Bell Island Anchorage
A compact protected cove with excellent holding — base camp for Rocky Dundas and the Sea Aquarium.
Bell Island offers one of the more intimate anchorages in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park — a small protected cove on the eastern side that can shelter a single vessel with excellent holding in sand. While limited in space, the anchorage's protection and position make it an ideal base for exploring the park's southern attractions.
Rocky Dundas caves and the Sea Aquarium at O'Briens Cay are both short dinghy rides away, and the waters around Bell Island itself offer excellent snorkelling over coral formations teeming with the marine life that thrives under the park's protections.
Approach and Anchoring
The Bell Island East anchorage sits in a small cove off a well-groomed private beach on the eastern side of the island. Space is limited — typically room for just one vessel — but protection from all directions makes it a secure spot.
The western anchorage offers more space but less protection and is better suited to lunch stops than overnight stays. Coral heads surround the island; approach with caution and good light. Consult Explorer Charts for detailed navigation information.
Protection and Conditions
The eastern cove provides good holding in sand and acceptable protection from all wind directions. Tucked tight against the shore, the anchorage is a viable candidate for riding out a cold front despite its compact size.
During strong easterlies, conditions may become uncomfortable; Cambridge Cay's superior protection lies just a short distance north if weather deteriorates.
Shore Access and Nearby
Bell Island itself is privately owned, and shore access is restricted. The anchorage functions as a water base rather than a landing point.
The attraction is proximity: short dinghy rides reach Rocky Dundas (best at low tide), the Sea Aquarium at O'Briens Cay, and the Cambridge Cay mooring field. The waters around Bell Island offer excellent snorkelling with paddleboarding and kayaking in the calm, protected shallows.
Getting there
Bell Island lies in the southern Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, between Cambridge Cay and Fowl Cay. The eastern anchorage is reached from the banks with attention to coral heads throughout the approach. Most cruisers visit Bell Island as a day anchorage while based at Cambridge Cay, though overnight stays are possible in settled conditions.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I go ashore at Bell Island?
- No. Bell Island is privately owned and shore access is restricted. The anchorage serves as a water base for exploring nearby attractions by dinghy.
- How many boats can anchor at Bell Island?
- The protected eastern cove typically accommodates one vessel. The western anchorage has more space but less protection and is better for day stops.
- Is Bell Island good in a cold front?
- The eastern cove's protection from all directions makes it a potential cold-front refuge. However, for extended stays in unsettled weather, Cambridge Cay's larger mooring field offers more security.
Nearby
Warderick Wells North Mooring Field
The crown jewel of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park — pristine waters, protected moorings, and the park headquarters.
ExploreEmerald Rock Mooring Field
A calm, current-free mooring field with easy beach access and miles of hiking trails at Warderick Wells.
ExploreWarderick Wells South Mooring Field
A secluded mooring field between Warderick Wells and Hog Cay with all-around wind protection.
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