Norman's Cay Anchorage

Anchorage Options and Protection

Two primary anchorage areas serve cruising vessels at Norman's Cay. The southwest coast near the airport offers good holding in sand with depths of 7 to 10 feet, providing protection from prevailing easterly winds. This location places you within easy dinghy distance of the famous plane wreck.

The interior lagoon's southern entrance provides deeper water of 10 to 14 feet at the channel edges. Strong tidal currents run through this area, so two anchors or a Bahamian moor may be advisable. Avoid the approach channel at the southeast tip near the pier, as large RoRo vessels and barges use this for freight delivery.

The C-46 Plane Wreck

The Curtiss C-46 Commando cargo plane, a twin-engine transport used by the U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II, rests in shallow water just short of the runway. Much of the wreck remains visible at low tide, making it accessible to snorkelers of all skill levels.

Colorful reef fish have made the wreckage their home, and coral growth adorns the fuselage. The clear Bahamian waters provide excellent visibility for exploring this unique underwater attraction. Many cruisers anchor within 100 yards of the plane and take their dinghy directly to the snorkel site.

Shore Access and Amenities

Norman's Cay features a small community with homes, a private airstrip, rental villas, and a marina offering basic services. MacDuff's restaurant provides fresh Bahamian seafood and a welcoming atmosphere for visiting cruisers.

The cay's beaches are pristine, and the interior offers walking opportunities through natural vegetation. The combination of historical intrigue, underwater exploration, and natural beauty makes Norman's Cay a memorable stop on any Exumas cruise.

Getting there

Norman's Cay lies approximately 40 nautical miles southeast of Nassau in the northern Exumas, roughly 10 nm north of Shroud Cay and the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park boundary. Most cruisers approach from the banks side, navigating from Nassau via established waypoints. A vessel drawing 6 feet can navigate the shallow southwest area at low tide by following deeper-water routes marked on Explorer Chart EX-11. The cay has its own airstrip for fly-in visitors.

Frequently asked questions

How do I reach the plane wreck from the anchorage?

From the southwest anchorage near the airport, the plane wreck is a short dinghy ride into the lagoon. You can anchor your dinghy near the wreck and snorkel directly. The wreck sits in shallow water, with portions visible at low tide.

Is Norman's Cay inside the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park?

No. Norman's Cay lies north of the park boundary, which begins at Wax Cay Cut. Fishing is permitted at Norman's Cay, unlike within the park's no-take zone.

What should I know about currents at Norman's Cay?

Strong tidal currents run through the interior lagoon entrance. If anchoring in the lagoon area, consider setting two anchors or using a Bahamian moor to prevent swinging into shallower water as currents change.