Shroud Cay Anchorage

Approach and Anchoring

Several good anchorages line the western shore of Shroud Cay, with the largest and most popular located about halfway down the island south of a long rocky spit. Mooring balls are available when present, though anchoring in sand is also permitted within park regulations.

Approach from the banks with attention to the scattered coral heads common throughout this area. The anchorage offers protection from east through west winds but is exposed to the northern quadrant — northers with 30-40 knot winds make the anchorage uncomfortable. Consult Explorer Charts for current conditions.

Sanctuary Creek and the Mangroves

The tidal creek system is Shroud Cay's main attraction. Sanctuary Creek, the largest and only creek allowing motorized dinghies, connects the bank side to the sound side through a winding mangrove channel. Time your entry for a mid-rising tide to ensure adequate depth and to drift with the current rather than against it.

The creek becomes impassable at low water — even a shallow inflatable can ground out. Plan your visit using local tide tables, adding time for the roughly 20-minute offset from Nassau.

Ashore and Nearby

Shroud Cay is largely inaccessible ashore — the mangrove swamp offers no landing areas. The attraction is entirely waterborne: paddling or drifting the creeks, snorkelling the clear waters, and observing the wildlife.

The exit to Exuma Sound deposits you on a beautiful sandy beach backed by dunes — a perfect lunch stop before returning through the creek system or circumnavigating back to the anchorage.

Getting there

Shroud Cay lies at the northern end of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, approximately 10 nautical miles south of Norman's Cay. Most cruisers approach from the north, making Shroud Cay their first park stop. The anchorage is on the western (banks) side of the cay. Check in at Warderick Wells park headquarters after anchoring.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to explore Sanctuary Creek?

Enter on a mid-rising tide to ensure adequate depth and to drift with the current. The creek is impassable at low water. Check Nassau tide tables and add approximately 20 minutes for local offset.

Can I take my outboard dinghy through the creeks?

Sanctuary Creek permits motorized dinghies. Other creeks may require paddling. Use caution to avoid propeller damage to mangrove roots in shallow sections.

Is there shore access at Shroud Cay?

The cay is mangrove swamp with no practical landing areas. The exception is the beach on the Exuma Sound side, reached via the creek system or by circumnavigating the cay.