Lynyard Cay

A Quiet Corner of the Abacos

Positioned roughly 15 nautical miles south of Marsh Harbour, Lynyard Cay serves as the natural terminus of the protected Sea of Abaco cruising ground. The cay's western shoreline provides a lee-side anchorage with good sand-bottom holding, sheltered from the Atlantic swells that break along the eastern reef. Cruisers often use it as an overnight stop before or after transiting Little Harbour Cut to the open ocean.

Despite its proximity to popular destinations, the cay sees relatively light traffic compared to Hope Town or Man-O-War Cay. This undeveloped status makes it a favorite among sailors who value quiet evenings, bioluminescent waters on moonless nights, and uncrowded beaches.

Beaches and Snorkeling

The Sea of Abaco side features a gentle beach with powdery white sand, fire rings left by previous visitors, and a picnic table tucked among the dune vegetation. The Atlantic-facing beach offers more rugged scenery and is known for sea glass scattered along the tide line—remnants of vessels and bottles worn smooth by decades of surf.

Snorkeling is rewarding when conditions allow, with patch reefs harboring colorful fish, rays, and occasional sea turtles. For more extensive reef exploration, the Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park lies just a few miles to the north, protecting over 2,100 acres of coral habitat and undersea caves.

Gateway to Little Harbour

A two-mile dinghy ride across the cut brings visitors to Little Harbour, home to the Johnston family's bronze foundry and the legendary Pete's Pub. Established in the 1950s by Canadian artist Randolph Johnston, the foundry remains the only working bronze sculpture studio in The Bahamas, with pieces displayed in collections worldwide—including the Vatican.

Pete's Pub serves fresh Bahamian seafood in an open-air setting surrounded by sculpture, making it a memorable lunch stop. Nearby trails lead to the ruins of the 1889 Little Harbour Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the surrounding cays and Atlantic horizon.

Practical Considerations

Lynyard Cay has no shore facilities—no fuel, water, electricity, or provisions. Cruisers should arrive self-sufficient and prepared to anchor out. The western anchorage offers protection from east through southeast winds but is exposed to northerly or westerly blows; check forecasts before settling in for the night.

Sharp coral rock lines the interior trails, so sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring beyond the beaches. Depths in the anchorage area suit vessels with drafts under six feet comfortably, though deeper-draft boats can find swinging room with careful positioning.

Setting the Hook

The anchorage west of Lynyard Cay provides excellent sand holding in six to twenty feet of water, with ample room for multiple boats to swing without crowding. The best spot lies near the midpoint of the cay in front of a cluster of three houses visible from the water. Avoid the northern third of the anchorage, where rocky patches and shallow depths create poor holding, and ocean swells sweeping in from North Bar Channel can make for an uncomfortable night.

In prevailing easterlies, Lynyard offers textbook protection with a gentle roll at most. However, the anchorage is fully exposed to northerly and westerly winds. Watch the forecast carefully before settling in, and have a plan to relocate to Little Harbour or back north toward Tilloo Cay if conditions deteriorate.

The Dinghy Run to Little Harbour

The two-mile dinghy ride to Little Harbour crosses open water that can build a sharp chop in afternoon easterlies. Leave early in the day when winds are lighter, or time your crossing for the morning calm. Once across, the narrow entrance to Little Harbour carries only four to six feet at mean low water, making it impassable for boats with deeper drafts.

Inside the harbour, fourteen moorings managed by Pete's Pub accommodate vessels that can negotiate the entrance. At twenty dollars per night with multi-night discounts, these moorings offer a convenient base for exploring. However, many cruisers prefer anchoring at Lynyard and making day trips by dinghy, avoiding the hassle of timing tides for the shallow entrance.

Pete's Pub and the Johnston Legacy

Pete's Pub began as a gathering place for the artistic community that Randolph Johnston founded when he arrived from Canada in the 1950s. Johnston and his family initially lived in a cave by the beach while establishing what would become the only bronze art foundry in the Bahamas. His son Pete now operates both the foundry and the pub, maintaining three generations of creative tradition.

The foundry uses the lost-wax method, a five-thousand-year-old casting technique requiring twelve meticulous steps. Johnston bronzes have found homes in collections worldwide, including a piece in the Vatican Museum. Visitors can tour the foundry and watch works in progress before settling into the pub for grilled fish, burgers, and cold drinks surrounded by sculptures. The ceiling displays signed t-shirts from decades of visiting sailors.

Exploring Both Shores

Lynyard Cay rewards those who venture ashore to explore its twin beaches. The Sea of Abaco side features a gentle crescent of powdery white sand with fire rings left by previous visitors and a picnic table tucked among the dune vegetation. This calm beach is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply watching the sunset paint the water.

The Atlantic-facing beach offers a more rugged experience. Sea glass collectors find treasures here, worn smooth by decades of surf and scattered along the tide line. Sharp coral rock lines the interior trails, so bring sturdy footwear if you plan to cross the cay on foot. The transition from the protected side to the wild Atlantic shore captures the dual nature of these barrier islands in a twenty-minute walk.

Getting there

Lynyard Cay is accessible only by boat. Most visitors arrive aboard private yachts or chartered catamarans departing from Marsh Harbour, approximately 15 nautical miles to the north. The route south through the Sea of Abaco passes Elbow Cay, Tilloo Cay, and the Pelican Cays before reaching Lynyard. From Little Harbour, experienced boaters can transit the cut to approach from the Atlantic side in settled conditions. There is no ferry service or airstrip on the cay itself; the nearest commercial airport is Marsh Harbour International (MHH).

Frequently asked questions

Is there anywhere to eat or buy supplies on Lynyard Cay?

No. Lynyard Cay is completely undeveloped with no restaurants, shops, or services. Visitors should provision fully before arriving. For dining, take your dinghy two miles across to Pete's Pub at Little Harbour, which serves fresh seafood and cold drinks.

Can I anchor inside Little Harbour instead of at Lynyard Cay?

Anchoring inside Little Harbour is now prohibited; the harbor uses mooring balls and is best suited for boats with drafts under five feet. Many cruisers prefer anchoring in the deeper water off Lynyard Cay and using a dinghy to visit Little Harbour's attractions.

What is the best time of year to visit Lynyard Cay?

The dry season from November through May offers the most settled weather, lighter winds, and excellent underwater visibility for snorkeling. Summer and fall bring higher humidity and the potential for tropical weather, though the anchorage can still be enjoyable between systems.

Can I anchor inside Little Harbour?

Anchoring inside Little Harbour is now prohibited. The harbour uses mooring balls managed by Pete's Pub, and the shallow entrance limits access to boats drawing under five feet. Most cruisers anchor at Lynyard Cay and dinghy to Little Harbour for day visits.

Is there cell phone coverage at Lynyard Cay?

Cell coverage at Lynyard Cay can be spotty. Little Harbour operates entirely off-grid with solar power and rainwater collection, and the approximately fifty homes in the settlement have limited connectivity. Download weather forecasts and charts before heading south from Marsh Harbour.

What is the best approach to Little Harbour from the Atlantic?

Experienced boaters can transit Little Harbour Cut from the Atlantic in settled conditions, entering between Little Harbour and Lynyard Cay and heading north for the anchorage or south into the harbour. Wait for calm seas and good visibility to read the water accurately. Most cruisers prefer the protected route south through the Sea of Abaco.