Little Harbour Cay Anchorage

Approach and Navigation

Little Harbour Cay offers two primary anchorage options. The northern anchorage provides deeper water and easier access, while the southern anchorage near Flo's Place moorings requires careful attention to depths, with some patches close to zero and others around 1 foot at low water.

For the southern anchorage approaching Flo's, time your arrival for high tide and stay within 100 to 200 feet of the islands for the deepest water. Depths off the dock range from 3.5 to 5.5 feet at mean low water. Anchor north of the moorings to ensure adequate depth on a falling tide.

Holding and Protection

Both anchorages offer sandy bottoms with good holding. The cay provides excellent protection from prevailing east and southeast winds, making it a comfortable overnight stop in settled conditions. The waters feature beautiful shades of green and navy that give the Berry Islands their reputation as the fishbowl of the Bahamas.

However, Little Harbour Cay is completely exposed to the west. If a cold front is expected, cruisers should seek more protected anchorage elsewhere before conditions deteriorate. Always monitor weather forecasts carefully when planning an overnight stay.

Flo's Conch Bar

Flo's Conch Bar and Restaurant is a true Bahamian institution, beloved by generations of cruisers passing through the Berries. Chester now runs the establishment, having taken over from Flo, the restaurant's namesake and his mother. The bar operates when boats arrive and hail on VHF Channel 68.

The specialty is cracked conch, fresh from the surrounding waters. Call ahead to order and avoid disappointment, as supplies depend on the day's catch. Enjoy your meal with the house rum punch while taking in the beautiful view of the anchorage. This is Bahamian cruising at its finest.

Exploring by Dinghy

Little Harbour Cay rewards exploration by dinghy, with interesting inlets and mangrove channels to poke around. The surrounding waters offer good snorkeling, with lobsters often spotted among the rocks and grass patches.

The cay itself features quiet beaches and the kind of unspoiled natural beauty that draws cruisers to the Berry Islands. With no crowds and minimal development, Little Harbour Cay offers a taste of the authentic Bahamas that has largely disappeared from more popular destinations.

Getting there

Little Harbour Cay lies in the central Berry Islands, approximately 10 nautical miles south of Great Harbour Cay. Most cruisers approach via the inside route along the Berry Island bank. The northern anchorage offers easier access with more depth, while the southern anchorage near Flo's requires high-tide approach for vessels with drafts over 4 feet. From Hoffman's Cay to the south, the passage is straightforward in settled weather. Consult Explorer Charts for current depths and waypoints.

Frequently asked questions

How do I order food at Flo's Conch Bar?

Hail Flo's on VHF Channel 68 when you arrive in the anchorage. It is wise to call ahead and order the cracked conch to ensure it is available. The bar opens when guests arrive by boat.

What is the depth at Little Harbour Cay anchorage?

The northern anchorage offers deeper water suitable for most cruising vessels. The southern anchorage near Flo's is shallower, with depths of 3.5 to 5.5 feet at mean low water. Approach the southern anchorage on a rising tide and stay close to the islands for deeper water.

Is Little Harbour Cay safe for overnight anchoring?

Yes, in prevailing easterly conditions the anchorage is protected and comfortable. However, the cay is completely exposed to westerly winds, so avoid staying overnight if a cold front is forecast. The holding in sand is good for properly set anchors.