Sumner Point Marina
Remote southern Bahamas outpost offering boutique marina services on an 80-person island with legendary offshore fishing.
Sumner Point Marina stands as civilization's outpost on Rum Cay, an island of barely 80 souls floating in the southern Bahamas between Long Island and San Salvador. The boutique marina provides fuel, dockage, and beachfront accommodations for adventurous cruisers and offshore anglers who venture beyond the well-traveled routes.
With approximately 20 slips handling vessels up to 180 feet, the facility punches above its weight for such a remote location. The waters surrounding Rum Cay offer some of the least-pressured offshore fishing in the Bahamas, with blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo available to those willing to make the crossing from more populated islands.
Marina Facilities
The protected harbour at Port Nelson provides year-round dockage for approximately 20 to 30 vessels, with capacity for yachts up to 180 feet in length. Essential services include fuel bunkering, fresh water, electricity, and wireless internet, the basics that cruising vessels require.
The marina's St. George's Bay location offers natural protection from prevailing weather, though the passage to Rum Cay requires planning and appropriate conditions. Long-term, seasonal, and transient boaters are all welcome, with the marina serving as a critical waypoint for vessels transiting through the southern Bahamas.
Offshore Fishing
Rum Cay's position on the edge of deep blue water places serious offshore fishing within easy reach of the marina. The waters have earned a reputation for blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi, all available without the competition found in more accessible Bahamian destinations.
Fishing charters, spearfishing trips, and diving excursions can be arranged through the marina, or well-equipped cruising boats can run their own operations using the fuel and support services available at the dock.
Accommodations and Dining
Four beachfront cottages provide air-conditioned accommodations for crew members seeking shoreside stays or visitors arriving by charter flight. The cottages include microwaves and basic amenities, offering comfortable refuge on an otherwise undeveloped island.
Out of the Blue Restaurant serves Bahamian cuisine in a uniquely decorated setting featuring coral carvings, providing the island's only dining option beyond self-provisioning. Cold drinks, fresh seafood, and friendly service draw both marina guests and the occasional visitor from anchored boats.
Getting to Rum Cay
Rum Cay lies approximately 350 miles southeast of Miami, a significant offshore passage requiring weather windows and capable vessels. Most cruisers reach the island via stops in the Exumas, Long Island, or San Salvador, using Sumner Point as either a waypoint or a destination for fishing expeditions.
Charter flights from Fort Lauderdale can be arranged through the marina, providing an alternative for those seeking the fishing without the multi-day passage. The island's single paved runway handles small aircraft throughout the year.
Getting there
Sumner Point Marina is located in Port Nelson on Rum Cay's southern coast, overlooking St. George's Bay. The island lies approximately 25 miles south of San Salvador and 40 miles east of Long Island. Cruisers typically approach from the Exumas via Long Island or from San Salvador. Weather windows are essential for the offshore crossing. Charter flights from Fort Lauderdale can be arranged through the marina for those preferring air access.
Frequently asked questions
- How remote is Rum Cay really?
- Very remote. The island has approximately 80 permanent residents, one small restaurant at the marina, no grocery stores, and limited services. Provisions should be brought from larger islands or arranged well in advance.
- Is Rum Cay worth the passage for fishing?
- For serious offshore anglers, yes. The waters around Rum Cay see minimal fishing pressure compared to more accessible Bahamian destinations, with blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo readily available to those who make the crossing.
- Can I fly to Rum Cay?
- Yes. Charter flights from Fort Lauderdale can be arranged through the marina, landing on Rum Cay's paved runway. This provides access to the fishing without requiring the multi-day passage from Florida or Nassau.