Lynyard Cay
Lynyard Cay anchorage · South Abacos passage stop
26°21.00'N 77°00.24'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding on sand in 2–5m. The 0.6–0.8m Abacos tidal range is straightforward for depth planning here. Western exposure means cold front northers (post-frontal NW winds) can create chop in the Sea of Abaco — monitor the forecast and move to a more sheltered position if a front is imminent.
About This Anchorage
Lynyard Cay is a quiet, largely undeveloped cay in the southern Abacos chain — a useful passage anchorage between Marsh Harbour and the more remote Little Harbour at the south end of the chain. The west-side anchorage provides reasonable protection from the prevailing E-NE trades with good sand holding. The nearby Tilloo Cay (immediately south) is a Bahamas National Trust protected area — excellent snorkelling on the reef systems. No facilities at Lynyard Cay — a completely self-sufficient stop for those exploring the quieter southern Abacos. The 0.6–0.8m tidal range in the Abacos is visible in the colour change of the shallow Sea of Abaco as the tide falls.
Protected From
E · NE · N · SE
Exposed To
W · SW · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required; Tilloo Cay (adjacent) is a Bahamas National Trust protected area — no collecting, respect the nesting bird colonies; anchor only in sand.
Hazards
- !No facilities — completely self-sufficient; carry all provisions and fuel from Marsh Harbour
- !Western exposure — cold fronts create NW chop in the Sea of Abaco; monitor forecasts Nov–Apr
- !0.6–0.8m tidal range — shallow bank areas near the cay shoal significantly at low water
- !Tilloo Cay BNT protected area nearby — strict no-collecting rules apply
Skipper's Tips
- →Lynyard Cay is an excellent quiet stop for those who want to explore the southern Abacos without the crowds of Marsh Harbour and Hopetown
- →Snorkelling off Tilloo Cay (dinghy 1nm S) is among the finest in the Abacos — BNT protection means the reef is undisturbed
- →The 0.6–0.8m tidal range creates a perceptible current past the cay — note the direction to judge tidal phase for dinghy exploration
- →Provision thoroughly in Marsh Harbour before heading south — Little Harbour (Pete's Pub) has no stores
Facilities
No facilities. Self-sufficient stop only. Marsh Harbour is 14nm north. Little Harbour is 2nm south.
Nearest provisions: Marsh Harbour Maxwell's Supermarket (14nm N) (14nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. A quiet passage stop in the southern Abacos. Best for those interested in snorkelling and solitude over social beach bar life.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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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