Cambridge Cay sits at the southern edge of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a 112,640-acre protected reserve established in 1958 as the first marine reserve in the wider Caribbean. Its mooring field — roughly six balls on the western side of the cay — offers the kind of all-weather protection that makes it a favourite among cruisers when the forecast looks unsettled. Rocky Dundas caves lie a short dinghy ride north, the Sea Aquarium snorkelling site is equally close, and the nearest provisioning at Staniel Cay is about five nautical miles south. For anyone navigating the park by private boat, Cambridge Cay works as both a staging point and a destination in its own right.
Cambridge Cay’s mooring field offers quieter atmosphere than the busier fields at Warderick Wells, with excellent all-around protection and easy dinghy access to Rocky Dundas caves and the Sea Aquarium snorkelling site.
This guide covers what you need to know before you drop a hook or pick up a mooring ball at Cambridge Cay — the approach, the nearby attractions, the limits of what’s available on site, and how to plan a self-sufficient stay. If you’re working your way south through the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Cambridge Cay makes a logical stop between Warderick Wells and Staniel Cay. If you’re looking for a calm base to explore the southern park for a few days, it’s hard to beat.
Cambridge Cay is the quiet southern anchor of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park — a good choice if you want a protected overnight stop with world-class snorkelling a dinghy ride away, but you need to arrive fully self-sufficient. No fuel, no water, no groceries, no trash disposal. If your crew can handle that trade-off, the payoff is a calm anchorage with access to some of the best underwater sights in the park.
Cruisers with their own vessel
Snorkellers comfortable on a dinghy
Anyone seeking a quieter alternative to Warderick Wells
| Attraction | Distance from Cambridge | Best Time to Visit | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Dundas caves | ~1.1 nm north | Low tide | Limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites |
| Sea Aquarium (O’Briens Cay) | Short dinghy ride | Calm mornings | Abundant, unafraid tropical fish |
| Eastern beach via hiking trail | Across the cay | Any time | Views over Exuma Sound |
| Bell Island / Fowl Cay | Dinghy range | Day trip | Additional snorkelling and exploration |
The four main draws of Cambridge Cay — the mooring field itself, the caves, the snorkelling, and the hiking — each deserve a closer look.
The Cambridge Cay Mooring Field
The mooring field lies at approximately 24 degrees 19.4 minutes North, 76 degrees 33.4 minutes West on the western side of the cay. Vessels approaching from Exuma Sound use Conch Cut, where the shallowest point near waypoint WP4 is about 5.6 feet at mean low water. If your boat draws over 5 feet, time the passage for a rising tide. From the banks side, approach is straightforward in clear, shallow water, though scattered coral heads require attention throughout the area.
Moorings are first-come, first-served — no reservations accepted. Contact the park on VHF Channel 9 for guidance. Two large buoys at the south end of the field accommodate vessels up to 150 feet, and a single mooring west of O’Briens Cay handles vessels to 135 feet. Payment goes through the mailbox on Mailbox Cay or online at the Bahamas National Trust’s ParkPay page. Include your vessel name, length, and dates on the payment envelope. Current rates are confirmed with the park on VHF Channel 9 or 16.
Anchoring is permitted south and west of the mooring field only — never between the moorings and Cambridge Cay proper. If all mooring balls are taken, find a sand patch in the designated zone and set your hook carefully to avoid coral.
If the mooring field is full, anchoring is allowed in the designated zone south and west of the buoys. Stay at least 100 yards from the mooring field to give other vessels adequate swing room. The park prefers you use a mooring ball when one is available, but anchoring on sand in the permitted area is acceptable.
Rocky Dundas Caves
About 1.1 nautical miles north of the Cambridge Cay mooring field, Rocky Dundas is a pair of large limestone caves formed when sea levels were lower. The main attraction is the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites visible inside the caves, with light filtering through openings above to create an ethereal glow. Locals call one particular shaft of illumination the finger of God when the sun is directly overhead.
