Reviews: Highbourne Cay West

Reviews Summary

The reviews highlight a popular anchorage in the Exumas, noting both its strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths:
- The anchorage offers good holding in sandy bottoms, especially in east winds, making it a stable option for boats.
- There are beautiful beaches nearby, ideal for walks and dog play.
- The marina is friendly and provides access to groceries, gas, and dining options, although the restaurant is on the pricier side.
- The area is rich in snorkeling spots and is a short dinghy ride to attractions like Allen's Cay and Leaf Cay, where visitors can see iguanas.

Weaknesses:
- The anchorage lacks significant shelter, leading to swells and wakes from local tour boats and other vessels, especially during the day.
- Some reviews mention the need for caution with boats coming in after dark, as they can get too close to anchored vessels.
- While the anchorage can be lively with many boats, it is spacious enough to avoid feeling overcrowded.

Overall, the location is recommended for its scenic beauty and amenities, but visitors should be prepared for some exposure to wind and boat traffic.

Review for Highbourne Cay West

Reviewed by: Rey, ÎLE DE REY, on Apr 17, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 14'
Draft: 1.3'

Very good anchorage, not very sheltered because the swell swirls around.
The marina is fun to visit and watch the sharks at the end of the dock!!!

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Review for Highbourne Cay West

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Feb 28, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

We stopped here for our first stop ever in the Exumas. There is no real protection. We had a gentle SSW wind under ten knots and it was a bit lively on the anchor. That said it was much more stable than where we anchored in Nassau. With winds out of the east it should be excellent. There is plenty of room so even though there were a lot of boats, it was not crowded.

We did not take advantage of any on shore services or such like.

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Review for Highbourne Cay West

Reviewed by: Eric Ramsey, SunBums, on Feb 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Great stop with good holding in east winds. Alot of local tour boats speed through the anchorage creating too much wake during the day and getting to close to anchors. The area is beautiful with lots of snorkel spots. It is also a nice dinghy ride to Allen's Cay and Leaf Cay to see the iguanas. Also have to be careful of boats coming into the anchorage after dark. Several boats came in and got a little too close for comfort. There are alot of charter boats that come in from Nassau.

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Review for Highbourne Cay West

Reviewed by: Brian Sims, Whatever Bytes, on May 4, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 55'
Draft: 4.5'

A great place to stay and explore. We have anchored here several times in about 10 to 12 ft of water. The hold is pretty good especially in calm weather. Ok protection if wind is out of the east, can get some surge if wind is up. Very good beaches to take the dogs to play and have fun. Went to marina several times and they were very friendly.

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Review for Highbourne Cay West

Reviewed by: Andreas, AKKA, on Feb 6, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 6.2'

For easier marina access by dinghy we anchored a bit to the south with 5m in sand, good holding in front of the rough coastline. Winds were E12kt (good protection) to SW15kt (no protection, long fetch ... bumpy). We were welcome in the marina for shopping, good selection of groceries fresh and frozen and were even offered, to use their free bikes to explore the island. The nice restaurant is not for sailors on a budget, we invested only once and it was excellent. When a northern blow 25 - 30 was expected, all ships left, while we took a slip in the marina and enjoyed some days with comfort.

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Review for Highbourne Cay West

Reviewed by: Lucy Wilcox on Apr 4, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.9'

Good holding in sand. Good stopover from New Providence Island. Great beach for walks. Easy access to dinghy to the marina for groceries, gas, and diesel. This anchorage is frequented by mega yachts, jet skis and fast boats - you will have plenty of company and experience wakes. Full BTC LTE signal.

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