Highbourne Cay Yacht Charter: Marina, Beaches & the Northern Exumas

Located near the northern entrance to the Exumas, Highbourne Cay is one of the most important yacht stops between Nassau and the central Exuma Cays. The private, three-mile-long island combines spectacular white-sand beaches and clear turquoise water with one of the best-equipped marinas in the northern Exumas, making it a natural first or final stop on a longer Bahamas charter.

Highbourne feels considerably more polished than many neighboring cayes while retaining the sense of seclusion that defines the Exumas. Guests can spend the day snorkeling coral heads, exploring beaches, kayaking the coastline, fishing, or walking through the island's natural landscape before returning to the yacht or dining ashore. The cay's exceptionally beautiful East Beach is one of its defining attractions.

For yachts cruising south from Nassau, Highbourne Cay is also strategically positioned. It sits roughly 40 miles from the capital and provides fuel, water, provisions, power, and other essential services before yachts continue toward Norman's Cay, Shroud Cay, Warderick Wells, and the more remote sections of the Exumas.

Yachts arriving from Nassau commonly approach Highbourne Cay after crossing the Yellow Banks, where shallow water and scattered coral heads require careful visual navigation alongside current charts and electronic aids. Good daylight is particularly valuable in Bahamian waters because changes in water color help experienced crews distinguish sand, grass, reef, and deeper channels.

Highbourne Cay Marina lies on the protected western side of the island and is reached through a marked approach. The marina currently accommodates yachts up to 180 feet with an advertised 8-foot draft at its face dock, while smaller back-in slips accommodate vessels up to 75 feet. Larger or deeper-draft yachts should confirm conditions and berth suitability directly with the marina before arrival.

The western side of Highbourne Cay offers the most popular anchoring area, particularly in the prevailing easterly conditions common throughout the Exumas. The bottom is predominantly clear sand with good holding, although grassy patches should be avoided. Waterway Guide reports approximately 8 to 15 feet in the West Anchorage, with protection strongest from easterly winds and greater exposure when conditions shift west.

Additional anchoring opportunities exist around the northern and southwestern shores, depending on wind and swell. The southwest shore is known for good holding in sand, while the northern anchorage can become uncomfortable when winds turn north or northwest. As elsewhere in the Exumas, the captain will select an anchorage based on yacht draft, forecast conditions, current, and available swinging room.

Highbourne Cay is a privately owned island, so shore access is more controlled than on many public Exuma cayes. The marina is the center of activity and provides fuel, reverse-osmosis water, ice, electricity, Wi-Fi, provisions, showers, laundry, and dining. The marina recommends advance reservations and asks arriving vessels to contact it before landing.

Beyond the marina, Highbourne is primarily about nature. The island covers roughly 500 acres and offers beaches, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, walking trails, and unusual natural features including living stromatolites, ancient microbial formations found in the surrounding waters.