Spanish Cay Resort & Marina

Marina Specifications

Spanish Cay Marina maintains 81 slips with 52 currently available for transient and long-term dockage. Maximum vessel length reaches 250 feet, with draft accommodated to 8 feet at mean low water. Dedicated catamaran T-head slips serve the growing multihull fleet.

Electrical service spans 110/220 volt with 30, 50, and 100 amp options, plus three-phase service for larger vessels. Water is metered at each slip. The fuel dock dispenses both gasoline and diesel seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with all fuel filtered for cleanliness that captains trust.

Port of Entry and Communications

As a designated Bahamas Port of Entry, Spanish Cay offers customs and immigration clearance seven days a week, a significant convenience for boats arriving from Florida or Grand Bahama. The streamlined process allows cruisers to begin their Abaco adventure without the detour to busier Marsh Harbour.

The marina monitors VHF channel 16 with channel 12 as the working frequency. The dockmaster's office operates from the Ship's Store daily, with after-hours emergency contact available via VHF. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted.

Resort Amenities

Beyond the docks, Spanish Cay Resort provides amenities befitting a private island retreat. The Point House Restaurant and bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with game room entertainment. A freshwater pool and spa offer relaxation, while the island's beaches provide secluded stretches of sand.

Showers, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi serve marina guests. Non-resident visitors may access limited services including fuel, customs clearance, and restaurant dining by reservation, but the island maintains its exclusive character.

Strategic Location

Spanish Cay's position at the northern end of the Abaco chain creates a natural waypoint for cruising routes. Boats bound from Florida or Grand Bahama can clear customs here before continuing south to Green Turtle Cay, Treasure Cay, and Marsh Harbour. Return trips benefit from the same convenience.

The island's remoteness from the more populated Abaco settlements contributes to its appeal for those seeking peace and privacy. Excellent snorkeling and diving sites surround the cay, accessible by dinghy from the marina.

Approach and Navigation

Spanish Cay sits 39 miles northwest of Marsh Harbour and 27 miles east of Grand Bahama, making it a natural waypoint for boats entering or leaving the Abacos. The primary navigation hazard is a long shoal extending 3 to 4 feet shallow off the island's southern tip, stretching southwest from the cay. Give this area a wide berth when approaching from the south or west.

A reef runs along the northern shore, so approaches from that direction require caution and local knowledge. The most straightforward approach follows the Sea of Abaco from the south, rounding the shoal before turning northeast toward the marina entrance. Approach and dockside depths run 8 to 9 feet at mean low water, suitable for most cruising vessels. Cell service is excellent, with a tower at Coopers Town across the Sea of Abaco providing strong signal throughout the marina. Note: These approaches are for planning purposes; always consult Explorer Chart AB-11 and official publications before navigating.

Docking and Marina Services

The marina monitors VHF channel 16 with channel 12 as the working frequency. Office hours run 0800 to 1800 daily, with after-hours emergency contact available on channel 16. The 81-slip facility currently operates 52 slips for transient and long-term dockage, with dedicated T-head slips for catamarans.

Electrical service covers 110 and 220 volt at 30, 50, and 100 amp, plus three-phase for larger yachts. Daily power rates range from $35 for 30 amp to $375 for 480 amp three-phase. Water is metered at $0.35 per gallon. The fuel dock dispenses filtered gasoline and diesel seven days a week, with all fuel processed through filters that have earned Spanish Cay its reputation for the cleanest fuel in The Bahamas. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted.

Customs and Clearance

As a designated Bahamas Port of Entry, Spanish Cay streamlines arrival for boats crossing from Florida or Grand Bahama. Customs and immigration officers work on-site daily from 0900 to 1600, seven days a week. This eliminates the need to divert to busier Marsh Harbour for clearance, a significant convenience for cruisers heading south into the Abacos.

Clearing fees run $125 per boat plus tax for transient vessels. Marina guests receive a $50 discount, bringing the effective cost to $75. Boats stopping only for customs clearance without an overnight stay pay a $50 docking fee. The straightforward process and professional staff make Spanish Cay a preferred entry point for cruisers prioritising efficiency over the bustle of larger ports.

Resort Amenities and Exploration

Point House Restaurant overlooks a freshwater swimming pool and the Sea of Abaco, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The air-conditioned dining room and adjacent game room bar provide comfortable refuge during rain or heat. Showers and laundry facilities serve marina guests, while the marina store stocks essentials.

Barefoot Beach offers secluded stretches of sand within walking distance of the docks. Virgin reefs surround the cay, providing excellent snorkelling and diving accessible by dinghy. The island's 5,000-foot airstrip receives charter flights, making Spanish Cay accessible for crew changes or guests arriving without a vessel. The private island atmosphere and limited visitor access create a sense of exclusivity that distinguishes Spanish Cay from more developed Abaco marinas.

Getting there

Spanish Cay Marina is located on Spanish Cay in the northern Abacos. GPS coordinates approximately 26.938°N, 77.524°W mark the island. Approach from the Sea of Abaco following local charts, monitoring VHF channel 16 for marina guidance. The island lies 39 miles northwest of Marsh Harbour and 27 miles east of Grand Bahama. Spanish Cay has a private airstrip receiving charter flights.

Frequently asked questions

Is Spanish Cay Marina a Port of Entry?

Yes. Spanish Cay is an official Bahamas Port of Entry with customs and immigration clearance available seven days a week, making it convenient for boats arriving from Florida or Grand Bahama.

What makes Spanish Cay's fuel special?

All fuel at Spanish Cay Marina is filtered, earning a reputation as the cleanest fuel in The Bahamas. This attention to fuel quality appeals to captains concerned about contamination.

Can non-guests use Spanish Cay Marina services?

Non-resident visitors may access limited services including fuel, customs clearance, and restaurant dining by reservation. However, the island maintains its private character for resort and marina guests.

What is the customs clearing fee at Spanish Cay Marina?

The customs clearing fee is $125 per boat plus tax. Marina guests staying overnight receive a $50 discount, reducing the effective cost to $75. Boats stopping only for clearance without an overnight stay pay an additional $50 docking fee.

What shoals should I avoid when approaching Spanish Cay?

The primary hazard is a long shoal extending 3 to 4 feet shallow southwest from the island's southern tip. A reef also runs along the northern shore. Approach from the south via the Sea of Abaco, giving the southwest shoal a wide berth before turning northeast toward the marina.

Does Spanish Cay have an airstrip for crew changes?

Yes. Spanish Cay has a 5,000-foot private airstrip that receives charter flights from Florida and other Bahamas destinations, making it convenient for crew changes or guests joining a yacht without arriving by boat.