Highbourne Cay

Marina Facilities and Services

Highbourne Cay Marina offers seven hundred fifty feet of face dock for larger vessels up to one hundred eighty feet with eight-foot draft, plus sixteen back-in slips accommodating boats to seventy-five feet. The fuel dock provides high-capacity diesel and gasoline, while reverse-osmosis water ensures fresh supplies. Power connections, ice, and a well-stocked general store round out the services. The marina's popularity means advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak season from December through April.

Beaches and Natural Beauty

The eight beaches scattered around Highbourne Cay offer varied experiences from protected coves to exposed stretches facing the Exuma Sound. Each beach maintains pristine conditions with powdery white sand meeting water in shades of turquoise and aquamarine. Miles of trails and paths cross the five-hundred-acre island, leading to elevated viewpoints and secluded spots. The surrounding waters support excellent snorkeling with healthy coral formations and abundant marine life thriving in the protected environment.

Accommodation Options

Beyond marina slips, Highbourne Cay offers luxury cottage rentals for visitors seeking an extended island experience. These well-appointed accommodations feature beachfront locations with modern amenities while maintaining a sense of tropical seclusion. Guests can explore the island's trails, snorkel directly from shore, or simply relax on private stretches of sand. The cottages provide an alternative to overnight anchoring for those wanting to experience the island more fully.

Gateway to the Exumas

Highbourne Cay's location makes it the natural launching point for Exumas exploration. Just to the west lie the Allen Cays with their famous rock iguanas, while Norman's Cay and the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park beckon to the south. Most cruisers spend their first Exumas night at Highbourne, provisioning and topping off fuel before venturing into waters where facilities become scarcer. The protection offered by the harbor makes it a reliable overnight anchorage in most conditions.

Marina Arrival and Docking

Highbourne Cay Marina welcomes vessels on VHF Channel 16 and can provide approach guidance for first-time visitors. The facility offers seven hundred fifty feet of face dock accommodating yachts up to one hundred eighty feet with eight-foot draft, plus sixteen back-in slips for boats to seventy-five feet. The marina's popularity, particularly during peak season from December through April, makes advance reservations strongly recommended.

The approach from Nassau takes approximately two hours depending on sea conditions and vessel speed. Most yachts crossing from Florida stop in Nassau first to clear customs before making the run to Highbourne. The harbor provides good protection in most conditions, making it a reliable first overnight stop in the Exumas chain.

Fuel, Provisions, and Services

Unlike most Exumas destinations where cruisers must rely on supplies brought from Nassau, Highbourne provides genuine convenience. The fuel dock features one of the largest diesel supply systems in the cays with thirty thousand gallons of capacity, plus gasoline for outboards and generators. Reverse-osmosis water ensures fresh supplies, and ice is readily available.

The well-stocked Highbourne Store carries groceries, basic supplies, and provisions that allow cruisers to top off before heading south into waters where facilities become increasingly scarce. Power connections support vessels at the dock, and wireless internet keeps you connected. These amenities amid otherwise wild surroundings define the Highbourne experience and explain why so many itineraries begin here.

Exploring the Eight Beaches

Highbourne's eight beaches remain among the best-kept secrets in the Bahamas, each offering its own character and degree of seclusion. These pristine stretches of powdery white sand meet water in shades of turquoise and aquamarine, all within walking distance of the marina via miles of trails and paths that cross the five hundred-acre island.

Some beaches face the protected western waters while others look out toward the Exuma Sound, providing varied conditions depending on weather and your preferences. The surrounding waters support excellent snorkeling with healthy coral formations and abundant marine life. Guests at the marina and the luxury cottage rentals have access to these beaches, while day visitors should check with the marina regarding current access policies.

Gateway to the Northern Exumas

Highbourne's location makes it the natural launching point for Exumas exploration. Just to the west lie the Allen Cays, home to the famous endangered Bahamian rock iguanas that sun themselves on the beaches. These prehistoric-looking creatures have become accustomed to visitors and provide excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.

To the south, Norman's Cay and its plane wreck beckon, followed by the pristine waters of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Most cruisers spend their first Exumas night at Highbourne, taking advantage of the full services to top off fuel and provisions before venturing into the park where facilities essentially disappear. The protection offered by the harbor and the reliability of the services make Highbourne an ideal base for day trips north to the iguanas before continuing south.

Getting there

Highbourne Cay is accessible by boat from Nassau in approximately two hours, depending on sea conditions and vessel speed. The marina monitors VHF Channel 16 for arrivals and can provide approach guidance. A private airstrip exists but is not available for public use. Most yachts arriving from Florida stop in Nassau first before making the crossing to Highbourne. Advance marina reservations are strongly recommended during peak season.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need reservations for Highbourne Cay Marina?

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak season from December through April. The marina's popularity and limited slip count mean it often fills up in advance. Contact the marina directly to confirm availability and secure your spot.

What provisions are available at Highbourne Cay?

The well-stocked general store offers essential provisions including canned goods, beverages, ice, and basic supplies. While selection is more limited than Nassau, the store covers most cruising needs. Many boaters top off supplies here before heading south into the Exumas where options become scarcer.

Can day visitors access Highbourne Cay beaches?

Highbourne Cay is a private island, and beach access is generally reserved for marina guests and cottage renters. Day visitors should check with the marina regarding current access policies before planning a visit. Some beaches may be available with prior arrangement.

How far is Highbourne Cay from Nassau?

Highbourne Cay lies approximately thirty-five miles southeast of Nassau, reachable in about two hours by powerboat depending on sea conditions and vessel speed. Most yachts arriving from Florida stop in Nassau first to clear customs before making the crossing to Highbourne.

Can I visit Highbourne Cay beaches without staying at the marina?

Highbourne Cay is a private island, and beach access is generally reserved for marina guests and cottage renters. Day visitors should contact the marina in advance to inquire about current access policies, as some beaches may be available with prior arrangement.

What is the fuel capacity at Highbourne Cay Marina?

Highbourne Cay Marina maintains one of the largest diesel supply systems in the Exuma cays with thirty thousand gallons of capacity. Gasoline is also available. The high-capacity system ensures fuel availability even during busy periods, though topping off when possible is always prudent in the islands.