Thompson Bay

Approach and Anchoring

Thompson Bay is straightforward to enter from the Sea of Abaco or when arriving from George Town to the northwest. The bay is wide open with gradual depth changes, allowing vessels to find swinging room without concern for hazards. Most cruisers anchor in the northeastern portion near Salt Pond for easy dinghy access to the government dock and services.

The protected crook formed by Indian Hole Point and the main island offers the best shelter, providing protection from west through south-southeast winds. A secondary anchorage exists at the southern end near Sandy Cay, though most prefer the convenience of the northern basin. Consult Explorer Charts LI-1, LI-5, and LI-6 for detailed navigation information.

Holding and Protection

The bay bottom is predominantly sand, providing excellent holding for most anchor types. Depths carry seven feet or more close to shore in the northeast corner, allowing comfortable access for vessels drawing up to six feet. The anchorage is well protected from north-northwest through southeast but is open to the south and west.

When frontal passages approach, boats typically relocate to the western shore during initial southwest winds, then move to the eastern side as conditions shift northwest. Strong easterly winds can lower water levels beyond normal tidal predictions, so allow extra clearance beneath the keel during prolonged easterlies.

Services and Provisioning

Salt Pond village along the bay's eastern shore offers the best provisioning in the Out Islands south of George Town. Hillside Food Supply grocery store is a short walk from the dinghy dock, well-stocked with fresh produce, frozen goods, and staples. A hardware and marine supply store covers basic repair needs, while Long Island Petroleum provides fuel, water, and ice at a rebuilt dock accommodating vessels with up to six feet of draft.

Long Island Breeze Resort welcomes cruisers with a floating dinghy dock, internet access, laundry facilities, showers, a freshwater pool, and a casual restaurant and bar. The resort staff are known for helping visiting sailors coordinate services and provisioning throughout the island.

Cruiser Community and Activities

Thompson Bay has developed a vibrant cruiser community with a well-established social calendar. The cruiser net broadcasts daily at 0815 on VHF Channel 18, providing weather updates, local announcements, and buy-sell-trade listings. Monday night features potluck sundowners on the beach, Wednesday is the gathering at Club Washington, Friday draws crowds to Sou Side Bar, and Saturday night belongs to Tiny's Hurricane Hole.

Saturday mornings bring the farmers market just south of the government dock, offering fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts. A handful of cruisers call Salt Pond their winter home, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere that makes Thompson Bay a favorite among long-term Bahamas cruisers.

Getting there

Thompson Bay lies on the western shore of Long Island, approximately 35 nautical miles east of George Town, Great Exuma. The approach from the northwest is straightforward in settled conditions. Most cruisers arrive from George Town or the northern Exumas, timing their departure for favorable winds and a comfortable beam reach across the open water. From the anchorage, the government dinghy dock at Salt Pond provides easy access to village services within walking distance.

Frequently asked questions

What services are available for cruisers at Thompson Bay?

Salt Pond offers comprehensive cruiser services including Hillside Food Supply grocery, a hardware and marine store, Long Island Petroleum for fuel and water, and Long Island Breeze Resort with dinghy dock, laundry, showers, internet, and restaurant. A daily cruiser net on VHF 18 at 0815 provides local information and coordination.

Is Thompson Bay safe in frontal weather?

Thompson Bay is a popular spot for riding out frontal passages. The bay offers good protection from most wind directions, and cruisers typically reposition within the anchorage as winds shift during frontal weather. However, the bay is exposed to the south and west, so monitor forecasts carefully if winds from those quadrants are expected.

Where is Tiny's Hurricane Hole located?

Tiny's Hurricane Hole is a beloved beach bar located on the northwest corner of Thompson Bay. Access is by dinghy, though note that the approach crosses shallow water. The bar is a Saturday night fixture on the cruiser social calendar and a must-visit destination on Long Island.