Shroud Cay
Shroud Cay anchorage · Exuma Park north entrance
24°31.08'N 76°41.46'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 within the park. If mooring balls are available, use them — anchoring is technically permitted here but moorings are preferred by the park. The 0.8–1.0m tidal range is critical for the mangrove dinghy creek — the creek is navigable by inflatable dinghy only at mid to high tide. Plan the dinghy exploration for rising tide.
About This Anchorage
Shroud Cay marks the northern boundary of the Exuma Land and Sea Park — a large, uninhabited cay famous for its extraordinary labyrinth of mangrove creeks that wind through the interior, emerging on the Exuma Sound side at a small ocean beach. The dinghy trip through the mangroves (only possible at mid to high tide) is one of the Bahamas' great adventures — shafts of light through the canopy, tropical birds, and absolute silence broken only by the tidal current. The park's no-fishing and no-collecting rules apply throughout. The 0.8–1.0m tidal range in the Exumas is essential knowledge for planning the mangrove creek — the creek becomes impassable at low water in a 9-inch draft inflatable. An unforgettable stop.
Protected From
E · SE · S · SW · W
Exposed To
N · NW · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring
- Permitted in sand
- Anchoring fee
- Mooring balls ~$25/night if available; anchoring in sand permitted within park regulations.
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
- Permit details
- Cruising Permit required. Park fee applies — check in at Warderick Wells HQ (7nm S).
Restrictions: Exuma Land and Sea Park rules: NO FISHING, NO COLLECTING of any kind. No pets ashore on islands. Mangrove creek only accessible at mid to high tide — check tide table. Do not damage mangrove roots with dinghy propeller — use paddle or pole in the creek.
Hazards
- !Mangrove creek tidal restriction — passable only at mid to high tide in a low-draft inflatable; plan timing carefully using tide tables
- !Northern exposure — northers (30–40kt N) make anchorage uncomfortable; move to Warderick Wells South Anchorage on mooring
- !No facilities — completely self-sufficient; nearest fuel and provisioning 20+ nm away
- !Propeller damage to mangrove roots — turn off engine in the creek and paddle or pole through shallow sections
Skipper's Tips
- →The mangrove dinghy creek is one of the Bahamas' great natural experiences — plan to enter on a rising tide and exit on the early ebb for the best current assistance
- →The ocean-side beach at the exit of the creek is often entirely empty — a private Atlantic ocean beach for the cost of the dinghy ride through the mangroves
- →Birds are abundant in the mangroves — great blue herons, roseate spoonbills, and various wading birds are common; bring binoculars
- →The 0.8m tidal colour change at Shroud Cay is dramatic — bank goes from electric turquoise to pale aqua as the tide falls over the sand
Facilities
No facilities. Warderick Wells Park HQ (7nm S) has a small gift shop. Nearest fuel and provisions at Staniel Cay (21nm S) or Nassau (80nm N).
Nearest provisions: Staniel Cay Yacht Club (21nm S) (21nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. A quieter park entry point than Warderick Wells. Best as a first or last stop within the park. Tidal creek exploration is the primary reason to visit.
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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