Highborne Cay Anchorage

Marina and Harbour

Highborne Cay Marina occupies a beautiful, naturally-sheltered harbour managed by professional staff. The facility offers 750 feet of face dock accommodating yachts up to 180 feet with 8-foot draft, plus 16 back-in slips for vessels to 75 feet.

Standard marina amenities include fuel with large capacity diesel tanks, power, reverse-osmosis water, ice, wireless internet, and a well-stocked store. The marina monitors VHF Channel 71. Dockage rates vary by season; contact the marina for current pricing.

Anchorage Options

The southwest shore anchorage offers good holding in sand with depths exceeding 10 feet close to shore. This provides ample room for vessels preferring to anchor rather than take a slip. Boats typically anchor on the west side of Highborne, though this means a longer dinghy ride to the marina facilities.

Avoid the reef stretching west from the northwest tip of the cay. Tidal currents through Highborne Cut can sweep vessels into shallow waters, so approach the marina entrance with attention to current conditions. Two red triangular range marks guide entry from the cut.

Navigation Through Highborne Cut

Two routes exist through the small cays crossing Highborne Cut. The northern route, marked on Explorer charts, features two red triangular range marks for approach from the banks. This is the more commonly used passage.

The marina entrance lies just east of the cut's narrowest section. Local tides run approximately 20 minutes behind Nassau timing, worth noting when planning your approach. Consult Explorer Charts EX-10 and EX-10A for detailed navigation information.

Beaches and Exploration

Highborne Cay's beaches rival any in the Bahamas, with powdery white sand meeting impossibly clear water. The island offers walking trails through natural vegetation, and the waters surrounding the cay provide excellent snorkeling opportunities.

The nearby Allen Cay iguana colony is an easy dinghy excursion from Highborne. In favorable conditions, many cruisers use Highborne as a base for exploring the northern Exumas before continuing south into the park.

Getting there

Highborne Cay lies 35 nautical miles southeast of Nassau in the northern Exumas, making it an easy first-day destination from the capital. Approach from the banks through Highborne Cut using the red triangular range marks on the northern route. The marina entrance is just east of the narrowest section of the cut. Be mindful of tidal currents that can affect vessel handling. The cay has a private airstrip for fly-in guests.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get fuel at Highborne Cay?

Yes. Highborne Cay Marina operates a fuel dock with large capacity diesel tanks and gasoline. It is one of the few fuel stops in the northern Exumas, so topping off here before heading south is advisable.

Is advance reservation required for the marina?

Reservations are recommended during peak season from December through April, especially for larger vessels. Contact the marina on VHF Channel 71 or by phone to check availability and current rates.

How far is the anchorage from the marina facilities?

The southwest anchorage requires a longer dinghy ride to reach marina services. Many cruisers find this acceptable given the peaceful setting and good holding, but those needing frequent shore access may prefer taking a slip.