The best time to explore is at low tide, when the cave entrances are most accessible. Plan your dinghy trip to arrive during the low tide window for easier entry and better visibility inside. The caves are an easy ride in calm conditions, but check the tide tables before you go — a rising tide can reduce the clearance significantly.
Rocky Dundas is best at low tide — aim to arrive when water levels are lowest. The entrances open up, and the light inside the caves is at its most dramatic.
Sea Aquarium at O’Briens Cay
A short dinghy ride from Cambridge Cay, the Sea Aquarium near O’Briens Cay is one of the most popular snorkelling sites in the Exumas. The shallow reef teems with colourful tropical fish — blue tangs, sergeant majors, angelfish, and larger species — and the fish are remarkably unafraid of snorkelers. Stingrays and small sharks are frequent visitors to this protected site.
Water clarity is exceptional, providing unobstructed views of the coral formations and marine life. Additional snorkelling opportunities exist south of the Aquarium, including a sunken aircraft wreckage and elkhorn coral gardens. The entire area sits within the park’s no-take zone, so the fish are abundant and the coral is healthy.
Heads up: some links here are affiliate links — costs you nothing extra. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Bring an underwater camera — the fish are curious and will swim right up to you. If you don’t already own one, a compact action camera like the DJI Osmo Action 6 Bundle handles snorkelling conditions well and fits easily in a dry bag for the dinghy ride.
The Sea Aquarium is most enjoyable on calm mornings when the light is good and the water is flat. Afternoon winds can stir up the shallows and reduce visibility.
Hiking Trail and Eastern Beach
A hiking trail from the moorings leads across Cambridge Cay to a scenic eastern beach with views over Exuma Sound. The walk is short but rewarding, offering a perspective completely different from the banks-side mooring field. The beach itself is a soft sandy curve with gentle lapping waves — a peaceful spot for a picnic or a quiet hour ashore.
Dogs are allowed on beaches within the park but not on the trails themselves. Pack out everything you bring — there is no trash disposal anywhere inside the park, and the no-take rules apply to shells and natural materials as well as marine life.
Approach and Mooring Sequence
Approach from the banks or via Conch Cut from Exuma Sound. Consult Waterway Guide overlay on AquaMaps for current depths and waypoints. Vessels drawing over 5 feet should transit Conch Cut on a rising tide — the shallowest point near WP4 is approximately 5.6 feet at mean low water.
The mooring field lies on the western side of the cay at roughly 24°19.4’N, 76°33.4’W. Moorings are first-come, first-served — contact “Exuma Park” on VHF Channel 9 for guidance. Two large buoys at the south end handle vessels up to 150 feet.
Pay online at the Bahamas National Trust ParkPay page or via the mailbox on Mailbox Cay. Include vessel name, length, and dates. Current rates are confirmed on VHF Channel 9 or 16. Marine and park fees carry 10% Bahamas VAT at checkout.
Rocky Dundas caves are 1.1 nm north — aim for low tide. The Sea Aquarium at O’Briens Cay is a short ride west. Plan shore excursions around tide tables to avoid getting stranded on flats at low water. Bell Island and Fowl Cay offer additional day trips within dinghy range.
Staying Self-Sufficient at Cambridge Cay
Cambridge Cay has no facilities of any kind. No fuel, no water, no groceries, no laundry, no trash disposal, no pumpout station. The nearest provisioning is at Staniel Cay or Compass Cay, approximately 5 nautical miles south and outside the park boundaries. Plan to arrive with full tanks, enough food and drinking water for your stay, and a system for packing out all waste.
There is no trash disposal anywhere inside the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Every piece of garbage you generate must leave with you. This includes organic waste, recyclables, and anything else you’d normally dispose of ashore.
