Fowl Cay National Reserve

The protected reserve

Fowl Cay National Reserve extends across three square miles of marine habitat, protecting both the underwater terrain and the species that inhabit it. No fishing or collecting is permitted within reserve boundaries, allowing natural population densities to develop. The result is visibly richer marine life than surrounding areas.

The protection extends from the surface to depths exceeding 100 feet, encompassing shallow coral gardens and deeper wall features. Multiple mooring buoys allow boats to access different sections without anchoring, further preserving the reef structure.

Tunnels and swim-throughs

The reserve's rock formations have eroded into an underwater playground of tunnels, caverns, and swim-throughs. Some passages are brief windows through coral heads, while others wind for longer distances through the substrate. Light effects in the larger openings create dramatic photography opportunities.

The caves and overhangs provide habitat for copper sweepers, glassy sweepers, and the larger predators that hunt them. Divers comfortable with overhead environments can explore numerous features, though most passages remain lit by natural light.

Meeting Gillie

Gillie the grouper has become the reserve's unofficial ambassador, approaching divers with curiosity born from years of positive interactions. This Nassau grouper has lost typical wariness, allowing close observation and photography that would be impossible with wild fish. The encounters demonstrate what marine protection can achieve.

Beyond Gillie, the reserve hosts healthy grouper populations of various species, along with snappers, parrotfish, and the full complement of Abaco reef fish. The absence of fishing pressure means fish sizes and numbers exceed those on unprotected reefs.

Getting there

Fowl Cay National Reserve is reached by dive boat from Marsh Harbour, approximately 20 minutes by boat. Multiple Abaco dive operators offer trips to the reserve, using mooring buoys to protect the reef. The reserve can also be accessed by private boats from nearby cays.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Gillie the grouper?

Gillie is a Nassau grouper who has become exceptionally friendly with divers after years of positive interactions in the protected reserve. The fish approaches divers, allows close photography, and has become the reserve's unofficial mascot.

What does protected status mean for divers?

The no-take designation means all marine life is protected from fishing and collecting. For divers, this results in larger fish, denser populations, and less wary behavior than on unprotected reefs. The difference is immediately visible.

Are the swim-throughs safe for recreational divers?

Most passages in Fowl Cay remain lit by natural light and are navigable by Open Water divers with good buoyancy control. Your dive guide will indicate which features are appropriate for your experience level.