Black Point Settlement
A cruiser-friendly Bahamian settlement with excellent holding and genuine local hospitality.
Black Point Settlement on Great Guana Cay is one of the most welcoming communities in the Exumas for cruising sailors. The spacious anchorage offers excellent holding in sand with good protection from prevailing easterly winds, while the small settlement provides laundry, groceries, restaurants, and genuine Bahamian hospitality.
The majority of visitors are liveaboard cruisers, and after meeting locals and fellow sailors, Black Point starts to feel like an extended family. It is the quintessential stop for those seeking authentic out-island character between Staniel Cay and Georgetown.
Approach and Anchoring
The anchorage lies in a wide bight on the western (banks) side of Great Guana Cay, facing the vast Exuma Banks. Approach from the banks following established routes, watching for scattered coral heads and sand bores as you near the settlement.
The anchorage offers excellent holding in 8-10 feet over sand, with ample room for many boats even during peak season. Anchor in the main area west of the settlement, leaving room for boats to swing with tidal currents.
Holding and Protection
Holding at Black Point is consistently excellent in sand. The anchorage provides good protection from northeast through southeast winds, which predominate most of the year.
Protection is limited from the west-southwest through west-northwest, so monitor weather forecasts when fronts approach. Little Bay, just south of Black Point, offers an alternative anchorage with protection open from south to northwest and excellent holding in 8-14 feet.
What's Ashore and Nearby
Black Point is famous among cruisers for Rockside Laundry, considered the best in the Out Islands. Clean clothes, reliable machines, and friendly service make this an essential stop after weeks of cruising.
Lorraine's Cafe serves excellent Bahamian home cooking, and several other small restaurants offer fresh seafood and local dishes. A small grocery store stocks basics, though selection is limited. The settlement has a genuine, unhurried character that rewards those who take time to explore.
Practical Considerations
Dinghy access to the settlement dock is straightforward in most conditions. The community welcomes cruisers and many visitors extend their stays to enjoy the atmosphere.
No fuel is available at Black Point. Plan fuel stops at Staniel Cay (approximately 8 nm north) or continue to Georgetown. Cell service and Wi-Fi are limited but improving.
Getting there
Black Point Settlement lies on Great Guana Cay approximately 8 nautical miles south of Staniel Cay and 45 nm north of Georgetown. Approach from the Exuma Banks, navigating carefully among scattered coral heads near shore. The anchorage is easily identified by the settlement structures visible on the hillside. Consult Explorer Charts EX-19 and EX-20 for detailed navigation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there laundry available at Black Point?
- Yes. Rockside Laundry is legendary among cruisers and considered the best laundry facility in the Out Islands. Clean machines, reliable service, and friendly operators make this an essential stop.
- Can I get fuel at Black Point?
- No. There is no fuel dock at Black Point. Plan fuel stops at Staniel Cay to the north or Georgetown to the south.
- What's the holding like at Black Point?
- Holding is excellent throughout the anchorage in 8-10 feet of water over sand bottom. The spacious anchorage rarely feels crowded even during peak season.
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