Warderick Wells North Mooring Field

Approach and Mooring Procedures

The north mooring field is approached from the banks via Warderick Wells Cut and Wide Opening, historically one of the safest passages between Exuma Sound and the banks. Twenty-two mooring balls accommodate vessels of various sizes, including one rated for yachts up to 180 feet.

Moorings are assigned by the park office and cannot be reserved in advance. Contact ECLSP on VHF Channel 9 at 0900 to request a mooring; assignments are broadcast before 0930. A waiting list is maintained, and requests can be made 24 hours ahead. Always consult Explorer Charts and current cruising guides for approach waypoints and depths — conditions change and this guide provides general orientation only.

Protection and Conditions

The J-shaped harbour provides excellent protection from the prevailing easterlies and offers shelter from most wind directions. The inner moorings are particularly well protected, though strong reversing tidal currents flow through the field — be prepared when picking up your mooring ball.

In settled weather, conditions are calm and the holding reliable for the park-maintained mooring tackle. During unsettled weather or frontal passages, the north field remains a safe choice, though swell can work in during strong northeast winds.

Ashore and Nearby

The park headquarters sits on the hill above the mooring field, with a small visitor centre, gift shop, and the famous whale skeleton display. Miles of marked hiking trails lead to Boo Boo Hill (leave a piece of driftwood for good luck), Loyalist ruins, and spectacular overlooks of the turquoise banks.

Snorkelling directly from your boat reveals healthy coral heads and abundant marine life protected by decades of conservation. The park's strict rules — no fishing, no collecting, no anchoring — are the reason this ecosystem thrives.

Getting there

Warderick Wells lies in the central Exuma Cays, roughly midway between Nassau and Georgetown. Most cruisers approach from the banks via Warderick Wells Cut or Wide Opening, both among the easier passages from Exuma Sound. The north mooring field is approximately 35 nautical miles south of Highborne Cay and 25 nm north of Staniel Cay. Plan to arrive with time to request a mooring at the 0900 VHF roll call — the park does not accept advance reservations.

Frequently asked questions

Can you anchor at Warderick Wells?

No. Anchoring is prohibited throughout the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. All vessels must use park-maintained mooring balls, which are assigned by the park office.

How do you get a mooring at Warderick Wells?

Contact the park office on VHF Channel 9 at 0900 daily. You will be placed on a waiting list if no moorings are available. Requests can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Moorings are first-come, first-served with a two-night limit per ball.

Is fishing allowed at Warderick Wells?

No. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a strict no-take zone. Fishing, lobstering, spearfishing, shelling, and collecting of any kind are prohibited throughout the park boundaries.