Spanish Cay

History and Character

Spanish Cay was uninhabited when Texas oilman and Dallas Cowboys owner Clint Murchison Jr. purchased it in 1952, transforming it into a private retreat. Murchison developed the airstrip and harbor infrastructure that still serves the island today. After his death in the 1980s, subsequent owners converted the estate into a resort while preserving its low-key, unhurried atmosphere.

The island's landscape features royal poinciana, frangipani, wild orchids, bougainvillea, and towering coconut palms. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot fish eagles soaring overhead, ring-necked pheasants in the brush, and rare albino owls at dusk. This blend of cultivated beauty and natural habitat gives Spanish Cay a character distinct from busier Abaco destinations.

Marina and Yachting Services

The Spanish Cay Marina offers 81 slips accommodating vessels up to 200 feet, with alongside dockage, full electrical hookups, fresh water, fuel (diesel and gasoline), and pump-out services. The marina's protected basin provides calm conditions even when winds build across the open Atlantic.

Because Spanish Cay is a port of entry, international arrivals can complete clearance on-site rather than diverting to Marsh Harbour or Green Turtle Cay. The marina store stocks provisions and marine supplies, and staff can arrange fishing charters, diving excursions, and rental vehicles for exploring the island's quiet interior roads.

Beaches and Recreation

Five beaches ring the island, with Barefoot Beach being the most celebrated: a crescent of soft sand facing the turquoise shallows of the Sea of Abaco. Snorkelers can explore nearby patch reefs and, for history buffs, submerged aircraft wreckage from the island's more colorful past.

On land, guests enjoy a freshwater pool and heated spa, four lighted tennis courts, and shaded nature trails winding through the tropical gardens. The Point House Restaurant serves Bahamian and international dishes and is considered one of North Abaco's best dining options. An air-conditioned game room and lounge rounds out the relaxed social scene.

Fishing and Diving

The waters surrounding Spanish Cay are renowned for bonefishing on the nearby flats and deep-sea fishing offshore where wahoo, mahi-mahi, and marlin run seasonally. Local guides know the productive spots and can be booked through the marina.

Divers and snorkelers benefit from the island's position near the Great Abaco Barrier Reef system. Visibility regularly exceeds 80 feet, and the reefs host a vibrant cross-section of Caribbean marine life. The marina can coordinate dive charters for certified guests wanting to explore deeper walls and coral heads.

Anchoring and Approach

Spanish Cay sits at the northern threshold of the Sea of Abaco, roughly 39 nautical miles northwest of Marsh Harbour. The approach from the south brings you through waters that deepen to 8-10 feet as you clear the primary navigation hazard: a long shoal extending southwest from the island's southern tip, with depths of only 3-4 feet. Give that shoal a wide berth and favor the deeper water to the east.

The marina basin is protected by a stone breakwall that provides calm conditions even when trade winds build. Hail the dock master on VHF 16 (working channel 12) as you approach. Office hours run 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, though after-hours arrivals can still raise someone on the radio. Note that while anchorage exists at the northern end of the island in a small cove with 4 feet of depth, this is private property and vessels are typically asked to move along.

What It Is Like Ashore

Stepping off the dock at Spanish Cay feels like arriving at someone's exceptionally well-appointed private estate, which is exactly what it was under previous ownership. The marina slips accommodate everything from runabouts to 250-foot superyachts, with 52 of 81 slips currently operational. Depths reach 8 feet at mean low water, so most cruising catamarans can berth comfortably.

The grounds are immaculate: royal poinciana in bloom, frangipani scenting the air, coconut palms swaying overhead. Five beaches ring the island, with Barefoot Beach being the standout: a crescent of powder sand facing the Sea of Abaco's turquoise shallows. The freshwater pool and heated spa offer a civilized alternative when you want a break from salt water.

Dining and Provisions

The Point House Restaurant serves as the island's culinary and social hub, offering Bahamian seafood alongside continental dishes in an air-conditioned dining room overlooking the pool and the Sea of Abaco. The conch fritters are excellent, and the bar pours a proper rum punch. Hours can vary seasonally, so confirm before planning your evening.

The marina store stocks basic provisions, ice, and marine supplies. Fuel services operate seven days a week, dispensing filtered diesel and gasoline. Water is metered at $0.35 per gallon. If you need more substantial provisioning, Green Turtle Cay lies 12 nautical miles to the southeast.

Why Captains Stop Here

Spanish Cay earns its keep as a port of entry with Customs and Immigration available seven days a week, making it an ideal first landfall for vessels crossing from Florida. Clear in here and you can begin exploring the Abacos immediately rather than diverting south to Marsh Harbour.

Beyond the bureaucratic convenience, the bonefishing flats surrounding Spanish Cay rank among the best in the Northern Abacos. Local guides know the productive spots and can be booked through the marina. Offshore, the deep water holds wahoo, mahi-mahi, and seasonal marlin. Divers benefit from proximity to the Great Abaco Barrier Reef, with visibility regularly exceeding 80 feet.

Getting there

Spanish Cay is accessible exclusively by water or air. Charter yachts typically approach from the Sea of Abaco, entering via the marked channel into the protected marina basin. The island lies approximately 12 nautical miles northwest of Green Turtle Cay and 17 nautical miles from Treasure Cay. For guests arriving by private aircraft, Spanish Cay Airport features a 4,400-foot paved runway and serves as a Customs port of entry. There is no scheduled ferry service; visiting by crewed charter catamaran remains the most seamless way to experience the island while continuing onward through the Abacos.

Frequently asked questions

Is Spanish Cay open to visiting boats or is it strictly private?

Spanish Cay is a private island, but its marina and resort amenities are fully open to visiting yachts and charter guests. The marina welcomes transient boaters and offers fuel, dockage, and shore-side facilities including the restaurant, pool, and beaches.

Can I clear Customs at Spanish Cay when entering the Bahamas?

Yes. Spanish Cay is an official Bahamian port of entry with Customs and Immigration officers available seven days a week. This makes it a convenient first stop for yachts arriving from the United States or elsewhere.

What dining options are available on Spanish Cay?

The Point House Restaurant is the island's main dining venue, serving Bahamian seafood and international dishes. The restaurant is well-regarded in North Abaco, though hours may vary in the off-season. The marina store also stocks basic provisions.

What are the dockage rates at Spanish Cay Marina?

Seasonal rates (winter) run $3.75 per foot per day or $3.50 monthly. Off-season rates drop to $2.75 daily or $2.10 monthly. Catamarans pay a slight premium. Customs clearance costs $150 for transient boats or $50 if you are staying at the marina.

Can I anchor near Spanish Cay if the marina is full?

Technically anchorage exists at the northern end of the island in a small cove with about 4 feet of depth, but Spanish Cay is private property. Anchored vessels are typically asked to leave. Your best alternative is to continue southeast to Green Turtle Cay or northwest toward Grand Cay.

What VHF channels does Spanish Cay Marina monitor?

The dock master monitors VHF Channel 16 and uses Channel 12 as the working channel. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with after-hours service available via radio.