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Sampson Cay Outer Harbour

Location: Northern Exuma
Lat / Lon: N 24° 12.520' / W 076° 28.590'
Depth: 8'-10'
Tide: 2.5'-3.0'
Description:
Sampson Cay is a relatively large cay that is the site of an airstrip, several private homes and the now closed Sampson Cay Resort. Going ashore is not encouraged, but pet owners will find slivers of beach that can be used near the old marina. At one time the island was a bee-hive of activity, but it never gained the same level of traction as nearby Staniel Cay and today it is definitely the quiet cousin to the delight of the local home owners. Mother nature sealed the fate of the island as a commercial entity when shoaling made it impossible for the marina to maintain a deep enough channel to provide access for larger yachts looking for a quieter alternative. The anchorage is in a bay on the west side of the cay near the entry into the closed Sampson Cay Marina. The holding is good and there is good protection from the east but is exposed in all other direction. The entire cay was purchased in 2023 and there is an effort underway to convert Sampson Cay into an eco-resort. The initial phases of development will include several self sustained off grid cottages which should be available for rent in 2024. Additional development in the marina is expected to follow.

Holding:

5.00

Good, Sand

Wind Protection:

4.00

N-SSE

Current Flow:

5.00

Mild Current

Wake Protection:

5.00

Open and Exposed West Through Southwest

Scenic Beauty:

4.00

Shore Access:

1.00

Beach nearby

Pet Friendly:

1.00

Beach nearby

Cell Service:

5.00

Good Coverage

Review for Sampson Cay Outer Harbour

Reviewed by: Jeremy Hatch on May 3, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 5.0'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

4

Shore Access:

1

Pet Friendly:

1

Cell Service:

5

This is a really well protected anchorage. The Sampson Cay Marina & Club closed in 2013 & the owner maintained it privately for personal use. Sothebys shows the island now under contract. The extensive docks are intact but not for uninvited use. Because the marina is closed-no mega yachts in the channel so you can anchor in 10' good sand deep into the outer harbor, with good protection from wind & waves (except of course W.)and minimal current. There is a lot more room here than first glance at the chart would suggest. Dinghy to the inner harbor and beyond to enjoy the extensive sand flats at lower tides with some landing possible on the Big Sampson (N side).

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