North Cat Cay East Anchorage

Approach and Entry

The anchorage is approached from the Great Bahama Bank to the east of North Cat Cay. The waters shoal near the cay, and small currents run through the passage between North Cat Cay and Gun Cay to the north. Explorer Charts are essential.

Stay clear of the yacht club marina fairway and the private airstrip on the cay. Anchor in sand patches east of the developed area, maintaining respectful distance from private infrastructure.

Holding and Conditions

The bottom is sand with grass, and holding is fair to good in clear patches. As elsewhere in the Cat Cays, tidal current is significant and can swing boats beam-to-wind during slack tide transitions.

Protection is from the west only. In east or north winds the anchorage can become uncomfortable. This is a fair-weather stop or a staging point, not a place to ride out unsettled conditions.

The Private Island Context

North Cat Cay is home to the Cat Cay Yacht Club, a private members-only club with one of the best-protected marinas in the Bahamas. The island is not open to casual visitors, but transiting yachts can clear customs here by prior arrangement with the club.

Anchoring offshore is permitted, but going ashore is not. The ambiance is of cruising past wealth rather than partaking in it, but the waters are public and the location convenient for those exploring the southern Bimini chain.

Getting there

North Cat Cay East is reached by sailing south from Bimini or north from Gun Cay, approaching the eastern shore of North Cat Cay from the Great Bahama Bank. Stay clear of the private marina and airstrip. The yacht club monitors VHF for vessels wishing to clear customs.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go ashore at North Cat Cay?

No. North Cat Cay is a private island and home to the Cat Cay Yacht Club, a members-only club. Anchoring in the surrounding waters is permitted, but going ashore is not allowed for non-members.

Can you clear customs at North Cat Cay?

Yes. North Cat Cay is an official Bahamas port of entry. Contact the Cat Cay Yacht Club on VHF to arrange customs clearance if needed.

Is North Cat Cay East a good overnight anchorage?

In settled west-wind conditions it is acceptable, but tidal currents are strong and the anchorage is exposed to east and north winds. It is best as a day stop or staging point rather than an extended stay.