhappy being served on non-reusable Styrofoam plates with plastic utensils in plastic bags similar to the ones given in economy class on the airlines. Islands always have a big problem disposing of plastic. Yet, why can't they use stronger plastic plates or utensils that can be washed and reused? Can't burnable paper plates be used? The fact is, islands also have a problem with water supply and the 'clean-up' conditions might not be sanitary.

While snorkeling, long trumpet fish swam alongside and barracudas sparred each other with their sword-like jaws. Dozens of colorful angelfish, parrot fish and tiny minnows zoomed in for a free meal of bread. Feed bread to the fish? I remembered how feeding crackers to the fish at Hanauma Bay in Hawaii was stopped, due to the plastic cracker wrappers floating in the sea, and the food that was not nutritious for fish. Whether this is good or bad, the reality is that some fish will be sacrificed for the sake of the tourist dollar.

"How are you enjoying yourselves?" Coach asked. To soothe the nasty swelling on his leg from a coral scratch, he went over to an aloe plant, cut a leaf and slathered the gooey pulp on his wound. "Do you want to see some of the other healing plants on the island?" On a short walk he pointed out a variety of bush medicines going by names like Five Finger, Strong Bark, Love Vine, Sweet Margaret, and a plant with sharp twisted leaves called Mother-in-law's Tongue. We talked about the water and garbage concerns of his tour operation. "We bring water with us from Nassau and we collect rainwater for the showers. All the garbage is transported off the island every day when we leave. It is not perfect, we realize, but we are working on it."

On a tropical island, 'big city solutions' about garbage disposal are not always possible. Resort poolside snack bars (no glass at the pool!), fast food restaurants, and even these day excursions, are largely responsible for creating the need for so many Styrofoam plates and plastic cups. Tropical islands are left with a lot of our non-recyclable garbage. Birds, turtles, and marine life can choke on it when it washes out to sea.

Your and my actions and attitudes in the water, on the beach and in the souvenir shop...matter a lot!