Some of the oldest living things on Earth sit in shallow water off Highbourne Cay. Stromatolites—fossilized microbial mats dating back over 3.5 billion years—are one of several reasons boaters and snorkelers make the trip to this private 500-acre island at the northern end of the Exuma Cays, roughly 35 miles southeast of Nassau. This guide covers what makes the crystal-clear waters around Highbourne Cay worth the journey: the eight beaches, the snorkeling and dive sites, the stargazing, and—most importantly—how to get your family there without a hitch.
Highbourne Cay’s stromatolites are among the oldest known fossils on the planet, and you can see them in knee-deep water.
Highbourne Cay is a fantastic day-trip for families who love remote beaches and calm snorkeling, but the access is strictly private—you’ll need a chartered boat or your own yacht, and you must coordinate with the marina ahead of time. If that sounds manageable, the water clarity and lack of crowds reward the effort.
Snorkelers
Families (with access caveat)
Stargazers
Below you’ll find a quick-reference table, followed by a deeper look at what to do once you arrive, plus practical advice on getting there and what to pack.
| Spot | Best For | Standout Feature | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highbourne Cay | Snorkeling, diving, private-beach relaxing | Stromatolites & sunken plane wreck | At least half a day | Contact marina staff a week ahead to confirm day-visitor access |
Highbourne Cay: Eight Beaches, One Unforgettable Shoreline
The island’s eight beaches ring the coast with powder-white sand and the kind of turquoise water that looks almost fake. Because Highbourne is privately owned, you won’t find hawkers or rows of umbrellas—just the sound of waves and, if you’re lucky, a sea turtle surfacing nearby. The calm waters are generally safe for swimming, though you should check real-time conditions from live telemetry data before heading out, especially during thunderstorm season (June–October).
If you only have a few hours, prioritize the western side of the island. The mangrove-lined shores there are protected from wind, making them ideal for kayaking—a calm activity that Lily and Ethan enjoyed without worrying about currents. Michael appreciated that the marina rents golf carts, which saved the kids from walking beach to beach.
Highbourne Cay’s marina accommodates vessels up to 180 feet with an 8-foot draft. If you don’t have your own boat, charter a private yacht or book a flight to Normans Cay or Staniel Cay and take a water taxi. Allow 45 minutes from Nassau by powerboat. Check marina staff for real-time conditions before departure.
Coral reefs, underwater caves, and a sunken plane wreck are within swimming distance. The stromatolites sit in shallow enough water that even beginners can float above them. Bring a mask and fins; the clarity is best in the morning before the wind picks up. I packed a compact action camera—something like the DJI Osmo Action 6 bundle with its 8K video and waterproof housing—to capture the kids’ first look at the fossil beds.
The on-site restaurant serves daily-caught seafood. During peak season (December–May) the place fills up, so call ahead to reserve a table. The kids’ menu isn’t extensive, but the kitchen is flexible with grilled fish and rice.
With virtually no light pollution, the night sky over Highbourne Cay is exceptional. Bring a blanket and let the kids try to spot satellites. The marina has power hookups if you need to recharge camera batteries or devices.
Planning Your Visit to Highbourne Cay
Getting to a private island takes more coordination than a standard ferry ride, but the payoff is uncrowded water that lives up to the photos. Below are the three biggest practical concerns, each with a realistic take.
Access: It’s private, but you have options
No commercial ferry runs to Highbourne. Your three routes are: (1) arrive on your own yacht or a chartered boat that the marina can accommodate, (2) fly into Normans Cay or Staniel Cay and take a water taxi (about 15–20 minutes), or (3) join a guided day trip from Nassau that includes Highbourne as a stop. The marina requires advance coordination for day visitors—contact them ahead of time to confirm availability and any fees.
Best time to visit
December through May offers the calmest seas and most stable weather. Summer brings warmer water (perfect for snorkeling) but also increased thunderstorms and rougher conditions. If you’re flexible, aim for May—the water is warm, the crowds are thin, and the risk of tropical storms is still low.
What to bring
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, and snacks. The marina has groceries, but they’re priced for convenience. For underwater shots, a small action camera like the Insta360 X5 lets you shoot 360° video of the reef and choose the best angle later—handy when the kids keep swimming in different directions. If you plan to scuba the cave and wreck dives, a dive computer with integrated air integration (e.g., Garmin Descent Mk3i) adds a solid safety layer.
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Summer thunderstorms can roll in fast. Always check live marine weather before crossing from Nassau, and have a backup anchoring spot in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park if conditions shift.
If you’re still weighing which side of the Exumas to sleep on, this interactive map of Bahamas hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare options near Highbourne Cay against the beach or the mooring field.
Before You Go: Highbourne Cay Water Activity Questions Answered
How do I get to Highbourne Cay?
You’ll need a private yacht, a chartered boat, or a flight to a nearby airstrip plus a water taxi. No commercial ferry exists. Contact the marina in advance to confirm day-visitor access.
Is snorkeling safe for young kids?
Yes, in the calm western mangrove waters. The current is minimal, and the water is shallow enough to stand. Always have kids wear a life vest or use a floating snorkel vest.
What’s the best time of year for clear water?
December through May offers the calmest seas and greatest clarity. Summer water is warmer but afternoon storms can stir up sediment and reduce visibility.
Is Highbourne Cay expensive?
Compared to public beaches, yes. Between charter costs, marina fees, and dining, you’re looking at a premium day out. But you get pristine, uncrowded water in return.
What should I leave behind?
Leave drones at home unless you have special permission—the island is private, and the owner may restrict aerial photography. Also leave glass containers on the boat to keep the beaches clean.
Why the Effort Pays Off
Highbourne Cay doesn’t hand you an easy day trip. You have to arrange a boat, check the weather, and accept that you’re paying for privacy. But the first time your kid points at a stromatolite and asks if dinosaurs swam here, the logistics fade. The water is that clear, the beach that empty, and the memory that sharp.
For more ideas on exploring the Exumas, read about the Exumas Cays Land and Sea Park boaters’ paradise—it’s just a short cruise south of Highbourne and offers even more protected waters and trail systems.
References
OnlyBeaches. “Highbourne Cay Beach, Highbourne Cay.” OnlyBeaches.com, 2025. ↗
Sail Abacos. “Highbourne Cay.” SailAbacos.com, 2025. ↗
If you’re still mapping out your Bahamas itinerary, our guides to Gold Rock Beach snorkeling and local hidden gems offer more off-the-beaten-path options, while sustainable tourism in the Bahamas covers how to make your Exuma visit responsible and low-impact.
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