Compass Cay
Compass Cay marina · Nurse Shark Cay
24°16.32'N 76°31.62'W
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for good holding on sand in 2–4m. The small approach area has limited swinging room — keep alarm tight and anchor close to the deepest available water. The 0.8–1.0m tidal range in the Exumas requires careful depth planning in this very shallow bank area. Draft over 1.5m should approach with extreme caution on a rising tide.
About This Anchorage
Compass Cay is a small private cay with a tiny marina famous for its population of resident nurse sharks — gentle, docile bottom-feeders that gather at the marina dock and can be fed and petted by visitors. This is a completely unique experience and one of the most memorable stops in the Exumas. The nurse sharks are habituated to humans and completely safe to handle — extraordinary for children and adults alike. The marina owner operates the cay with a small gift shop and charges a docking/visiting fee. The anchorage approach requires very shallow draft — the Exuma bank is at its most extreme here, with depths of 1–1.5m in places at low water. The 0.8–1.0m tidal range in the Exumas is critical for approach timing. A beautiful and quiet stop between Staniel Cay and Warderick Wells.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · W
Exposed To
NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring
- Permitted in sand
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring; marina dock visiting fee charged by the cay owner (~$10–15/person); marina berths negotiated with owner.
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required; Compass Cay is a private cay — dock visiting fee applies; treat the nurse sharks gently — no pulling, no rough handling; do not feed the sharks inappropriate food; draft over 1.5m not recommended.
Hazards
- !Very shallow bank approach — draft over 1.5m not recommended; approach on a rising tide and use visual navigation
- !0.8–1.0m tidal range critical in shallow water — minimum depth at low tide in approach is 0.8–1.2m in places
- !Limited anchoring space in approach area — swinging room is tight; use minimum scope and test anchor firmly
- !Nurse sharks are harmless but can nip if handled roughly — treat them gently and they are completely safe
Skipper's Tips
- →The nurse shark experience at Compass Cay is unmissable — they are completely docile and will allow you to hold them; one of the Bahamas' great encounters
- →Approach Compass Cay only at or near high water if your draft is over 1.2m — the bank surrounding the cay is extremely shallow at low tide
- →The 0.8m tidal range means the bank colour changes dramatically through the day — brilliant turquoise becomes sandy-bottomed shallows at low water
- →Bring fresh fish scraps or squid for the sharks — they prefer these to bread or meat
- →From Compass Cay, the Exuma Land and Sea Park boundary begins a few miles north at Shroud Cay — plan your park entry and check-in at Warderick Wells
Facilities
Small gift shop at the marina. No restaurant or fuel. Nearest facilities at Staniel Cay Yacht Club (6nm S) or Sampson Cay marina (3nm N).
Nearest provisions: Staniel Cay Yacht Club (6nm S) (6nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. A favourite mid-Exumas stop. Never overcrowded due to shallow draft restrictions. Best December–March for calm bank conditions.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
The Exumas' 0.8–1.0m tidal range and extremely shallow banks make anchor alarm monitoring essential — even a small drag on the Exuma Bank can leave you aground. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors continuously through every tidal cycle.
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