Manjack Cay

Beaches and Natural Beauty

Manjack Cay delivers the quintessential Out Islands experience: miles of quiet, powdery white sand where you may not see another soul all day. The main beach on the Sea of Abaco side offers calm, protected waters ideal for swimming and wading with the resident stingrays. A well-marked trail of roughly one mile leads through native bush to the Atlantic side, where windswept dunes meet dazzling shades of turquoise and blue.

The island remains largely undeveloped, with only a handful of private homes. This preservation means healthy reef systems, abundant birdlife, and vegetation ranging from casuarina pines to sea grape and native hardwoods. Bring good walking shoes and insect repellent if you plan to explore the interior trails.

Wildlife Encounters

Manjack is famous for its friendly stingrays, which approach visitors in knee-deep water along the main beach. Local dive operators have been feeding these rays for years, making them remarkably comfortable around people. Nurse sharks also patrol the shallows and are generally docile. Snorkeling the reefs at the far end of the cay reveals tropical fish, starfish, and occasional encounters with sea turtles.

For a memorable adventure, dinghy up through the mangrove channel that runs the length of the island's interior. Dozens of juvenile sea turtles frequent these waters, though they tend to be camera-shy. Birdwatchers will spot herons, ospreys, and various migratory species, while iguanas sun themselves along the trails.

The Art Trail and Nature Walks

Two maintained nature walks start from the main beach. The first leads directly to the Atlantic ocean beach through coastal woodland. The second, known as the Art Trail, climbs a gentle hill adorned with creative installations fashioned from driftwood, shells, and flotsam by visiting cruisers over the years. Visitors are encouraged to add their own contribution.

Both trails are well-marked and take roughly 20 to 30 minutes each way. Signs ask visitors to stay on designated paths, keep dogs leashed around the free-roaming chickens, and respect the residents' privacy. A picnic area with tables and a coconut-opening station near the beach provides a welcoming base.

Anchorage and Access

The primary anchorage lies in the bight between Manjack Cay and Crab Cay on the Sea of Abaco side. Depths range from five to nine feet near the entrance and shoal gradually toward the cut. The holding in sand is excellent, and the anchorage offers good protection from easterly through southerly winds. Many cruisers ride out frontal weather here.

A secondary anchorage at the northern tip provides shelter when winds blow from the south or east but is more exposed to ocean swell. There are no marinas, fuel docks, or commercial facilities on Manjack. Come prepared with your own provisions, water, and a dinghy to reach the beach.

Finding Your Spot in the Bight

The primary anchorage at Manjack Cay lies in the protected bight between Manjack and Crab Cay, offering excellent sand holding in five to nine feet of water. The entrance shoals gradually, so approach with your depth sounder running and favor the deeper water near the center of the channel. Multiple boats can anchor here comfortably, though the anchorage fills during peak season when cruisers congregate for the famous stingray encounters.

A secondary anchorage at the northern tip of the cay provides shelter from southerly or easterly winds but exposes you to ocean swell. Most cruisers prefer the main bight for overnight stays. Set your anchor alarm, particularly in gusty conditions, as boats have been known to drag here. The passage from Green Turtle Cay's Joyless Point anchorage covers just three and a half nautical miles, making it easy to relocate if conditions change.

Swimming with Rays and Sharks

The shallow water along Manjack's main beach hosts a remarkable population of southern stingrays that have become accustomed to human visitors over years of interaction with local dive operators and cruisers. These graceful creatures approach waders in knee-deep water, often swimming right up to curious visitors who enter the water slowly and calmly.

Nurse sharks also patrol these shallows, generally docile and more interested in the sandy bottom than in swimmers. The experience of standing in warm, crystal-clear water while rays glide around your legs is unforgettable, though always treat wildlife with respect. Avoid touching or feeding the animals, and give them space to move naturally. Early morning visits typically offer the best encounters before other boats arrive.

The Art Trail and Mangrove Creek

Two maintained nature walks start from the main beach, both offering unique perspectives on this private but visitor-friendly island. The Art Trail climbs a gentle rise through coastal woodland adorned with creative installations fashioned from driftwood, shells, bottles, and flotsam by visiting cruisers over the years. Adding your own contribution has become a treasured tradition, so bring materials to leave your mark.

Equally memorable is the dinghy trip up through the mangrove channel that runs the length of the island's interior. Charts mark this waterway as almost dry, and the tide drops quickly, so time your exploration for high water and keep a close eye on depth. Spotted eagle rays, juvenile sea turtles, and white ibis frequent these quiet waters, offering wildlife encounters far from the crowds.

Island Etiquette and Local Guidelines

Manjack Cay is privately owned by former cruisers who have generously opened their island to visitors for decades. Signs near the beach ask that you stay on designated trails, respect resident privacy, and keep dogs leashed around the free-roaming chickens that have the run of the place. A picnic area with tables and a coconut-opening station provides a welcoming base near the main beach.

There are no restaurants, shops, or commercial facilities anywhere on the island. Bring all provisions, water, and supplies from Green Turtle Cay or Treasure Cay. The nearest fuel, groceries, and marina services lie about four nautical miles south at Green Turtle Cay. Pack out everything you bring in to help preserve this remarkable place for future visitors.

Getting there

Manjack Cay is accessible only by private boat. Most visitors arrive by yacht, sailboat, or dinghy from nearby Green Turtle Cay, approximately four nautical miles to the south, or from Treasure Cay, about 30 minutes by powerboat. There is no ferry service or airstrip on the island. Charter guests typically anchor in the protected bight between Manjack and Crab Cay, then dinghy ashore to the main beach. Green Turtle Cay, reachable by ferry from the Treasure Cay ferry dock, serves as the nearest hub with provisioning, fuel, and accommodations.

Frequently asked questions

Is Manjack Cay open to visitors?

Yes. Although privately owned, the residents welcome respectful visitors to enjoy the beaches and maintained nature trails. Signs ask that you stay on marked paths, keep dogs leashed, and respect resident privacy.

Can you swim with stingrays at Manjack Cay?

Absolutely. Friendly southern stingrays regularly approach the main beach in shallow water. They have been fed by locals and dive operators for years and are comfortable around people. Simply wade in and they often come right up to you.

Are there any restaurants or shops on Manjack Cay?

No. Manjack Cay has no commercial facilities. Visitors should bring all food, water, and supplies. The nearest restaurants, grocery stores, and fuel are in Green Turtle Cay or Treasure Cay.

What is the best time to dinghy through the mangrove channel?

Plan your mangrove exploration for high tide, as the channel becomes impassable as water drops. Allow two to three hours for the round trip, drifting back with the tidal current for an effortless return. Bring binoculars for spotting turtles and wading birds in the quieter reaches.

How far is Manjack Cay from Green Turtle Cay?

Manjack Cay lies approximately four nautical miles north of Green Turtle Cay. The passage from Green Turtle's northern anchorage near Joyless Point takes about thirty minutes by dinghy or fifteen minutes under sail in favorable conditions.

Are there mooring balls at Manjack Cay?

No, there are no mooring balls at Manjack Cay. All boats must anchor, with the best holding found in the sandy bight between Manjack and Crab Cay. Set your anchor carefully and use an anchor alarm in gusty conditions.