Double Breasted Cays - Sandy Cay Anchorage

Approach and Entrance

Double Breasted Cays lie in the far Northern Abacos, approximately fifteen nautical miles northwest of Manjack Cay on the Little Bahama Bank. The Sandy Cay anchorage is accessed from the northwest, threading between Sandy Cay to the north and the iron shore of Double Breasted to the south.

The approach is shallow, with controlling depth of approximately four feet at mean low water. Time your entry for mid-tide or higher, and proceed slowly while reading the water. The deep pool inside carries seven to nine feet, but the entrance requires patience and local knowledge. First-time visitors should arrive in excellent light with a spotter on the bow.

Holding and Protection

Once inside, the Sandy Cay anchorage provides excellent protection from northwest through east winds. The surrounding cays and sandy shallows break seas from most directions, creating remarkably calm conditions in the narrow basin. Only southeast winds penetrate with any fetch.

Holding is good in sand over a mixed bottom. Set your anchor firmly and ensure adequate scope, as swinging room is limited in the narrow pool. In settled conditions, boats can anchor just outside the inner pool in eight to ten feet for easier exit, though protection is less complete.

What's Ashore

Double Breasted Cays and Sandy Cay are uninhabited, with no facilities or services of any kind. What they offer is raw natural beauty: pristine beaches that emerge dramatically at low tide, excellent shelling, and wildlife encounters ranging from shorebirds to the occasional turtle.

Sandy Cay roughly doubles in size as the tide drops, revealing acres of firm white sand perfect for walking, beachcombing, and simply enjoying the solitude. The iron shore on Double Breasted's southern edge hosts tide pools worth exploring. Bring everything you need and practice strict leave-no-trace ethics in this fragile environment.

Nearby Attractions

From Double Breasted Cays, Grand Cay lies approximately five nautical miles to the northwest, offering basic supplies, fuel, and the services of a small working settlement. This is the last provisioning stop before crossing to West End or Florida.

To the south, the Northern Abacos stretching toward Manjack Cay and Green Turtle Cay offer progressively more developed cruising grounds. Great Sale Cay, the traditional staging anchorage for Gulf Stream crossings, lies roughly ten miles to the west. The remote cays in this region reward exploration with pristine beaches and uncrowded waters.

Getting there

Double Breasted Cays lie approximately fifteen nautical miles northwest of Manjack Cay on the Little Bahama Bank. Navigate carefully in good light, watching for scattered coral heads. The Sandy Cay anchorage is accessed from the northwest, entering the narrow pool between Sandy Cay and the iron shore. Entry is best at mid-tide or higher for vessels drawing four feet or less.

Frequently asked questions

What draft can enter the Sandy Cay anchorage?

The entrance to the inner anchorage carries approximately four feet at mean low water. Vessels drawing four feet or less can enter at mid-tide or higher with careful navigation. Deeper draft boats may anchor outside in eight to ten feet with less protection.

Are there any facilities at Double Breasted Cays?

No. The cays are uninhabited with no facilities, water, fuel, or services. Arrive fully provisioned and self-sufficient. Grand Cay, five nautical miles northwest, offers basic supplies and fuel for cruisers.

What is special about Sandy Cay at low tide?

Sandy Cay roughly doubles in size as the tide drops, revealing extensive white sand beaches perfect for walking and shelling. The firm sand makes for easy walking, and the wildlife viewing improves as shorebirds work the exposed flats.