Is there a fee to visit Warderick Wells?

Yes, the park charges mooring fees and visitor fees to support conservation efforts. Current rates are available from the park office. Fees are typically paid upon arrival and vary based on boat length and duration of stay.

Can I anchor at Warderick Wells instead of using a mooring?

Anchoring is restricted in most areas to protect the sea floor. The park provides mooring balls throughout the harbor, and boats are required to use them where available. Check with park staff about current regulations.

Is fishing allowed at Warderick Wells?

No, fishing and collecting of any kind are prohibited within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. This no-take policy has allowed marine life to thrive and makes the snorkeling exceptionally good. Penalties for violations are significant.

Are there restaurants or stores at Warderick Wells?

No, Warderick Wells has no commercial facilities. Visitors must bring all food, water, and supplies. The park office has restrooms and picnic facilities but no food service. The nearest provisions are at Staniel Cay to the south.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Warderick Wells, Exuma

By Sail Abacos, Editorial Team

Reviewed by Captain Ronald Rolle

Warderick Wells serves as headquarters for the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the first of its kind in the Caribbean and a sanctuary that has protected these waters since 1958. The horseshoe-shaped island embraces a mooring field of impossibly blue water, ringed by beaches and laced with hiking trails. For many sailors exploring the Exumas, an overnight stay at Warderick Wells represents the pinnacle of their Bahamas experience.

The island offers a rare combination of terrestrial and marine attractions within a protected environment. Four miles of marked trails lead to panoramic viewpoints, historic ruins, and the famous Boo Boo Hill, where cruisers leave driftwood offerings for safe passage. On shore, visitors can view a sperm whale skeleton that tells a sobering story about ocean pollution. In the water, decades of protection have created some of the healthiest reefs and most abundant marine life in the Bahamas.

Boo Boo Hill Trail

Nature

The hike to Boo Boo Hill, the highest point on Warderick Wells, offers sweeping views of the mooring field and neighboring Emerald Rock. At the summit, cruisers traditionally leave driftwood signs carved with their boat names as offerings to Neptune for safe passage. The collection of hundreds of weathered signs creates a unique maritime memorial.

Tip: Bring a piece of driftwood and a marker to leave your own offering.

Sperm Whale Skeleton

Wildlife

A 52-foot sperm whale skeleton lies on the beach near the park office, displayed as a stark reminder of ocean pollution. The whale died after ingesting plastics, and park staff preserved the skeleton for educational purposes. Informational signage explains the whale's story and the broader threat of marine debris.

Tip: Visit the skeleton early morning when beach lighting is best for photography.

Park Headquarters & Visitor Center

Landmark

The park office serves as the information hub for visitors, with staff providing guidance on trails, snorkeling sites, and park regulations. Hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Sunday 9am-12pm. The center offers a small beach with picnic tables, lounge chairs, shade structures, and restroom facilities.

Tip: Check in with park staff upon arrival for current conditions and recommendations.

Hiking the Four-Mile Trail System

Nature

Warderick Wells features four miles of marked trails that wind through mangroves, rocky outcrops, and coastal terrain. All trails start and end at the park office, making navigation straightforward. Along the way, hikers encounter native plants, bird life, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the turquoise mooring field.

Tip: Start early in the morning before the midday heat.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Water sports

The park provides loaner kayaks and paddleboards for guest use, allowing visitors to explore the calm waters surrounding Warderick Wells at their own pace. Paddle along shorelines, investigate mangrove edges, and glide over coral gardens in the crystal-clear water.

Tip: Kayaks are available on a first-come basis; arrive early during peak season.

Snorkeling Protected Reefs

Snorkeling

Decades of no-take protection have allowed the reefs around Warderick Wells to flourish. Fish populations are noticeably denser and larger than on unprotected reefs elsewhere in the Bahamas. Snorkeling directly from the beach or dinghy reveals grouper, snapper, parrotfish, and occasional nurse sharks.

Tip: Ask park staff about current conditions to find the best snorkeling locations.

Wildlife Watching

Wildlife

Warderick Wells supports diverse wildlife including endangered Bahamian iguanas, native hutia (a rare endemic rodent), and numerous bird species. The island's protected status makes wildlife more approachable than elsewhere. Iguanas are often spotted along trails, and birdwatching is excellent year-round.

Tip: Feeding wildlife is prohibited; observe from a respectful distance.

Weekly Potluck Gatherings

Dining

The park hosts weekly potluck dinners where cruisers and visitors gather to share food and stories. This tradition fosters community among boaters exploring the Exumas and offers a chance to meet fellow travelers from around the world. Check the current schedule at the park office.

Tip: Bring a dish to share and your own plates and utensils.

Best time to visit

December through May offers the best conditions for visiting Warderick Wells, with stable weather, calm seas, and comfortable temperatures. The mooring field can fill up during peak season (February-April), so early arrival is advisable. Summer brings warmer weather and fewer crowds but also afternoon thunderstorms and occasional rough seas. The park is open year-round.

Getting there

Warderick Wells is accessible only by boat. Most visitors arrive by yacht or charter catamaran, picking up a mooring ball in the protected harbor. The park operates a mooring system rather than anchoring to protect the sea floor. Water taxis from Staniel Cay can arrange day trips. The park office monitors VHF Channel 09 (call Exuma Park) and Channel 16 for emergencies.

Read the full Warderick Wells, Exuma guide

Frequently asked questions

Is there a fee to visit Warderick Wells?: Yes, the park charges mooring fees and visitor fees to support conservation efforts. Current rates are available from the park office. Fees are typically paid upon arrival and vary based on boat length and duration of stay.
Can I anchor at Warderick Wells instead of using a mooring?: Anchoring is restricted in most areas to protect the sea floor. The park provides mooring balls throughout the harbor, and boats are required to use them where available. Check with park staff about current regulations.
Is fishing allowed at Warderick Wells?: No, fishing and collecting of any kind are prohibited within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. This no-take policy has allowed marine life to thrive and makes the snorkeling exceptionally good. Penalties for violations are significant.
Are there restaurants or stores at Warderick Wells?: No, Warderick Wells has no commercial facilities. Visitors must bring all food, water, and supplies. The park office has restrooms and picnic facilities but no food service. The nearest provisions are at Staniel Cay to the south.

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