Chub Cay

World-Class Fishing at The Pocket

Chub Cay's location at the confluence of the Great Bahama Bank and the Tongue of the Ocean creates a phenomenon anglers call The Pocket, where deep ocean currents push baitfish and game fish into accessible waters. Blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, and spearfish hunt along the drop-off, while wahoo, blackfin tuna, and mahi-mahi patrol the edges year-round.

The deep water lies remarkably close to shore, with thousand-foot depths reachable within minutes of leaving the marina. Trolling along the bank edge produces consistent action, while bottom fishing over the reef structure yields grouper, snapper, and the abundant Bahamian lobster that populate the shallower grounds. The flats around the cay also hold respectable populations of bonefish and permit for light-tackle enthusiasts.

The Marina and Facilities

Chub Cay Marina features 109 floating concrete slips on modern Bellingham docks capable of accommodating vessels from 20 feet to 190-foot superyachts. Each slip offers concealed power cabling with 240 and 208 single and three-phase shore power options. The full-service fuel dock provides diesel and gasoline, with ice, water from dual reverse-osmosis systems, and an air-conditioned fish cleaning house with gas barbecue grills.

The resort facilities include dining venues, a pool, and accommodation options for members and their guests. An airstrip serves private aircraft, making the cay accessible by both sea and air. While the transition to members-only status has changed access policies, transient vessels can still clear Bahamian customs and purchase fuel during daytime hours.

The Tongue of the Ocean

The Tongue of the Ocean is one of the most remarkable geological features in The Bahamas, a deep oceanic trench cutting into the Great Bahama Bank that reaches depths exceeding 6,000 feet. The underwater canyon creates dramatic thermal currents and nutrient upwellings that support an exceptionally rich marine ecosystem.

This deep-water access so close to shore is what makes Chub Cay legendary among sport fishermen. The temperature breaks and current edges along the Tongue concentrate pelagic species in predictable patterns, allowing skilled captains to locate productive water with remarkable consistency. The same features that attract game fish also draw diving enthusiasts to explore dramatic wall dives along the drop-off.

Access and Cruising Considerations

For cruising sailors and charter guests, Chub Cay serves as an important waypoint when transiting the Berry Islands or crossing to the Exumas. The marina remains open for customs clearance and fuel purchases from 7am to 7pm, allowing non-members to complete essential logistics even without access to the resort facilities.

The passage to Chub Cay from Great Harbour Cay traverses the length of the Berry Islands chain, offering opportunities to stop at Hoffman's Cay and other uninhabited islands along the way. From Chub Cay, cruisers can continue south to Nassau or cross the Tongue of the Ocean to reach the northern Exumas. The deep water between Chub Cay and Highborne Cay requires careful weather planning.

Getting there

By yacht, Chub Cay lies at the southern end of the Berry Islands chain, approximately 25 nautical miles south of Great Harbour Cay. The passage from Nassau is roughly 40 nautical miles across the Great Bahama Bank. Non-members can clear customs and purchase fuel at the marina between 7am and 7pm. The cay has a private airstrip for members and their guests arriving by aircraft. Charter operators and fishing guides from Great Harbour Cay can arrange day trips to fish the waters around Chub Cay.

Frequently asked questions

Can non-members visit Chub Cay?

Since September 2024, Chub Cay Resort and Marina operates as a members-only community. However, transient boaters can still clear Bahamian customs and purchase fuel at the marina between 7am and 7pm. Access to resort facilities requires membership or an invitation from a member.

What fish can you catch at Chub Cay?

Chub Cay is known as the Billfish Capital of The Bahamas. Target species include blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and swordfish in the deep water. The flats offer bonefish, permit, and barracuda, while the reefs produce grouper, snapper, and lobster.

How deep is the water near Chub Cay?

The Tongue of the Ocean, accessible just minutes from the marina, reaches depths exceeding 6,000 feet. This dramatic drop-off from the shallow Great Bahama Bank to abyssal depths creates the exceptional fishing conditions for which Chub Cay is famous.