Little Whale Cay: Private Island Cruising in the Berry Islands

Little Whale Cay is a private island in the central Berry Islands, surrounded by shallow turquoise seas, white-sand shoreline and some of the quietest cruising grounds in The Bahamas. Positioned between Little Harbour Cay to the north and Chub Cay farther south, it makes a striking waypoint on a Berry Islands yacht charter, particularly for guests seeking remote scenery and uncrowded waters.

The island is unusual among the Berry Islands because it was extensively developed as a private retreat during the 20th century. Little Whale Cay has its own runway, private harbour, historic buildings and landscaped grounds, giving it a distinctive character compared with the largely undeveloped cays nearby. It was developed by businessman Wallace Groves and later operated as an exclusive private-island rental.

Today, Little Whale Cay remains privately owned and is no longer available for vacation rental, according to the island's official website. Yacht charter guests should therefore treat it primarily as a scenic cruising and anchorage destination unless specific permission for shore access has been arranged. The surrounding water, nearby beaches and central location within the Berry Islands still make it an attractive stop while cruising between Great Harbour Cay, Little Harbour Cay and Chub Cay.

Little Whale Cay is surrounded by extensive shallow banks, sandbars and areas where depth changes quickly. Approaches are best made in good daylight, allowing captains to read the distinctive changes in Bahamian water color while using current charts and depth soundings. The island's historic private harbour has a relatively shallow entrance, so deeper-draft charter yachts should not assume that the harbour is suitable or available for visiting vessels. Historical property information lists approximately five feet of draft at low tide at the harbour entrance.

The waters between Little Whale Cay and nearby Bonds Cay provide another route through this part of the Berry Islands, but the surrounding banks require careful navigation. Larger yachts will generally remain in deeper water and use the area as an anchorage or passage stop rather than attempting to enter the island's private harbour. Shore access is restricted, so captains should obtain permission before planning any landing on Little Whale Cay itself.

Yachts can anchor along the western side of Little Whale Cay, with depths around seven to ten feet reported in the principal anchoring area. The best protection is generally found toward the southern side near the private docks, where the bottom consists largely of sand and silt. Protection is strongest from easterly winds, while the area can experience persistent swell when conditions become less favorable.

Deeper-draft yachts may need to remain toward the more exposed northwest side, as shallower water closer to the island can restrict vessels drawing more than roughly five and a half feet. Another possible daytime stop lies in the gap between Bonds Cay and Little Whale Cay, where depths of approximately 12 to 18 feet have been reported, although this location offers little protection and is better suited to swimming or lunch in settled conditions than an overnight stay.

Little Whale Cay has one of the more unusual histories in the Berry Islands. Developed as an elaborate private retreat, the island eventually included residences, a coral-stone chapel, a runway, two harbours and extensive supporting infrastructure. Its long main beach, shallow surrounding seas and secluded position helped establish its reputation as one of the Bahamas' classic private-island estates.

For yacht charter itineraries today, the attraction is primarily the scenery surrounding the cay rather than access to its private facilities. Clear water, nearby sandbanks and the short distances between neighboring Berry Islands create excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and tender exploration while continuing north toward Little Harbour Cay or south toward Chub Cay.