Bahamas' Black Point Yacht Charter: Authentic Island Life in the Exumas

Located on Great Guana Cay in the central Exumas, Black Point offers something increasingly rare on a Bahamas yacht charter: a genuine, welcoming island settlement surrounded by spectacular turquoise water. Unlike private resort cayes and uninhabited anchorages, Black Point provides an opportunity to step ashore and experience everyday Bahamian life while remaining firmly within one of the world's most beautiful cruising grounds.

The settlement stretches along a broad bay on the western side of Great Guana Cay, with local restaurants, small grocery stores, a post office, churches, an airstrip, and public docks within easy reach of the anchorage. Yacht crews frequently stop here for basic supplies and shoreside services, while guests can enjoy local food, explore the village, visit beaches, or simply walk across the island toward the rugged Exuma Sound coastline.

Black Point also makes a natural stop between Staniel Cay and the more southerly Exumas. After several days of isolated beaches and private cayes, arriving somewhere with a real community gives the itinerary a completely different character. It is less polished than Staniel Cay and considerably less developed than Nassau, which is precisely what makes it memorable.

Black Point's main anchorage lies inside the large bay on the western side of Great Guana Cay, between Dotham Point and Black Point. Depths across much of the anchoring area are approximately 8 to 10 feet, while extensive shallows toward the eastern end become increasingly apparent at low tide. Natural channels follow the northern and southern sides of the harbour.

The approach is generally straightforward in suitable conditions, but the usual Exumas precautions still apply. Captains should use current charts, tide information, visual navigation, and local knowledge when approaching through shallow bank water. Care is also required around the public and government docks, local boat traffic, and the route used by service vessels entering the settlement.

The Black Point Settlement anchorage is large, spacious, and known for excellent holding over predominantly sandy bottom. It offers good protection from the prevailing easterly winds, particularly from the northeast through southeast, but becomes considerably less comfortable when winds develop a strong westerly component.

A second option is Little Bay, immediately south of Black Point, where approximately 8 to 13 feet of water and good sandy holding can provide an attractive alternative. The bay has a beautiful beach and useful protection in easterly conditions, although it becomes exposed as winds move toward the south and west. From Little Bay, Black Point can be reached by tender in settled weather or on foot from shore.

Black Point is a small but well-established Bahamian community with restaurants, grocery stores, an airstrip, public docks, accommodation, and basic services. The Bahamas' official boating information lists Black Point Airport, Black Point Public Dock, and the Government Dock as recognized facilities on Great Guana Cay.

Beyond the village, guests can walk to the Atlantic side of Great Guana Cay, visit the local blow hole, explore the Garden of Eden, a distinctive driftwood sculpture garden created by local resident Willie Rolle, or simply enjoy the beaches and laid-back atmosphere. The surrounding waters are also popular for fishing, snorkeling, and diving.