Green Turtle Cay (Black Sound)
Black Sound anchorage · Green Turtle Cay · New Plymouth anchorage
26°45.66'N 77°19.74'W
Depth
1.5–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for good holding on sand/mud in 1.5–4m. Black Sound's near-complete enclosure allows a tighter alarm radius than most anchorages. The 0.6–0.8m tidal range is the main consideration for draft planning in the shallow sound. Excellent norther shelter — one of the most secure anchorages in the Abacos when a cold front is forecast.
About This Anchorage
Green Turtle Cay's Black Sound is one of the finest hurricane holes and all-weather anchorages in the entire Abacos — a nearly completely enclosed natural harbour behind the historic settlement of New Plymouth. New Plymouth is a beautifully preserved Loyalist settlement with museum-quality 18th-century colonial architecture, the Albert Lowe Museum (Bahamian history and model ships), Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar (legendary for the Goombay Smash cocktail — original recipe a closely guarded secret), and numerous restaurants and shops. The Bluff House Beach Hotel and Green Turtle Club are the main marina facilities. Hurricane Dorian (2019) caused significant damage to Green Turtle Cay — much has been rebuilt but some scars remain. The Albert Lowe Museum documents both the settlement's history and the hurricane's impact.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W
Exposed To
NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in Black Sound; marina berths at Green Turtle Club and Bluff House ~$2/ft/night; some moorings available.
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required; Black Sound entrance is narrow — approach at slow speed; ferry from Treasure Cay brings residents and visitors; respect the working community dock at New Plymouth.
Hazards
- !Shallow Black Sound entrance — draft over 1.5m approach only at high water; 0.6–0.8m tidal range is critical
- !Narrow entrance — single-lane entry; communicate on VHF 16 if passing another vessel
- !Post-Hurricane Dorian depth changes — verify depths on arrival; some shoaling may have occurred since 2019
- !Northern Abacos position — further from Marsh Harbour and Florida; self-sufficient provisions recommended
Skipper's Tips
- →Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar is a required stop — the Goombay Smash (coconut rum, Nassau Royale, pineapple juice, OJ) is the drink of the northern Abacos; Emily has passed but the recipe lives on
- →The Albert Lowe Museum is a world-class small museum — the model ship collection and Loyalist history exhibits are exceptional; $5 entry, well worth it
- →Black Sound is the best norther refuge in the northern Abacos — if a cold front is forecast, secure in Black Sound well before the front arrives
- →Rent golf carts in New Plymouth for a complete Green Turtle Cay exploration — the ocean-side beach is 15 minutes by cart and often deserted
- →The 0.6–0.8m tidal range is very visible in Black Sound's enclosed waters — timing your Black Sound entrance for half to high tide gives the best depth margin
Facilities
Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar (Goombay Smash — the best in the Bahamas). Green Turtle Club restaurant. Bluff House restaurant. Laura's Kitchen (local Bahamian food). Curry's Food Store for provisions. Lowe's Food Store.
Nearest provisions: Curry's Food Store New Plymouth (0.2nm) (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. The premier northern Abacos destination. Quieter than Marsh Harbour and Hopetown. Best choice for norther shelter in the northern Abacos. Post-Hurricane Dorian community is resilient and welcoming.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
The Abacos' tidal range and winter northers make anchor monitoring essential. Safety Anchor Alarm watches your GPS position continuously — so you can enjoy Grabbers, Nipper's, and Miss Emily's Goombay Smash with complete peace of mind.
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