Compass Cay Marina
A rare protected harbour in the Exumas — famous for hand-fed nurse sharks and genuine island hospitality.
Compass Cay Marina occupies one of the rarest assets in the Exuma Cays: a naturally protected harbour with all-around shelter from weather. Accessible from both the Exuma Banks and Exuma Sound through marked channels, the marina welcomes vessels up to 180 feet in depths of 10 to 16 feet within the harbour.
But Compass Cay is famous for more than its protection. A resident population of nurse sharks gathers at the marina docks, hand-fed over decades until they have become remarkably docile. Swimming with these gentle giants is a bucket-list Bahamas experience — and doing it from your own boat, without tour crowds, is even better.
The nurse shark experience
The marina staff have fed the resident nurse sharks for years, giving each one a name and building relationships that make them approach visiting boats like curious pets. These bottom-dwelling sharks are naturally docile and pose no threat to swimmers — their small mouths are designed for crushing shellfish, not biting.
Slip into the clear water from the dock and the sharks will glide past, occasionally bumping your legs as they investigate. Morning visits before tour boats arrive offer the most intimate encounters.
Marina facilities
The protected harbour maintains depths of 10 to 16 feet, with the owner Tucker cheerfully guiding first-time arrivals through the marked channel. Dockage runs approximately $5 per foot, with electric service available at 30, 50, and 100 amp. Water costs $0.50 per gallon.
A small ship's store stocks ice, snacks, and basic supplies. Showers, laundry, and WiFi round out the amenities. For overnight guests, rental cottages on the cay offer spectacular views over the harbour and Exuma Sound.
Exploring Compass Cay
Beyond the sharks, Compass Cay rewards exploration. Crescent Beach on the eastern shore faces the Atlantic with excellent beachcombing. Hiking trails cross the cay, and kayaks are available for poking into mangrove creeks.
The cay sits in the central Exumas, well-positioned for day trips to Staniel Cay's attractions or the pristine waters of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park to the north.
Getting there
Compass Cay is accessible from the Exuma Banks and Exuma Sound through channels marked with buoys and range markers. The Banks approach requires 6-foot draft at low tide; vessels up to 8-foot draft can enter at high tide. Contact the marina on VHF 16 for piloting assistance — owner Tucker will guide first-time arrivals into the harbour. The cay lies roughly midway between Highbourne Cay and Staniel Cay.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it safe to swim with the nurse sharks at Compass Cay?
- Yes. Nurse sharks are bottom-dwelling sharks with small mouths designed for crushing shellfish. The Compass Cay sharks have been hand-fed for decades and are accustomed to human interaction. They are curious but not aggressive.
- What is the approach depth to Compass Cay Marina?
- The marked channel from the Banks accommodates 6-foot draft at low tide and 8 feet at high tide. Inside the harbour, depths range from 10 to 16 feet. Contact the marina on VHF 16 for guidance on your first approach.
- Does Compass Cay Marina have fuel?
- Fuel availability should be confirmed with the marina before arrival. For guaranteed fuel, Staniel Cay Yacht Club to the south is the nearest reliable option.
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