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Bitter Guana Cay North

Location: Southern Exumas
Lat / Lon: N 24° 08.574' / W 076° 25.113'
Depth: 8'-10'
Tide: 2.5'-3.0'
Description:
The cove on the north end of Bitter Guana Cay offers excellent holding and provides good protection from prevailing east winds. Despite its proximity to the ocean there is little swell unless the winds shift into the south. The anchorage is completely exposed to the west and would be uncomfortable in winds over 15 knots from westerly quadrants.
The attractions in this anchorage are the dozens of iguanas that may be found sunning themselves on the beach and the dramatic limestone cliffs that form the SE side of the anchorage. When there are strong east winds the view from the top of the cliffs looking down on the waves crashing into the cay from Exuma Sound is a sight to behold. It takes some agility to scale the heights but it is worth the effort.
When the conditions are right this is a very pretty anchorage and usually not super busy if one does not count the center consoles that venture over from Staniel Cay to visit the iguanas

5.00

(3)

5.00 out of 5 stars

Holding:

5.00

Good, Grass, Sand

Wind Protection:

4.33

NNE-SE

Current Flow:

4.67

Wake Protection:

4.00

Open and Exposed S-NW

Scenic Beauty:

5.00

Ease of Shopping:

1.33

Shore Access:

5.00

Beach nearby

Pet Friendly:

1.00

Beach nearby - Leashes please

Cell Service:

4.00

Good Coverage

WiFi:

1.00

Review for Bitter Guana Cay North

Reviewed by: Rey Stephane on Apr 20, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 47'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

5

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

5

WiFi:

1

Extra anchorage!!! Large expanse of sand with a depth of 2/4 meters in front of a pretty beach with a small white cliff and pink Bahamian iguanas!
Very sheltered from the east wind and the sea.
Do not follow the Navionics chart to enter this anchorage, it is very wrong, look at the Explorer Charts which are perfect. Very calm, crystal clear water, a marvel ?

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Bitter Guana Cay North

Reviewed by: Jason Spitz, Breathe, on Mar 25, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

3

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

1

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

1

Cell Service:

4

WiFi:

1

Bitter Guana remains one of our favorite Cays in the Exumas. With Staniel Cay to the North and Black Point to the South, civilization is close by, but this secluded anchorage usually has few boats. There are no services, although cell service is good.

The only residents are the iguanas that will come up to greet you. Tour boats do arrive several times a day and some may not slow down until close to shore.

This is a Cay for exploring and hiking and beautiful views on both sides of the Cay.

We've visited twice this season and will surely be back during our next visit to the Exumas

Here's some photos:
https://www.facebook.com/100063618668322/posts/pfbid02EPw6R8M4PY9f3ZWesMcsMJqVt2BqSSrUi4oqcvn2QN8xqAdcc7kZ7VLDBxyYRpEXl/

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Bitter Guana Cay North

Reviewed by: Jason Spitz, Breathe, on Feb 3, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

2

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

1

Cell Service:

4

WiFi:

1

Beautiful. That's what this anchorage is about. With a gorgeous sand beach, a protected iguana habitat, cliffs, hiking, caves, and spectacular views, it's one of our Exuma favorites. Anchor anywhere in the cove in NE-E-SE winds. There is sometimes a bit of a swell in winds 20+, but no current. We rocked a bit at times, but not bad. There's plenty of room for several dozen boats, but since it's located so close to Staniel and Black Point, there tend to be more day boats visiting in the mornings than cruisers.

Cell service is good for BTC and ALIV. No WiFi or other services. There are NO PETS allowed on the island and it is posted on the beach.

The hike up the cliff is easier than it looks and is marked by Cairns both below and up top. Several spectacular areas on the Exuma Sound side will be found with crashing waves.

Our favorite spot is about mid island. There's a beautiful sand beach and rocky cliffs. If you've heard of Rachels Bubble Bath, this is much better.

It has now been named, Mermaid Monica's Mere. And yes, there are mermaids. Here's the photos to prove it: https://www.facebook.com/100063618668322/posts/344944310969522/?d=n

For photos of the anchorage and island, check out: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.344272951036658&type=3

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer