Spanish Cay Yacht Charter: Private Island Luxury in the Northern Abacos

Located in the northern Abacos between Green Turtle Cay and the more remote islands farther north, Spanish Cay is a private island resort offering an appealing combination of quiet beaches, protected marina facilities, clear turquoise water, and convenient yacht services. At approximately three miles long, the island remains small enough to feel secluded while providing considerably more infrastructure than many neighboring cayes.

The centerpiece is Spanish Cay Marina, an 80-slip facility capable of accommodating yachts up to approximately 250 feet. Fuel, dockage, dining, and other services make the cay particularly useful for yachts cruising through the northern Abacos, while the island itself provides beaches, snorkeling, fishing, and relaxed time ashore.

Spanish Cay is also an official Bahamian Port of Entry, with customs and immigration facilities at the marina and pre-arranged clearance available through its private airport. This makes it especially practical for yachts arriving directly into the northern Abacos rather than first clearing through Marsh Harbour or another major port.

Spanish Cay is approached through the Sea of Abaco, but captains should take particular care around the shallow shoal extending southwest from the southern end of the island. This feature reaches approximately 3 to 4 feet in places and is one of the principal navigational hazards around the cay. The marina approach itself carries approximately 9 feet according to current marina information.

Once clear of the shoal, the marina entrance is protected by a stone breakwater and provides a considerably more secure environment. As throughout the Abacos, current charts, visual navigation, depth monitoring, and up-to-date local conditions should be used, particularly when approaching shallow bank-side waters. Larger yachts should coordinate directly with the marina before arrival.

Yachts that prefer to remain at anchor can generally use the bank side of Spanish Cay in settled conditions. The best anchoring is found south and east of the marina breakwaters in approximately 8 to 11 feet of water, where deeper sand provides better holding than the thinner sand and marl found farther west.

The anchorage is relatively exposed and can become uncomfortable as wind strength increases. Swell can also enter through the narrow passage between Spanish Cay and nearby Goat Cay. For yachts seeking greater security or convenient access ashore, the protected marina is generally the more comfortable overnight option.

Spanish Cay is a privately owned resort island, so visiting yacht guests should use the marina or coordinate shore access rather than assuming unrestricted landing rights around the island. Current facilities include the marina, beachfront accommodation, a restaurant and bar, and a private airport.

One of the island's strongest attractions is simply its relaxed atmosphere. A secluded half-moon beach lies within walking distance of the marina, while the surrounding coral reefs and clear water provide excellent conditions for snorkeling, swimming, fishing, and exploring by tender.