Highbourne Cay, located in the northern Exumas, is home to one of the Bahamas’ premier marinas. This luxurious yet laid-back island paradise is an essential stop on your Caribbean yacht charter, offering both convenience and natural beauty.
Highbourne Cay is renowned for its breathtaking beaches that offer a slice of paradise for visitors. Here are some of the standout beaches near Highbourne Cay Marina.
Aptly named for its unique horseshoe shape, this beach is the crown jewel of Highbourne Cay. Its soft white sand contrasts beautifully with the vibrant blue waters. With powdery white sands and waters that showcase varying shades of blue, it offers a tranquil spot perfect for relaxation. It's also a great place for snorkeling, especially around its rocky outcrops.
The bay offers a sheltered swimming area which is especially welcoming to families and children. It is perfect for water activities such as snorkeling, sunbathing, and swimming.
Located on the northern end of Highbourne Cay, this beach offers a more secluded experience. The beach provides an expansive view of the Exumas' azure waters and is surrounded by a lush landscape.
This serene beach is perfect for those looking for some privacy and an intimate connection with nature whilst on your luxury yacht charter. The gentle waves and soft sands also make it an ideal spot for sunbathing and beachcombing.
Spanning over three miles at the eastern shore of Highbourne Cay, East Beach is Highbourne Cay's longest beach. Stretching for miles, East Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking sunrise views.
This stretch is often less frequented, making it a haven for those seeking solitude. It is a favorite spot for long beach walks, picnicking, and bird watching. With its length, it's perfect for long walks or jogs. It's also a great spot to find beautiful seashells.
A smaller beach, but no less captivating. West Beach is perfect for those looking to be near the marina and yet enjoy a pristine beach experience. Enjoy this beach for swimming, lounging, and paddleboarding.
This is an intriguing beach that is affected by the tides, revealing expansive flats during low tide, which is a marvel to explore. It is ideal for shallow swims, exploring tidal pools, and observing marine life during low tide.
Some beaches, especially the secluded ones, might require a bit of a trek or a boat ride. Make sure to wear suitable footwear and carry essentials like water, snacks, and sun protection.
The waters around Highbourne Cay are home to vibrant marine life. It's a good idea to bring the snorkeling gear from your motor yacht to explore the underwater world, especially around rocky areas.
While Highbourne Cay Marina primarily revolves around Xuma’s for dining and drinking, the high quality of food, attentive service, and unbeatable views ensure a memorable experience for visitors. If you're moored for a few days, it might also be worth exploring neighboring cays or islands for other dining opportunities.
The primary spot for dining on Highbourne Cay, Xuma's is not only known for its delicious offerings but also for its breathtaking views of the marina and the surrounding waters. It's an ideal place to dine while watching the sun set over the Exuma blues. Read our review of Xuma’s Restaurant and Bar .
Highbourne Cay Marina, being a part of the mesmerizing Exumas, offers an array of water sports and activities that allow visitors to truly engage with the stunning marine environment of the Bahamas. Here are some of the water sports and activities available at or near Highbourne Cay Marina.
The waters surrounding Highbourne Cay are crystal clear and offer excellent visibility for snorkeling. The nearby coral reefs are home to a diverse range of marine life. Check out the underwater caves and the sunken plane wreckage for an adventurous snorkeling experience.
Whether you're a novice or an experienced diver, the diving spots around Highbourne Cay won't disappoint. Dive operators in the vicinity offer guided dives to the best underwater sites.
The Exuma flats and deep waters around Highbourne Cay provide an excellent opportunity for both fly fishing and deep-sea fishing. Species commonly found include bonefish, barracuda, and mahi-mahi.
Explore the calm waters around the cay on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. This is a serene way to enjoy the beauty of the Exumas and get a workout! For those seeking some adrenaline, jet skiing is a popular activity. It offers a thrilling way to explore the surrounding waters.
And when the wind conditions are right, kiteboarding can be an exhilarating sport to try out in the expansive waters around the marina.
For those looking for a quiet day on the beach, exploring the various beaches on Highbourne Cay is a must. Collect shells, take a gentle swim, or just relax on the pristine sands.
Highbourne Cay Marina, with its proximity to the rich marine life and calm waters of the Exumas, truly is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a relaxing activity or an adrenaline-filled adventure, the marina has something to offer to every one of your charter guests.
Tip: The marina can assist with water sport rentals, including jet skis, paddleboards, and kayaks.
One of the hidden gems in the waters near Highbourne Cay is the Octopus Garden Reef. This underwater sanctuary teems with life, offering divers and snorkelers a kaleidoscope of colors and marine species.
Named for its intricate maze of coral formations reminiscent of an octopus's arms, Octopus Garden Reef shelters numerous small fish, crustaceans, and the occasional larger visitor. Vibrant soft and hard corals, sponges, and anemones create a dynamic landscape that changes with every swirl of water.
The clarity of the Exuma waters ensures that sunlight dapples through, illuminating the reef's nooks and crannies, making every dive or snorkel trip to the Octopus Garden a mesmerizing experience.
Whether you're an avid marine life enthusiast or just looking for a tranquil underwater escape, the Octopus Garden Reef promises a journey into the heart of the Exumas' marine biodiversity.
Allen's Cay: Visit the nearby island to feed the famous Exuma iguanas.
Ship Channel Cay: Another nearby island, perfect for picnics and exploring.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park: A marine protected area, ideal for snorkeling and observing the rich marine biodiversity.
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Allen's Cay
Beach
Highbourne Cay has an emphasis on environmental preservation. Be mindful of marine life, use eco-friendly products, and avoid littering.
Highbourne Cay Marina offers not only world-class facilities but also the chance to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the Exumas. Whether you're lounging on the beach, diving into crystal-clear waters, or dining while watching the sunset, Highbourne Cay is a slice of Bahamian paradise.
If you are keen to visit the Cay as part of your Bahamas charter itinerary, make sure you contact your preferred charter broker.
