Moraine Cay Anchorage
A remote day anchorage perched directly atop a small reef, where snorkelers can slip overboard into a living aquarium without leaving the boat.
Moraine Cay offers something unusual in the cruising world: an anchorage perched directly above a small reef, where you can slip overboard and snorkel without ever leaving the boat. This thirty-acre island lies roughly nine miles offshore from Fox Town on Little Abaco, placing it squarely in the remote waters where few cruisers venture. The primary anchorage on the east side offers seven to eight feet of depth with protection from most directions except south.
However, Moraine Cay is best suited as a day anchorage rather than an overnight stop. Even in light winds, a persistent swell creates rolling that becomes pronounced as conditions build. The abandoned cottages on the island hint at past attempts at habitation, but today the cay belongs to the birds, the reef fish, and passing sailors willing to make the offshore journey.
Approach and Entrance
Moraine Cay lies approximately nine nautical miles northeast of Fox Town on Little Abaco, and roughly the same distance northwest of Manjack Cay. The cay is small and low, so approach carefully with good visibility and accurate navigation.
The primary anchorage sits on the east side of the island in seven to eight feet of water. Watch for the four-foot-deep shoal extending south of the cay, which can catch unwary navigators. Approach from the northeast or east in good light, selecting an anchoring spot over sand rather than directly on the reef.
Holding and Protection
The east-side anchorage provides protection from northwest through east winds. In these conditions, the island provides a lee and the anchorage remains reasonably calm. However, the exposed offshore position means that even moderate winds create swell that wraps around the cay.
Holding is adequate in sandy patches, though the proximity of reef and rock requires careful anchor placement. The persistent rolling that characterizes this anchorage makes it unsuitable for overnight stays in anything but the calmest conditions. Plan Moraine Cay as a day stop for snorkeling and exploration, departing before conditions deteriorate.
What's Ashore
Moraine Cay is privately owned but effectively abandoned, with several cottages fallen into disrepair over the years. The island itself offers limited exploration, with low vegetation and rocky shores typical of exposed Bahamian cays.
The real attraction is underwater. Unlike other anchorages where you must dinghy out to find the reef, Moraine Cay positions you directly above excellent snorkeling. Slip overboard from the boat into gin-clear water and explore the reef system teeming with tropical fish, sea fans, and healthy coral formations. This accessibility makes the journey worthwhile despite the anchorage's limitations.
Weather Considerations
Moraine Cay's exposed offshore position demands careful weather planning. Even twelve to fifteen knots of wind can make the rolling uncomfortable, and southerly winds leave the anchorage completely exposed. Check forecasts thoroughly before committing to the offshore passage.
The best conditions for visiting are settled weather with light winds from the north through east quadrant and minimal swell. Plan to arrive mid-morning after conditions have stabilized, snorkel through the middle of the day, and depart in early afternoon to reach a more protected anchorage before dark.
Getting there
Moraine Cay lies approximately nine nautical miles northeast of Fox Town on Little Abaco. From Manjack Cay, head northwest for roughly nine miles. Navigate carefully with good visibility, watching for the four-foot shoal south of the cay. Anchor on the east side in sandy patches among the reef in seven to eight feet.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I anchor overnight at Moraine Cay?
- Moraine Cay is best used as a day anchorage. A persistent swell creates rolling that becomes uncomfortable even in light wind conditions. Plan to explore and snorkel during the day, then depart for a more protected overnight anchorage.
- What makes the snorkeling special at Moraine Cay?
- Unlike most anchorages where you must dinghy to find reefs, Moraine Cay positions you directly above excellent snorkeling. Slip overboard from your boat into crystal-clear water and explore the reef without going anywhere.
- What wind conditions work best for visiting Moraine Cay?
- Light winds from the north through east quadrant provide the best conditions. Avoid southerly winds, which leave the anchorage fully exposed. Even twelve to fifteen knots can make the rolling uncomfortable due to the offshore position.
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