Chub Cay: The Billfish Capital of the Berry Islands

Chub Cay sits at the southern end of the Berry Islands, where the shallow waters of the Great Bahama Bank meet the dramatic depths of the Tongue of the Ocean. This position has made the island one of the most famous sport fishing destinations in The Bahamas, earning it the nickname “The Billfish Capital of The Bahamas.” For yacht charter guests, Chub Cay combines serious offshore adventure with turquoise water, quiet beaches and one of the best-equipped marinas in the Berry Islands.

Much of Chub Cay's reputation comes from its proximity to The Pocket, a deep-water fishing ground where currents and underwater topography create exceptional conditions for blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo. Bonefishing is also excellent across the surrounding flats. Guests who are less interested in fishing can spend their time snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding or simply enjoying the island's uncrowded coastline.

Chub Cay is particularly valuable on a Berry Islands yacht charter because it provides a comfortable transition between remote cruising and full marina facilities. From here, yachts can continue north toward Little Whale Cay, Little Harbour Cay, Hoffman's Cay and Great Harbour Cay, or head across the Great Bahama Bank toward Nassau, Bimini and other parts of The Bahamas. Its southern position makes Chub Cay both a destination in its own right and an excellent gateway into the Berry Islands.

Chub Cay Marina provides the primary yacht access to the island and offers deep-water facilities for vessels up to approximately 160 feet. The marina has 108 slips, floating docks, shore power, fresh water and fuel, and Chub Cay is also an official Bahamas port of entry with Customs and Immigration services available. Visiting vessels should contact the marina before arrival, as Chub Cay is a private island and written authorization is currently required before entering the marina.

The waters around Chub Cay change quickly from shallow banks to significant ocean depths, particularly toward the Tongue of the Ocean. Captains should use current charts and maintain careful depth awareness when crossing the banks or approaching from the north. The comparatively deep marina access makes Chub Cay particularly useful for larger motor yachts and sportfishing vessels cruising the Berry Islands.

The main anchorage lies outside Chub Cay Marina and generally offers depths of around 10 to 15 feet with good holding. Access is relatively straightforward, but the anchorage is exposed from most directions except the east and often experiences some degree of ocean swell. It is therefore best suited to settled conditions or shorter stops rather than relying on it as an all-weather overnight anchorage.

Passing sportfishing boats entering and leaving the marina can also generate wakes, particularly during busy fishing periods. For yachts seeking greater comfort, protection and access to shore facilities, a berth inside Chub Cay Marina is usually the preferred option. Yachts remaining at anchor can still enjoy the surrounding waters by tender, subject to the island's private access rules.

Chub Cay is a private island community covering nearly 1,000 acres, with a marina, airport, resort facilities and several miles of coastline. Sunset Beach is the best-known beach near the resort, while the surrounding waters provide access to reefs, walls and blue holes that have made the southern Berry Islands increasingly popular with divers as well as anglers.

One of the island's notable natural features is the Chub Cay Blue Hole, which lies within the Southern Berry Islands Marine Reserve. Combined with the nearby Chub Cay Wall, The Pocket and extensive bonefish flats, it gives charter guests an unusually diverse selection of experiences within a relatively compact cruising area.