Great Guana Cay (Exumas)
Great Guana Cay Exumas anchorage · Guana Cay south Exuma
23°56.22'N 76°20.04'W
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding on sand in 2–4m. The 0.8–1.0m Exuma tidal range creates noticeable depth variation in this shallow bank — anchor in maximum available depth. Western and NW exposure means cold front northers (after passage, wind swings W-NW) can make anchorage uncomfortable — move on or use extra scope.
About This Anchorage
Great Guana Cay (not to be confused with Guana Cay in the Abacos) is one of the larger uninhabited cays in the southern Exuma chain — a quiet, beautiful stop between the busy Staniel Cay area and the George Town gathering. The bank side anchorage has typical Exuma characteristics: electric turquoise water, brilliant white sand bottom, and good holding when the anchor is properly set. The cay has excellent beaches on both the bank and ocean sides — the ocean beach requires a short hike over the ridge. No facilities. The 0.8–1.0m Exuma tidal range creates dramatic colour changes in the water as the tide falls over the sand. A self-sufficient overnight stop ideal for those who want solitude between the busy cays of the north and the regatta crowd at George Town.
Protected From
E · NE · SE · N
Exposed To
W · SW · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring
- Permitted in sand
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required; the cay is uninhabited private land — do not disturb any wildlife; carry out all rubbish — no shore disposal.
Hazards
- !No facilities — completely self-sufficient stop; carry all provisions and fuel
- !0.8–1.0m tidal range — anchor in adequate depth; beautiful but shallow Exuma bank
- !Western exposure — cold front passage (NW winds after cold front) can make anchorage uncomfortable
- !Bank navigation — approach carefully from the bank side using charts and visual colour cues
Skipper's Tips
- →Great Guana Cay Exumas is one of the best-kept secrets in the southern cays — far fewer boats than the Staniel Cay or George Town areas
- →The hike over the ridge to the ocean side beach is rewarding — Atlantic-facing sand beach often entirely empty
- →The 0.8m tidal change creates a stunning visual as white sand appears in the shallows at low water — perfect for a sunset walk in the shallows
- →Use this anchorage for a quiet night between George Town and the northern cays — stock up at George Town first
Facilities
No facilities. Self-sufficient stop only. George Town (10nm S) has full provisioning. Staniel Cay (20nm N) has fuel and provisions.
Nearest provisions: George Town Exuma Market (10nm S) (10nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. Quiet and uncrowded. A perfect antidote to the George Town crowds. Self-sufficient only — provision before arriving.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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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