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.

Approach and Anchoring Options

Norman's Cay offers two primary anchoring areas. The main anchorage lies off the southwest coast near the airport and MacDuff's resort, with depths of 7 to 10 feet over sand providing good holding. A steep beach dropoff allows close-in anchoring depending on your vessel's draft. Approach from the north or south with care; a shoal extends between the island and the anchorage zone, requiring attention to depth sounder and visual cues in good light.

The interior lagoon at the south end provides an alternative with deeper water of 10 to 14 feet at channel edges, placing you closer to the famous plane wreck. Strong tidal currents run through this area, so consider setting two anchors or using a Bahamian moor to prevent swinging into shallower water. Avoid the approach channel at the southeast tip near the pier, as large RoRo vessels and barges use this route for freight delivery. Consult Explorer Chart EX-11 for current waypoints and depth contours. This guide is for orientation only; official charts should be used for navigation.

Snorkelling the C-46 Plane Wreck

The Curtiss C-46 Commando transport plane, a twin-engine aircraft once used by the U.S. Army Air Forces, rests in shallow water just short of the runway inside the lagoon. Much of the wreckage remains visible at low tide, making it accessible to snorkellers of all skill levels. After more than 40 years submerged, the upper fuselage has corroded away, but the lower structure, engines, and distinctive twin propellers remain encrusted with coral and home to colourful reef fish.

The wreck sits shallow enough that you can anchor within 100 yards on a yacht or take a dinghy from the southwest anchorage. Low tide is optimal for visiting, minimizing currents and maximizing proximity to the exposed sections. Visibility is typically excellent, allowing clear underwater photography. Be mindful of boat traffic, including seaplanes landing in the lagoon and tour boats arriving from Nassau.

Shore Access and Dining

Norman's Cay features a small community with private homes, an airstrip serving private jets and seaplanes, and MacDuff's resort on the south end of the island east of the airport. The restaurant overlooks the Exuma Bank from a palm grove setting with a white cottage and grass-roofed gazebo, offering fresh Bahamian seafood in a welcoming atmosphere.

Lunch service begins at noon and the kitchen closes at 2100. Reservations are recommended, particularly during peak season when charter yachts and fly-in guests fill tables. Menu selections can be limited, and popular items may run out, so arrive with flexibility. Staff are hospitable and helpful to visiting cruisers. Note that as of recent reports, the island offers no provisioning, fuel, or water services for boaters; plan to arrive self-sufficient or provision at Staniel Cay or Nassau beforehand.

Who It Suits and When to Visit

Norman's Cay suits cruisers interested in history, snorkelling, and a glimpse of resort life without full marina infrastructure. The plane wreck draws visitors from around the Exumas, and the southwest anchorage can become busy with sailboats, mega yachts, seaplanes, and jet skis. Those seeking solitude should time their visit for weekday mornings or shoulder seasons.

Settled weather from late November through April provides the calmest conditions and best visibility for snorkelling. The anchorage handles prevailing easterlies well but becomes uncomfortable in strong westerly or northwesterly winds. Private jet traffic from the runway creates periodic noise, a trade-off for access to dining and the island's facilities. Norman's Cay lies north of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park boundary, so fishing is permitted here, unlike within the park's no-take zone.

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.

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 strict no-take zone. No park fees apply to anchoring here.

What type of plane is the Norman's Cay wreck?

The wreck is a Curtiss C-46 Commando, a twin-engine transport aircraft used by the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. It crashed in the lagoon during the early 1980s, reportedly during a failed drug shipment, and has since become one of the Bahamas' most famous snorkelling sites.

Do I need reservations for MacDuff's restaurant?

Reservations are recommended, particularly during peak cruising season and weekends when charter yachts and fly-in visitors compete for tables. Lunch service begins at noon and the kitchen closes at 2100. Contact the resort directly to book.

Is there fuel or water available at Norman's Cay?

No. As of recent reports, the island has no fuel, water, or provisioning services for visiting boaters. Plan to arrive self-sufficient or provision at Staniel Cay, Highborne Cay, or Nassau before your visit.