Compass Cay

Swimming with Nurse Sharks

The nurse sharks of Compass Cay are the main attraction, and they deliver an experience unlike anywhere else in the Bahamas. These sharks, scientifically known as Ginglymostoma cirratum, can grow up to ten feet long and live for 25 years or more. Despite their size, they are bottom-dwelling feeders that pose minimal danger to humans.

The sharks congregate around the marina docks, where they have been fed by locals and visitors for years. At high tide, they swim right up to the dock, allowing visitors to pet their smooth skin. At low tide, you can wade into the shallow water to swim alongside them. The experience is supervised and remarkably safe, though basic precautions like avoiding sudden movements are advised.

Compass Cay Marina

The Compass Cay Marina is owned and operated by Tucker Rolle, whose family has called this island home for generations. The marina offers a warm welcome to visiting boats, with dockage available and a small store selling basic provisions, drinks, and souvenirs.

Arriving with your own boat? Dockage fees apply, and the marina can accommodate a range of vessel sizes in its protected basin. Those arriving by tour boat or day trip from Staniel Cay typically pay a small entrance fee to access the shark swimming area. The marina operates on island time, so flexibility and patience are appreciated.

Beaches and Nature

While the nurse sharks are the headline act, Compass Cay offers beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling in the surrounding waters. The island's protected harbor provides calm swimming conditions, and the water clarity is exceptional throughout the Exuma Cays.

Walking trails lead across the island to secluded beaches on the ocean side, where you can beachcomb for shells and enjoy the solitude. The island is also home to various bird species and the occasional iguana sunning itself on the rocks.

Visiting Tips

Compass Cay lies just north of Staniel Cay and is easily visited as part of a day exploring the central Exuma Cays. Most visitors combine it with stops at Big Major Cay (swimming pigs) and Thunderball Grotto, creating a full day of iconic Bahamian experiences.

Bring a waterproof camera for shark photos, water shoes for wading, and cash for entrance fees and any purchases at the marina store. The sharks are most active around high tide, so timing your visit accordingly will enhance the experience.

Getting there

Compass Cay is accessible by boat from Staniel Cay, approximately 15 to 20 minutes away. Most visitors arrive as part of guided day trips that include the swimming pigs and Thunderball Grotto, or by private yacht. There is no airstrip on Compass Cay, so air travelers fly into Staniel Cay and continue by boat. The marina welcomes visiting vessels with advance notice.

Frequently asked questions

Are the nurse sharks at Compass Cay dangerous?

Nurse sharks are generally docile and pose minimal risk to humans. They are bottom-dwelling feeders, not aggressive hunters. However, they are wild animals, so visitors should avoid sudden movements, never grab their tails or fins, and follow guidance from marina staff.

Can you touch the nurse sharks?

Yes, the sharks at Compass Cay are accustomed to human contact and can be gently petted. They often swim up to the dock at high tide, allowing visitors to touch their smooth skin. Always approach calmly and let the sharks come to you.

How much does it cost to visit Compass Cay?

Visitors arriving by tour boat or day trip pay an entrance fee of approximately $10 per person. Those arriving by private vessel may pay dockage fees at the marina. Check current rates with tour operators or the marina directly.