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Snake Cay, Abacos, Northern Bahamas

The chart and following text are from The Northern Bahamas Guide by Stephen J. Pavlidis

Snake Cay

Snake Cay - ¼ nm SE of:
26º 26.90’ N, 77º 02.70’ W

In the 1960’s, Snake Cay was a hustling, bustling little port that was operated by the Owens-Illinois Company for their lumber operations.  Today the equipment lies unused and the bottom is littered with pieces of concrete, steel, and who knows what else.  Snake Cay’s best attribute is that it is one of the best hurricane holes in the Abacos. 

Navigational Information
If approaching from the north, from Witch Point or Lubbers Quarters Channel, you can head straight for a waypoint at 26º 26.90’ N, 77º 02.70’ W, which will place you approximately ¼ mile southeast of the southeastern tip of Snake Cay.  If approaching from the south, from Middle Channel at Tilloo Bank, once clear of Tilloo Bank you can steer straight for this waypoint, Snake Cay will be clearly visible and bearing about 310º.

If the winds are southeast to southwest you can head north just a bit to anchor in the small bight formed by the “foot” of Snake Cay, but be advised, there are several submerged obstructions here, especially the closer you get to shore and the old dock.  Use caution when setting your hook here, there is a lot of junk on the bottom waiting to foul your anchor.

As I mentioned, Snake Cay is one of the best hurricane holes in the Abacos.  There is a small, deep channel close in to the southern shore of Snake Cay that will take you back between Snake Cay and Deep Sea Cay and, if your draft allows, to a small deep pocket to the west of Deep Sea Creek.  To access this area, follow close in along the southern shore of Snake Cay as shown on Chart AB-32.  You’ll pass between the shoal that lies northeast of Deep Sea Cay and the southern shore of Snake Cay in good water from 8’-20’ in depth.  There is a bit of current here so be prepared.  You can anchor in the deep cut between Snake Cay and Deep Sea Cay or, if your draft allows, cross over the 3’ bar (MLW) to head south/southwest to the conspicuous blue patch of water (7’ at MLW) that lies west of Deep Sea Creek.

It’s possible to anchor in the bight at the southern end of Cormorant Cay (Chart AB-33) in winds from west to almost north when this small anchorage will be calm.  The flats to the west of Cormorant Cay and Snake Cay, like most in Abaco, offer excellent bonefishing.  A waypoint at 26º 27.45’ N, 77º 02.75’ W will place you roughly a quarter-mile east/southeast of this small bight.   

Well south of Snake Cay lies Bucaroon Bay as shown on Chart AB-31.  In winds from southwest to northwest you can anchor in the lee of these cays and take the opportunity to do some flats exploring.  This harbor is not good in a blow; the bottom is a mixture of hard sand and rocks.

As of this writing, developers were intent on reviving Snake Cay as a commercial development so keep your eyes open if you’re in the area.

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