Chub Cay Marina
Reviewed by Captain Ronald RolleThe Billfish Capital of the Bahamas with world-class marina facilities.
Chub Cay Marina sits at the southernmost tip of the Berry Islands, earning its title as the Billfish Capital of the Bahamas through proximity to The Pocket, one of the most productive fishing grounds in the Western Hemisphere. The 109-slip marina accommodates yachts up to 170 feet on state-of-the-art Bellingham concrete floating docks, with a well-marked 12-foot channel providing confident approaches.
Beyond the legendary fishing, Chub Cay delivers resort-caliber amenities in a remote island setting. The private island atmosphere, combined with serious sportfishing infrastructure and protected deep-water berthing, makes this a destination marina for anglers and cruisers who want both world-class facilities and genuine Bahamian seclusion.
Marina specifications
The marina features 109 slips on modern Bellingham concrete floating docks, accommodating vessels up to 170 feet with larger yachts up to 200 feet possible by arrangement. The well-marked approach channel maintains a minimum 12-foot depth at low tide, providing confident access for deep-draft vessels.
Every slip offers fresh water and shore power with 30, 50, and 100 amp service available. The fuel dock operates 7 AM to 7 PM daily with competitive gas and diesel pricing, plus ice and frozen bait for fishing expeditions.
The Pocket and world-class fishing
Chub Cay's reputation rests on The Pocket, a convergence of currents and structure that concentrates blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and tuna in extraordinary numbers. Many consider these waters the best billfishing grounds in the world, drawing tournament anglers and serious sportfishermen from across the globe.
The marina supports the fishing culture with an air-conditioned fish house featuring fresh-water hoses for cleaning catch. A newly built shower house with hot water operates 24 hours. Charter captains based at Chub Cay know The Pocket intimately and can put visiting anglers on fish.
Resort and island amenities
Chub Cay operates as a private island resort with full amenities beyond the marina. Dining options, accommodations, and a small airport make extended stays comfortable. The island's seclusion means uncrowded beaches and the genuine remote-island atmosphere that has largely disappeared from more developed Bahamian destinations.
Diving from Chub Cay accesses pristine Berry Islands walls and reefs. The combination of legendary fishing, quality diving, resort comfort, and true seclusion creates a compelling package for cruisers willing to venture beyond the more frequently visited Out Islands.
Approach and Channel Navigation
Chub Cay sits at the southern tip of the Berry Islands, perfectly positioned at the intersection of several major cruising routes. Boats approaching from the west cross the Great Bahama Bank before entering the Northwest Channel, where depths plunge to nearly 3,000 feet before the final approach. From Nassau, the passage runs approximately 35 nautical miles across the Tongue of the Ocean.
The approach channel is well marked and maintains a minimum 12-foot depth at low tide, providing confident access for virtually any cruising yacht or sportfisher. As you enter, the marina dog-legs to starboard and then back to port, passing high stone walls at the harbour entrance. The full-service fuel dock appears on your starboard side as you enter; radio VHF channel 68 upon arrival for slip assignment and docking assistance. Reservations are highly recommended, particularly during fishing tournaments. Note: These depths and approaches are for planning only; consult official charts before navigating.
Marina Facilities and Fish House
The 109-slip marina features state-of-the-art Bellingham concrete floating docks accommodating yachts from 20 to 170 feet, with arrangements possible for vessels up to 190 feet. Slips range from 40 to 160 feet, and every berth offers fresh water and shore power at 30, 50, or 100 amp. The fuel dock operates from 0700 to 1900 daily, dispensing both gasoline and diesel at competitive prices. Ice and frozen bait can be delivered directly to your slip by radioing the fuel dock.
The air-conditioned fish house sets Chub Cay apart from other marinas. Fresh-water hoses and cleaning tables handle tournament catches in comfort, a critical amenity when working billfish in the Bahamian heat. The 24-hour shower house features hot water and modern fixtures, though during busy periods, the 0700 to 1900 access window for restrooms can create queues. Large-capacity washers and dryers in the laundry room handle crew needs efficiently.
