Highbourne Cay Marina

Marina facilities

The marina accommodates an 8-foot draft on the face dock and offers comprehensive amenities: fuel (with large-capacity diesel tanks), power in 30, 50, 100 amp, and three-phase configurations, reverse-osmosis water, and high-speed WiFi. Showers, laundry, and a floating tender dock round out the facilities.

The well-stocked grocery store receives weekly fresh produce deliveries — a critical resupply point, as provisions become scarce further south in the cays. Ice, bait, and basic marine supplies are also available.

The private island experience

Marina guests receive complimentary access to Highbourne Cay's beaches, hiking trails, bikes, and fitness facilities. Golf cart rentals make exploring the island easy. Multiple beaches dot the cay, from calm western shores to Atlantic-facing strands with good snorkelling.

The island's Xuma Restaurant serves fresh seafood and Bahamian fare with views over the harbour — a welcome change from the galley after a passage.

Strategic position

Highbourne sits at the northern end of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park boundary, making it the natural jumping-off point for exploring the protected waters of Warderick Wells and points south. The harbour's protection and comprehensive services make it ideal for weather holds or provisioning layovers.

For northbound cruisers, it offers the last reliable fuel and provisions before the crossing to Nassau.

Approach and Docking

Highbourne Cut ranks among the better cuts in the Exumas, offering two distinct routes through the small cays that cross from Exuma Sound to the banks. The northern route passes between a dividing cay and the southwest tip of Highbourne, marked by red triangular range markers visible on Explorer charts. The southern route, shown as primary on Navionics eCharts, appears slightly wider and deeper, though most vessels favour the northern passage.

Two sets of red triangular range markers guide your approach. When the first set lines up vertically, you are on course toward the cut. After passing through and turning to port, align the second set of markers for your final approach into the basin. The approach channel carries 11 feet, with 9 feet dockside. Exercise particular caution during tidal transitions, as currents can sweep a vessel toward shallow waters near the marina entrance. Boats drawing up to 4.5 feet can enter from the Exuma Banks by following the buoyed channel at low water; deeper drafts should time arrivals for rising tide. Contact the marina on VHF channels 16 or 71 before arrival, as reservations are strongly recommended. Note: These depths and approaches are for planning only; always consult official charts before navigating.

Facilities and Services

The marina maintains a 30,000-gallon diesel tank, ensuring reliable fuel supply even during peak season when other Exuma stops run dry. Diesel and gasoline are available during office hours, 0800 to 1700. Electrical service spans 30 amp through 100 amp three-phase configurations, with daily rates ranging from $50 to $320 depending on service level. Reverse-osmosis water is metered at $0.50 per gallon.

WiFi coverage extends throughout the marina at $15 per day for guests. The floating tender dock provides easy dinghy access, while showers and laundry facilities handle crew needs. The well-stocked grocery store receives weekly fresh produce deliveries and carries ice, bait, and basic marine supplies. A recycling programme reflects the marina's environmental commitment. VHF channel 6 broadcasts daily weather at 0800, a valuable resource before heading south into the Land and Sea Park.

What's Ashore

Xuma Restaurant and Bar overlooks the marina basin, serving lunch from noon to 1500 and dinner from 1800 to 2100. Fresh seafood dominates the menu, with local catches prepared in Bahamian style. The sunset views across the Exuma blues have earned Xuma a loyal following among cruisers.

Marina guests receive complimentary access to eight private beaches, including Horseshoe Beach, named for its distinctive crescent shape and considered one of the finest in the Exumas. Soft white sand contrasts with vibrant turquoise water, and rocky outcrops along the shore provide excellent snorkelling. Nature trails wind across the cay, offering glimpses of native vegetation and birdlife. Golf carts, kayaks, paddleboards, and Sunfish sailboats are available for rental, making exploration easy whether you prefer wheels or water.

Who It Suits and When to Visit

Highbourne Cay appeals to cruisers seeking a well-appointed base before venturing into the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, where services become scarce. The provisioning opportunity alone justifies a stop, but the marina's calm basin and reliable services also make it ideal for weather holds.

Low season rates from September through mid-November offer meaningful savings at $4.50 to $5.50 per foot, compared to $5.50 to $6.50 per foot in high season and up to $7.50 per foot during holiday peaks. Northbound cruisers treat Highbourne as their last reliable fuel and provisions stop before the crossing to Nassau. Families appreciate the safe beaches and gentle snorkelling, while anglers use the cay as a staging point for fishing the nearby cuts and reef edges.

Getting there

Highbourne Cay lies approximately 35 nautical miles southeast of Nassau across the Yellow Bank and Exuma Sound — typically a half-day passage in settled conditions. The approach from the north is straightforward in good visibility. Contact the marina in advance via VHF 16 or WhatsApp, as reservations are strongly recommended. The marina can also coordinate private air transfers for guests arriving without a vessel.

Frequently asked questions

Does Highbourne Cay Marina have a grocery store?

Yes. The marina operates a well-stocked grocery store that receives fresh produce weekly. It is one of the best provisioning stops in the Exuma Cays and the last reliable supply point before heading south into the park.

What is the maximum draft at Highbourne Cay Marina?

The face dock accommodates vessels with up to 8-foot draft. Deeper-draft vessels should confirm approach depths with the marina before arrival.

Is Highbourne Cay a private island?

Yes. Highbourne Cay is privately owned, but marina guests receive complimentary access to the island's beaches, trails, bikes, and fitness facilities during their stay.

What are the range markers for entering Highbourne Cay Marina?

Two sets of red triangular range markers guide your approach. The first set appears when approaching from the banks and should be aligned vertically to stay on course through the cut. After passing through and turning to port, align the second set of markers for your final approach into the marina basin.

What time does Xuma Restaurant serve meals at Highbourne Cay?

Xuma Restaurant serves lunch from noon to 3 p.m. and dinner from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The menu features fresh local seafood prepared in Bahamian style, with seating overlooking the marina and sunset views across the water.

Is there a weather broadcast from Highbourne Cay Marina?

Yes. The marina broadcasts daily weather on VHF channel 6 at 0800, which is particularly useful for cruisers planning passages south into the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park or north toward Nassau.