Man-O-War Cay
Man O War Cay · Man-O-War harbour
26°35.76'N 77°00.06'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for good holding on sand/mud in 2–5m. Man-O-War Cay's inner harbour is one of the most sheltered anchorages in the Abacos — nearly completely enclosed. The 0.6–0.8m tidal range allows a relatively tight alarm radius given the excellent protection. Anchor firmly — the harbour is popular and crowded November–March.
About This Anchorage
Man-O-War Cay is the boat-building capital of the Bahamas — a tradition stretching back generations to the island's Loyalist settlers. Albury Bros. Boatbuilders has been constructing traditional wooden and fibreglass Abaco dinghies here for over a century, and the boat-building heritage is evident throughout the settlement. The inner harbour is one of the best-sheltered anchorages in the Abacos — nearly completely enclosed. The island is a DRY ISLAND — no alcohol is sold or permitted ashore. This is a deeply held community value stemming from the island's religious heritage; visitors must comply absolutely. In return, the community is extraordinarily welcoming, the harbour is pristine, and the boat yard (Edwin's Boat Yard) offers haul-out services for visiting yachts. The harbour sails shop (Albury's Sail Shop) sells canvas and sail repairs. A remarkable, unique stop in the Abacos.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · W · NW
Exposed To
SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in harbour
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required. DRY ISLAND — no alcohol on shore under any circumstances. This is a firm community rule with deep religious and cultural roots — respect it absolutely. No exceptions.
Hazards
- !DRY ISLAND — no alcohol allowed ashore; keep drinks on the boat; violation of this rule is deeply offensive to the community
- !Harbour entrance is narrow — enter at slow speed; tidal current 0.5–1kt through entrance on strong tides
- !0.6–0.8m tidal range — plan anchor depth; harbour is well-sheltered so tidal variation is manageable
- !Boat yard activity during weekdays — power tools and boat construction early morning
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit Albury Bros. Boatbuilders during working hours — the craftsmen are welcoming to interested visitors and the boat-building process is extraordinary to witness
- →Buy a hand-sewn canvas bag at Albury's Sail Shop — they have been making these for decades and are a genuine Bahamian craft souvenir
- →The local bakery opens early (07:00) with fresh Bahamian bread — the best breakfast in the harbour; buy enough for the next day too
- →Edwin's Boat Yard is highly recommended for any haul-out or repair work — excellent quality and honest pricing; call ahead for availability
- →Remember: the island is completely dry — enjoy your sundowner on the boat before going ashore; it is genuinely appreciated that visiting sailors respect this tradition
Facilities
Local bakery (excellent Bahamian bread). Small grocery stores (Albury's Store). The bakery is open in the mornings — fresh bread and local pastries. Note: no alcohol anywhere on the island. Edwin's Boat Yard for haul-out and repairs. Albury's Sail Shop for canvas and sail work.
Nearest provisions: Albury's Store Man-O-War Cay (0.1nm) (0.1nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. A remarkable cultural stop — the boat-building heritage makes this unlike any other anchorage in the Abacos. Quieter than Hopetown and Marsh Harbour. Best Tuesday–Saturday when the boat yard and shops are open.
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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