The Pocket and World-Class Fishing
Chub Cay's reputation as the Billfish Capital of the Bahamas rests on The Pocket, where the deep Tongue of the Ocean meets the shallow Berry Islands shelf. When southeast winds push baitfish into this convergence zone, blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna concentrate in extraordinary numbers. Many experienced anglers consider these waters the most productive billfishing grounds in the Western Hemisphere.
Southeast wind patterns create optimal conditions, compressing the food chain into fishable territory. Charter captains based at Chub Cay know The Pocket intimately and can put visiting anglers on fish quickly. Beyond billfish, the surrounding waters yield grouper, yellowtail snapper, and king mackerel. Tournament organisers favour Chub Cay for its combination of legendary fishing grounds and resort-caliber marina infrastructure.
Island Amenities and Practical Tips
Two restaurants operate on the property: one in the hotel and another offering casual waterfront dining. A convenience store stocks essentials and fresh produce from an on-site vegetable garden. Golf cart rentals provide easy access around the island, and 24-hour security monitors the marina and grounds.
Day-use access runs $20 per person, covering bar, restaurant, and shower facilities. Overnight dockage starts around $195 per night with mandatory power and water packages beginning at $79, bringing minimum costs to approximately $300 per night. The Bahamas government requires Chub Cay to remain open for transient boaters for fuel and customs, ensuring access even during private events. WiFi and pump-out services are included. Diving from Chub Cay accesses pristine Berry Islands walls and reefs, offering a welcome change of pace from the fishing focus.
Getting there
Chub Cay lies at the southern end of the Berry Islands chain, approximately 130 nautical miles from Miami or 35 miles from Nassau. The well-marked approach channel maintains 12-foot depth at low tide. The marina monitors VHF Channel 68. Chub Cay has a small airport receiving private aircraft and charter flights from Florida and Nassau. Most cruisers approach from either the Florida coast via the Northwest Channel or from Nassau, making Chub Cay a natural waypoint on passages through the central Bahamas.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is Chub Cay called the Billfish Capital of the Bahamas?
- Chub Cay sits at the edge of The Pocket, a convergence of currents and underwater structure that concentrates blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, and other pelagic species in extraordinary numbers. Many consider it the best billfishing destination in the Western Hemisphere.
- What is the approach depth at Chub Cay Marina?
- The well-marked approach channel maintains a minimum depth of 12 feet at low tide, providing confident access for most cruising yachts and sportfishing vessels.
- Does Chub Cay Marina have fish cleaning facilities?
- Yes. The marina features an air-conditioned fish house with fresh-water hoses for cleaning catch. A newly built shower house with hot water operates 24 hours for crew convenience.
- What is The Pocket and why does it make Chub Cay famous for fishing?
- The Pocket is where the deep Tongue of the Ocean meets the shallow Berry Islands shelf, creating a convergence zone that concentrates billfish, tuna, and wahoo. Southeast winds push baitfish into this area, drawing extraordinary numbers of blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish. Many consider it the best billfishing destination in the Western Hemisphere.
- What are the minimum dockage costs at Chub Cay Marina?
- Overnight dockage starts around $195 per night, with mandatory power and water packages beginning at $79. Total minimum costs run approximately $300 or more per night. Day-use access for non-guests is $20 per person, covering bar, restaurant, and shower facilities.
- Does Chub Cay Marina have fish cleaning facilities?
- Yes. The marina features an air-conditioned fish house with fresh-water hoses and cleaning tables, providing comfortable conditions for processing tournament catches. Ice and frozen bait can be delivered directly to your slip by radioing the fuel dock.
- What is the VHF channel for Chub Cay Marina?
- Contact Chub Cay Marina on VHF channel 68 upon arrival for slip assignment and docking assistance. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during fishing tournaments.