Lyford Cay Approach Anchorage
Lyford Cay · Southwest New Providence anchorage
25°01.74'N 77°31.68'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m for good holding on sand in 2–5m. The 0.8m Bahamian tidal range requires adequate depth at anchor. Good sand holding typical of the Great Bahama Bank edge. Southern and western exposure means monitoring for unusual SW or W wind components — rare but possible behind cold fronts.
About This Anchorage
Lyford Cay is one of the most exclusive private communities in the Caribbean — a gated residential and marina complex at the southwest tip of New Providence, home to some of the world's wealthiest families. The club marina is private and not accessible to visiting yachts. However, the outer approach waters to the south of the cay provide an excellent, uncrowded anchorage in the public waters — good sand holding, protection from the NE trades, and extraordinary peace compared to Nassau's central harbour. The Great Bahama Bank edge runs close here, and the water is the characteristic bright turquoise of the shallow Bahamian banks. Nassau downtown is 12nm to the northeast — a significant provisioning trip but manageable for a dedicated run. This anchorage is ideal as a first stop when approaching Nassau from the west or southwest (from Florida or the Berry Islands), or as a quiet last anchorage before departing New Providence westbound.
Protected From
N · NE · NW · E
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in public waters
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required; Lyford Cay marina and club are strictly private — do not approach the private dock or enter the gated channel without authorization; anchor only in the public outer approach waters.
Hazards
- !Private club boundary — Lyford Cay marina and club are strictly private; stay in the public outer approach waters
- !Bank edge shoaling — the Great Bahama Bank edge near here requires careful chart navigation
- !0.8m tidal range — enter and anchor with tide height in mind; the bank shallows quickly west of the cay
- !No facilities — self-sufficient stop only; Nassau is 12nm for any emergency provisioning
- !Southerly or westerly wind exposure — unusual but possible behind cold fronts; anchor watch essential
Skipper's Tips
- →Lyford Cay approach anchorage is the best western departure point for the Bimini Islands or Berry Islands — a quiet final night before crossing the Tongue of the Ocean
- →The extreme water clarity of the Bahama Bank edge here allows you to see the anchor and chain clearly — an unmistakable reminder of the 0.8m tidal depth change
- →Fill up with water and fuel at Nassau Yacht Haven before coming here — there are no facilities
- →In calm conditions, the anchorage is superb for paddle boarding or kayaking along the New Providence west shore
- →Early morning departure from Lyford Cay puts you at the Berry Islands by early afternoon — plan the crossing carefully with tidal current across the bank
Facilities
No facilities for visiting yachts. Lyford Cay Club is strictly private. Nassau downtown is 12nm — a dedicated provisioning trip is needed before arriving here or plan to sail to Nassau Yacht Haven for refuelling.
Nearest provisions: Nassau Yacht Haven (12nm NE) (12nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. Excellent quiet anchorage for arrival from the west or departure to the Berry Islands. Self-sufficient only — provision at Nassau before arriving.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
Nassau's 0.8m tidal range and cruise ship wake mean conditions change continuously. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position through every tide cycle — so you can explore Nassau with complete peace of mind.
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