Great Sale Cay

Northwest Harbour Anchorage

Despite its name suggesting a northern position, Northwest Harbour actually sits on the southwest corner of Great Sale Cay, a quirk of Bahamian nomenclature that confuses first-time visitors. The anchorage provides all-around protection except from the south, with a long rocky bar on the eastern side offering shelter in prevailing easterlies.

Depths in the anchorage range from five to eight feet depending on position, with sand and grass bottom offering generally good holding. When cold fronts threaten, experienced cruisers push as far north into the harbour as their draft permits, gaining additional protection from southerly winds that can sweep across the bank.

Crossing the Little Bahama Bank

Most cruisers reach Great Sale Cay after departing West End or Memory Rock, making the 50-mile transit across the shallow Little Bahama Bank in a single day. The crossing requires careful navigation as depths can be as shallow as six feet in places, with no reliable aids to navigation and frequently missing buoys or lights that may appear on charts.

The typical itinerary has boats departing at first light to ensure arrival before dark, as the anchorage entrance requires good visibility. From Great Sale, the route continues roughly 25 miles southeast to Treasure Cay or Green Turtle Cay, completing the transition from Florida waters to the protected Sea of Abaco.

What to Expect Ashore

Great Sale Cay remains completely undeveloped with no permanent inhabitants, services, or facilities. Visitors will find rocky shorelines, scrub vegetation, and the quiet solitude that characterizes many of the northern Abaco cays. Beachcombing along the shore can yield shells and the occasional interesting flotsam.

Cellular coverage does not reach Great Sale Cay, so cruisers should plan communications accordingly. The Abaco Cruisers Net on VHF Channel 68 broadcasts weather updates each morning and provides a lifeline for boats in transit. Bring all provisions, fuel, and water you will need, as the nearest services lie a full day's sail to the southeast.

Getting there

Great Sale Cay is reached exclusively by private vessel, typically as part of a Little Bahama Bank crossing from Florida or Grand Bahama. Most cruisers depart West End or anchor near Memory Rock, then make the 50-mile transit eastward across the shallow bank. Depart at first light to ensure arrival before dark, as the anchorage requires visual navigation. From Great Sale, continue southeast approximately 25 nautical miles to reach Treasure Cay or Green Turtle Cay. Always consult current cruising guides and charts, as conditions and depths can shift.

Frequently asked questions

Is Great Sale Cay a safe overnight anchorage?

Yes, Northwest Harbour offers good protection in typical conditions. The anchorage is sheltered from east through north winds by the cay itself and a rocky bar. However, it is exposed to southerly winds, so monitor forecasts carefully and consider moving north within the harbour if a front approaches.

Is there cell phone coverage at Great Sale Cay?

No, there is no cellular coverage at Great Sale Cay. Cruisers rely on VHF radio for communication, particularly the Abaco Cruisers Net on Channel 68 which broadcasts weather and check-in information each morning.

What is the best route from Great Sale Cay to the Abacos?

From Great Sale Cay, most cruisers head southeast across the bank toward Whale Cay Passage, then enter the Sea of Abaco near Treasure Cay or Green Turtle Cay. The passage is approximately 25 nautical miles and is typically completed in a single day with good weather.