Manjack Cay

Beaches and Natural Beauty

Manjack Cay delivers the quintessential Out Islands experience: miles of quiet, powdery white sand where you may not see another soul all day. The main beach on the Sea of Abaco side offers calm, protected waters ideal for swimming and wading with the resident stingrays. A well-marked trail of roughly one mile leads through native bush to the Atlantic side, where windswept dunes meet dazzling shades of turquoise and blue.

The island remains largely undeveloped, with only a handful of private homes. This preservation means healthy reef systems, abundant birdlife, and vegetation ranging from casuarina pines to sea grape and native hardwoods. Bring good walking shoes and insect repellent if you plan to explore the interior trails.

Wildlife Encounters

Manjack is famous for its friendly stingrays, which approach visitors in knee-deep water along the main beach. Local dive operators have been feeding these rays for years, making them remarkably comfortable around people. Nurse sharks also patrol the shallows and are generally docile. Snorkeling the reefs at the far end of the cay reveals tropical fish, starfish, and occasional encounters with sea turtles.

For a memorable adventure, dinghy up through the mangrove channel that runs the length of the island's interior. Dozens of juvenile sea turtles frequent these waters, though they tend to be camera-shy. Birdwatchers will spot herons, ospreys, and various migratory species, while iguanas sun themselves along the trails.

The Art Trail and Nature Walks

Two maintained nature walks start from the main beach. The first leads directly to the Atlantic ocean beach through coastal woodland. The second, known as the Art Trail, climbs a gentle hill adorned with creative installations fashioned from driftwood, shells, and flotsam by visiting cruisers over the years. Visitors are encouraged to add their own contribution.

Both trails are well-marked and take roughly 20 to 30 minutes each way. Signs ask visitors to stay on designated paths, keep dogs leashed around the free-roaming chickens, and respect the residents' privacy. A picnic area with tables and a coconut-opening station near the beach provides a welcoming base.

Anchorage and Access

The primary anchorage lies in the bight between Manjack Cay and Crab Cay on the Sea of Abaco side. Depths range from five to nine feet near the entrance and shoal gradually toward the cut. The holding in sand is excellent, and the anchorage offers good protection from easterly through southerly winds. Many cruisers ride out frontal weather here.

A secondary anchorage at the northern tip provides shelter when winds blow from the south or east but is more exposed to ocean swell. There are no marinas, fuel docks, or commercial facilities on Manjack. Come prepared with your own provisions, water, and a dinghy to reach the beach.

Getting there

Manjack Cay is accessible only by private boat. Most visitors arrive by yacht, sailboat, or dinghy from nearby Green Turtle Cay, approximately four nautical miles to the south, or from Treasure Cay, about 30 minutes by powerboat. There is no ferry service or airstrip on the island. Charter guests typically anchor in the protected bight between Manjack and Crab Cay, then dinghy ashore to the main beach. Green Turtle Cay, reachable by ferry from the Treasure Cay ferry dock, serves as the nearest hub with provisioning, fuel, and accommodations.

Frequently asked questions

Is Manjack Cay open to visitors?

Yes. Although privately owned, the residents welcome respectful visitors to enjoy the beaches and maintained nature trails. Signs ask that you stay on marked paths, keep dogs leashed, and respect resident privacy.

Can you swim with stingrays at Manjack Cay?

Absolutely. Friendly southern stingrays regularly approach the main beach in shallow water. They have been fed by locals and dive operators for years and are comfortable around people. Simply wade in and they often come right up to you.

Are there any restaurants or shops on Manjack Cay?

No. Manjack Cay has no commercial facilities. Visitors should bring all food, water, and supplies. The nearest restaurants, grocery stores, and fuel are in Green Turtle Cay or Treasure Cay.