Warderick Wells Moorings

Mooring fields and fees

Three mooring fields serve Warderick Wells. The North Field near park headquarters has 22 balls including one for yachts to 180 feet. Emerald Rock Field south of the visitor center holds 26 moorings. The smaller Pirate's Lair field between Warderick Wells and Hog Cay offers 6 more.

Moorings are assigned daily at 9 a.m. via VHF Channel 9 — the park does not accept advance reservations. Fees vary by vessel length, starting around $27-30 per night for vessels under 40 feet and scaling up for larger boats. Anchoring is prohibited throughout the park.

Park headquarters and trails

The park office sits above the North Field, accessible by dinghy dock. From here, hiking trails radiate across Warderick Wells, marked with yellow arrows. The most popular leads to Boo Boo Hill and the whale skeleton — the bones of a 52-foot sperm whale that died in 1995 after ingesting plastic.

The hilltop offers panoramic views across the park's turquoise waters. Other trails reach secluded beaches and rocky Atlantic shores.

The no-take reserve

The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park prohibits all fishing and the collection of any marine life. After decades of protection, the results are visible: larger fish, healthier reefs, and marine life unafraid of humans.

Snorkelling here reveals what Caribbean reefs looked like before overfishing. Groupers the size of small dogs hover at cleaning stations, and conch march across the sand in densities unimaginable elsewhere.

Getting there

Warderick Wells lies in the central Exuma Cays, roughly 15 nautical miles south of Highbourne Cay. Approach via the Banks or Exuma Sound depending on your route. Contact the park office on VHF Channel 9 beginning at 9 a.m. (or 24 hours in advance) to request a mooring — assignments are first-come, first-served. Park office hours are Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-noon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I anchor at Warderick Wells?

No. Anchoring is prohibited throughout the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park to protect the seabed. All vessels must use the mooring balls provided, which are assigned daily via VHF Channel 9.

Can I fish in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park?

No. The park is a strict no-take marine reserve. Fishing, spearfishing, and the collection of any marine life — including conch and lobster — are prohibited. This protection has allowed fish populations to recover to remarkable densities.

What is the whale skeleton at Warderick Wells?

A 52-foot sperm whale died on Powerful Beach in 1995 after swallowing a plastic bag. Its skeleton remains as a haunting reminder of ocean plastic pollution and a landmark along the park's hiking trails.