Manjack-Crab Cay Anchorage

Approach and Entrance

The Manjack-Crab Cay anchorage lies approximately four nautical miles north of Green Turtle Cay in the Northern Abacos. Approach from the south through the Sea of Abaco, passing Green Turtle Cay and No Name Cay to starboard. The anchorage opens up in the bight between the southern tip of Manjack Cay and Crab Cay.

Enter the anchorage from the southwest, favoring the Crab Cay shore where depths are more generous. The northern end of the bay shoals rapidly and becomes grassy. First-time visitors should proceed slowly, reading the water and favoring the deeper blue tones closer to Crab Cay.

Holding and Protection

This anchorage is considered the best protected in the immediate area. Many cruisers ride out frontal weather here, with good shelter from northwest through southeast winds. The bay is surrounded by land on three sides, limiting fetch and wave action in most conditions.

Holding is excellent in sand close to Crab Cay, with depths around nine feet or more providing secure anchoring. The northern portion of the anchorage has a grassy bottom that can challenge anchor setting. Drop your hook in the sandy areas near Crab Cay shore for the most reliable hold, and ensure your anchor is well dug in before settling for the night.

What's Ashore

Manjack Cay is privately owned by former cruisers who welcome visitors to explore the island's beaches and nature trails. From the main beach, two well-marked trails lead into the interior. The direct route crosses to the Atlantic beach in about twenty minutes. The Art Trail climbs a gentle hill decorated with driftwood creations and contributions from visiting cruisers over the years.

The main draw is wildlife. Stingrays have been fed here for years and will approach waders in knee-deep water. Nurse sharks often patrol the shallows and are generally docile. A mangrove channel running the length of the island provides excellent dinghy exploration with frequent sea turtle sightings. Signs ask visitors to stay on marked trails and keep dogs leashed around the free-roaming chickens.

Nearby Attractions

Green Turtle Cay lies just four miles south, offering the historic Loyalist settlement of New Plymouth, excellent restaurants like the Green Turtle Club and Pineapples, and protected anchorages in Black Sound and White Sound. No Name Cay with its swimming pigs is a short dinghy ride away.

Powell Cay to the north provides additional anchorage options and pristine beaches. For those heading offshore, Great Sale Cay lies roughly fifteen miles to the northwest, serving as the traditional staging point for crossings to West End, Grand Bahama, or Florida.

Approach and Entry

The Manjack-Crab Cay anchorage lies approximately four nautical miles north of Green Turtle Cay in the Northern Abacos, positioned at roughly 26 degrees 49 minutes North, 77 degrees 22 minutes West. Approach from the south through the Sea of Abaco, passing Green Turtle Cay and No Name Cay to starboard before the anchorage opens in the bight between Manjack's southern tip and tiny Crab Cay.

Enter from the southwest, favoring the Crab Cay shore where depths are more generous at 9 feet or better. The bay shallows rapidly toward the north and becomes grassy where depths drop to as little as 1 foot near the cut between the two cays. First-time visitors should proceed slowly, reading the water and favoring deeper blue tones visible in the excellent visibility. Note: Always consult current charts and cruising guides; conditions change with weather and tide.

Holding and Protection

This anchorage earns its reputation as the best-protected in the immediate area. The bay is surrounded by land on three sides, limiting fetch and wave action in most conditions. Protection runs good from northwest through southeast, covering the vast majority of wind directions cruisers encounter during the Bahamas season. Many cruisers ride out frontal weather here rather than relocating.

Holding is excellent in the sandy areas close to Crab Cay shore in 9 feet or more of water. The northern portion of the bay features a grassy bottom that can challenge even well-designed anchors. Drop your hook in the sandy patches near Crab Cay for the most reliable grip. Set your anchor firmly and consider a snorkel dive to verify it is well dug in before committing to an overnight stay or weathering a front.

Wildlife and Trails

Manjack Cay delivers the wildlife encounters that define Bahamas cruising. Stingrays have been fed in the shallows here for years and will approach waders in knee-deep water seeking handouts. Keep hands flat when offering food, bring fruits or vegetables rather than processed items, and maintain awareness of their tail area. Nurse sharks often patrol the shallows alongside the rays but are generally docile.

Two well-marked trails lead from the main beach into the interior. The Art Trail climbs a gentle hill decorated with driftwood sculptures and creative contributions from visiting cruisers accumulated over years. The Ocean Beach Trail crosses the cay in about twenty minutes to reach a pristine Atlantic beach featuring dazzling shades of blue. A mangrove channel runs the length of the island and provides excellent dinghy exploration with frequent sea turtle sightings. Signs request visitors stay on marked trails and keep dogs leashed.

Cruiser Community and Practicalities

Manjack-Crab Cay functions as a gathering spot for the cruising community. Expect to share the anchorage with like-minded sailors, participate in sundowner gatherings, and exchange local knowledge over cockpit drinks as the sun sets. The social atmosphere draws cruisers back season after season.

The cay has no commercial facilities, restaurants, fuel, water, or provisions. Arrive self-sufficient with everything you need aboard. Green Turtle Cay lies four miles south, offering the historic Loyalist settlement of New Plymouth, excellent restaurants including the Green Turtle Club and Pineapples, and protected hurricane holes in Black Sound and White Sound. No Name Cay with its swimming pigs is a short dinghy ride away for additional entertainment.

Getting there

From Green Turtle Cay, head north through the Sea of Abaco, passing No Name Cay to starboard. The anchorage appears in the bight between Manjack and Crab Cay after approximately four nautical miles. Enter from the southwest, favoring the Crab Cay shore. From Treasure Cay, the passage is approximately seven nautical miles north-northeast. Consult Explorer Charts for detailed approaches and current cruising guides for local conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to swim with the stingrays at Manjack?

The stingrays are accustomed to humans and generally docile. Keep hands flat when feeding, bring fruits or vegetables rather than processed foods, and maintain awareness of their tail area. Nurse sharks in the area are also typically non-aggressive.

Where should I anchor for the best holding?

Anchor close to the Crab Cay shore in sandy bottom with nine feet or more of depth. The northern portion of the bay has grassy bottom that can challenge anchor setting. Read the water carefully and set your anchor securely.

Are there any facilities at Manjack Cay?

No. There are no restaurants, stores, fuel, water, or services at Manjack. Arrive fully provisioned and self-sufficient. Green Turtle Cay, four miles south, offers the nearest supplies and restaurants.

What depths should I expect at Manjack-Crab Cay?

Depths range from 5 to 9 feet in the main anchorage, with the best water at 9 feet or more close to Crab Cay shore. The bay shallows rapidly toward the north and drops to as little as 1 foot near the cut between the cays. Anchor in the deeper areas near Crab Cay for best results.

Is Manjack Cay privately owned?

Yes. The cay is privately owned by former cruisers who welcome visitors to explore the beaches and trails. They request that visitors stay on marked paths, keep dogs leashed around the free-roaming chickens, and respect the natural environment that makes this anchorage special.

When is the best time to see stingrays at Manjack?

The stingrays frequent the shallows near the main beach throughout the day, though feeding activity often peaks when cruisers arrive mid-morning with treats. Local dive operators have been feeding these rays for years, making them remarkably comfortable around humans.

Can I ride out a front at Manjack-Crab Cay?

Many cruisers do exactly that. The anchorage offers protection from northwest through southeast winds, covering most frontal wind shifts. Ensure your anchor is well set in sandy bottom with good scope, and monitor conditions as fronts pass. This remains one of the more secure open anchorages in the Northern Abacos for waiting out weather.