Fowl Cay Anchorage

Approach and Anchoring

Fowl Cay's horseshoe bay is approached from the west, with the deepest water along the rocks on the eastern side. Good holding in clear sand slopes gently toward the beach, with room for two to three vessels.

The bay is open to the northeast, exposing it to the prevailing easterly trades. Most cruisers treat Fowl Cay as a day stop rather than an overnight anchorage, retreating to Cambridge Cay's better protection when winds build. Consult Explorer Charts for current depths and hazards.

Protection and Conditions

The rocky arms provide good protection from all directions except northeast through east — precisely where the trades blow. In light winds or during westerly weather patterns, the anchorage can be quite comfortable.

When trades are up, swell works into the bay and the anchorage becomes rolly. Careful weather planning allows productive use of Fowl Cay; attempting to ride out strong trades here is inadvisable.

Rocky Dundas Access

Rocky Dundas lies a short dinghy ride northeast of Fowl Cay — the closest anchorage to these remarkable caves. Two large limestone formations feature caves carved by the sea, their interiors decorated with stalactites and stalagmites formed over millennia.

Visit at low tide when cave entrances are most accessible — at high tide, accessing the interior requires swimming underwater. The snorkelling outside the caves reveals healthy coral formations including endangered elkhorn coral.

Getting there

Fowl Cay lies in the southern Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, approximately 3 nautical miles north of Staniel Cay and 2 nm south of Cambridge Cay. The anchorage is approached from the banks through the western entrance to the horseshoe bay. Rocky Dundas sits a short distance to the northeast.

Frequently asked questions

Should I overnight at Fowl Cay?

In settled conditions with light westerly or southerly winds, overnight stays are possible. When trades are blowing, Cambridge Cay offers much better protection just 2 nm north.

Can I go ashore at Fowl Cay?

No. Fowl Cay is privately owned and strictly off limits. The anchorage is for water-based activities and dinghy trips to Rocky Dundas.

When should I visit Rocky Dundas?

Low tide is essential for exploring the cave interiors, which are most accessible when water levels drop. At high tide, you must swim underwater to enter the caves.