Powell Cay Anchorage

Approach and Entrance

Powell Cay lies approximately two nautical miles east of Coopers Town across the Sea of Abaco. From Manjack Cay or Green Turtle Cay to the south, approach from the southwest, giving the southern tip of the cay adequate clearance for scattered rocks.

The primary anchorage sits in the bight on the western shore, roughly midway along the cay's length. Approach from the west, reading the water carefully and favoring sandy patches visible through the clear water. Depths range from eight to twelve feet in the main anchorage, shoaling toward shore. Consult current charts for specific hazards and waypoints.

Holding and Protection

The western anchorage provides good protection from northeast through southeast winds, covering most prevailing conditions during the cruising season. The cay's modest elevation offers additional wind shadow for boats tucked close to shore.

Holding varies considerably across the anchorage. Sandy patches offer excellent grip once well set, but grassy and rocky areas can challenge even the most trusted anchor. Scout your spot visually, and consider a snorkel dive to inspect the bottom before committing. Set firmly with sufficient scope, as the anchorage can become uncomfortable in westerly shifts.

What's Ashore

Powell Cay is uninhabited with no facilities, services, or development. This is its appeal. A trail leads from the main beach up the small bluff in the northern section of the cay, the first real elevation you encounter traveling north in the Abacos. From the top, panoramic views stretch across the anchorage and Sea of Abaco.

The southern beaches offer excellent shelling, while the Atlantic side delivers world-class snorkeling when conditions allow. The extensive reef system hosts abundant fish, sea fans, and healthy coral formations. Bring everything you need and leave no trace when exploring this pristine environment.

Nearby Attractions

Coopers Town on Great Abaco lies just two miles west, offering provisioning, fuel, and the chance to experience a working Bahamian settlement off the tourist track. The ferry dock provides crew change options for those needing to reach Marsh Harbour or the airport.

Manjack Cay and Green Turtle Cay lie within easy sailing distance to the south, offering additional anchorages, swimming with stingrays, and the restaurants and services of New Plymouth. To the north, the remote cays stretching toward Grand Cay offer increasingly wild cruising grounds.

Approach and Anchoring

Powell Cay lies roughly two nautical miles east of Coopers Town across the Sea of Abaco, easily reached from Green Turtle Cay (approximately 4 nautical miles south-southwest) or Manjack Cay (a similar distance to the south). The western anchorage sits in the bight along the cay's lee shore, approached from the west or southwest to favor deeper water.

Depths in the main anchorage run 6 to 10 feet over a mixed bottom of sand and grass. The exceptionally clear water allows visual identification of sandy patches that offer the best holding. Scout your spot carefully, as grassy areas can challenge anchor setting. Some cruisers recommend a snorkel dive to inspect the bottom before committing. The shoreline shoals rapidly, so avoid creeping too close to the beach. Note: Depths and conditions change; always verify with current charts and local knowledge.

Protection and Conditions

Powell Cay's modest elevation (reaching 36 feet at the bluff) provides meaningful wind shadow for boats tucked close to shore. The western anchorage offers good protection from northeast through southeast winds covering most prevailing conditions during the winter cruising season.

Westerly or northwesterly winds expose the anchorage and can make conditions uncomfortable or untenable. Monitor weather forecasts carefully and have an exit plan to Green Turtle Cay or another protected harbour when fronts approach. In settled conditions, this is one of the most peaceful spots in the Northern Abacos a place where you might anchor for several days and see only a handful of other cruisers.

Exploring the Cay

Two hiking trails reward those willing to stretch their legs ashore. The Bluff Trail climbs a gentle incline of about a tenth of a mile to the cay's highest point, offering panoramic views across the Sea of Abaco and the northern anchorage. Friendly birds accompany walkers, though the cliff areas lack protective barriers and require caution with children.

The Ocean Beach Trail runs approximately a quarter mile through dense vegetation that feels almost jungle-like before emerging onto a pristine Atlantic beach. This eastern shore delivers world-class snorkeling when conditions permit, with visibility often exceeding 80 feet over healthy coral formations. Beachcombing yields Nicker Nuts from Warri Trees, resilient marble-like seeds historically used in Caribbean Mancala games and jewelry. The beach provides excellent shelling opportunities along its length.

Tips and Local Knowledge

Powell Cay is completely uninhabited with no facilities, stores, water, or services. Arrive fully provisioned and self-sufficient. Coopers Town, just two miles west, offers basic provisioning, fuel, and ferry connections to Marsh Harbour and the airport for crew changes.

Cruising guides have historically warned of mosquito infestations at Powell Cay, though actual conditions vary with season, recent rainfall, and wind. Anchoring slightly farther offshore can mitigate insect problems when they occur. The crystal-clear water reveals abundant marine life including grazing green turtles, reef fish, and the occasional nurse shark cruising the shallows. A wrecked vessel in shallow water near the beach draws schools of small fish and makes for easy snorkeling directly from the anchorage.

Getting there

Powell Cay lies two nautical miles east of Coopers Town across the Sea of Abaco. From Green Turtle Cay, sail northwest approximately four nautical miles. From Manjack Cay, head north-northeast for roughly the same distance. Approach the western anchorage from the southwest or west, favoring sandy bottom visible in clear water.

Frequently asked questions

Is Powell Cay inhabited?

No. Powell Cay is uninhabited with no facilities, stores, or services. Cruisers should arrive fully provisioned with water, food, and fuel. The nearest supplies are in Coopers Town, two miles west across the Sea of Abaco.

Where is the best snorkeling at Powell Cay?

The extensive reef system on the ocean side offers excellent snorkeling when Atlantic conditions permit. The reefs host abundant marine life with visibility often exceeding eighty feet. Access the reefs by dinghy from the western anchorage in calm conditions.

How challenging is the anchor holding at Powell Cay?

Holding varies across the anchorage. Scout for sandy patches, which offer excellent grip, and avoid grassy or rocky areas where anchors struggle to set. Consider a snorkel dive to inspect the bottom before committing, and set your anchor firmly.

What is the best spot to anchor at Powell Cay?

Favor sandy patches in 8 to 10 feet of water on the western side of the cay. The clear water allows visual identification of bottom type. Avoid grassy areas where anchors struggle to set, and do not approach too close to shore where depths shallow rapidly.

Is the snorkeling at Powell Cay worth the trip?

Yes. The Atlantic-side reef off the eastern beach offers some of the best snorkeling in the Northern Abacos with exceptional visibility and healthy coral formations. Access requires calm Atlantic conditions; check forecasts before committing to a reef exploration day.

Can I provision at Powell Cay?

No. Powell Cay has no facilities or services. Coopers Town, two miles west across the Sea of Abaco, offers basic provisions, fuel, and access to larger settlements via ferry. Green Turtle Cay to the south provides more extensive shopping and restaurant options.

Is Powell Cay suitable for overnight anchoring?

In prevailing easterly conditions, yes. The western anchorage offers good protection from northeast through southeast winds. However, fronts bringing westerly winds expose the anchorage, and prudent cruisers relocate to better-protected harbours like Black Sound on Green Turtle Cay when west winds threaten.