The park office at Warderick Wells sells a limited selection of drinks and snacks but is not a grocery store. Office hours are Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The office can be reached on VHF Channel 9. For emergencies, Channel 16 is monitored 24 hours.
All park rules apply throughout the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park: no fishing, no collecting conch or lobster, no removing shells or any natural material. The park is a strict no-take zone, and wardens along with Bahamas Defence Force officers stationed at Warderick Wells maintain regular patrols. Report poaching or unusual activity to “Exuma Park” on Channel 9 — you can remain anonymous using a fictitious vessel name.
| What’s available at Cambridge Cay | What’s not | Nearest alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Protected mooring field (~6 balls) | Fuel | Staniel Cay (5 nm south) |
| Hiking trail to eastern beach | Water / groceries | Staniel Cay (5 nm south) |
| Dinghy access to caves and snorkelling | Trash disposal | Outside park boundaries |
| Mailbox for mooring fee payment | Pumpout station | None in park |
- Cambridge Cay offers the quietest, best-protected mooring field at the southern end of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
- Rocky Dundas caves and the Sea Aquarium snorkelling site are both an easy dinghy ride away — plan caves for low tide.
- No facilities on site: arrive self-sufficient with fuel, water, food, and a plan for packing out all trash.
- Moorings are first-come, first-served; pay via ParkPay online or the mailbox on Mailbox Cay.
Cambridge Cay — What to Know Before You Go
How do I get to Cambridge Cay?
By private boat or charter only. There are no roads or public transportation to the cay. Most cruisers approach from the banks, often as a stop between Warderick Wells and Staniel Cay. Conch Cut provides a reliable route from Exuma Sound for vessels entering from the east.
Are there mooring balls, and do I need to reserve one?
Yes — roughly six mooring balls on the western side of the cay. They are first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. Pay online at the BNT ParkPay page or via the mailbox on Mailbox Cay after you’ve picked up a ball.
What’s the biggest downside of anchoring here?
The complete lack of services. No fuel, water, groceries, or trash disposal. If you forget something or run low on supplies, the nearest option is Staniel Cay, 5 nautical miles south and outside the park. Tidal currents can also leave dinghies stranded on the flats at low water, so plan shore excursions around the tide tables.
Can I fish or collect shells inside the park?
No. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a strict no-take zone. No fishing, conching, lobstering, shell collecting, or removal of any natural material — living or dead. Fines apply, and wardens patrol regularly.
When is the best time to visit?
Late November to early May (the dry season) offers the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Weekdays are more secluded than weekends. The water is warm year-round, and visibility for snorkelling is typically very good.
A Quiet Anchorage Worth the Planning
Cambridge Cay rewards the self-sufficient cruiser with calm water, easy access to two of the park’s best natural attractions, and an atmosphere that feels a long way from the busier mooring fields to the north. It asks for a bit more planning — full tanks, a stocked cooler, and a clear understanding of the park’s no-take rules — but for anyone comfortable operating their own vessel in the Exumas, it’s a straightforward trade. If you’re putting together an itinerary that includes Staniel Cay and the swimming pigs, you might also want to read our guide to the Exuma Islands adventure for the full picture of what lies south of the park boundary.
References
Sail Abacos. “Cambridge Cay Mooring Field Overview.” Sail Abacos, 2024. ↗
Bahamas National Trust. “Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park.” BNT, 2024. ↗
Money for Mangos. “Exploring Exuma Land and Sea Park Moorings.” Money for Mangos, 2024. ↗
OnlyBeaches. “Cambridge Cay Beach.” OnlyBeaches, 2024. ↗
If you’re planning a longer Exuma itinerary, our guide to affordable luxury in the Caribbean sun covers budget-friendly options in the Exumas, and our overview of exclusive resorts and private island escapes fills in the higher-end side of the region. For a deeper look at Bahamian culture beyond the anchorages, the authentic Bahamian culture and island traditions post is a good place to start.
Explore Places to Stay in the Bahamas
Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.