Northern Exumas - Sail Rocks

Has anyone spent some time in the northern Exumas (past Highbourne)? We are returning to the Exumas this November and always enjoy finding a new off the beaten path anchorage or two.

Sail Rocks North (according to Active Captain) looks interesting - anyone been overnight there?

What other secluded anchorages do you like in the Exumas?

Thanks for your help!!

Matt--You might check for posts by Eva here, as I know she has sailed in that area, or send her a PM. Or hopefully she will answer your post.

Here is a link to one trip report she posted. Link

Thanks Carol! Appreciate the connection.

Hi Matt,

As much time as I've spent sailing in the Exumas, I've never been north of Leaf Cay (so, not even as far as Highbourne). That said, there are many, many places you can hide out south of there. The Big Major/Staniel Cay area is always going to be busy, so skip that unless you need to see the damn pigs. But in November, even Exuma Park will be relatively quiet (I like the Emerald Rock mooring field, as well as Cambridge Cay; Shroud and Hawksbill are very cool as well). South of Staniel, Bitter Guana Cay is amazing, inhabited only by iguanas -- but close to the Black Point settlement on Great Guana Cay if you need groceries or a meal out. Also check out Little Farmer's Cay for a lightly traveled (but inhabited) cay. Further south, Lee Stocking Island (not to be confused with Stocking Island, which is across from Georgetown) is beautiful, but it may be further than you want to go.

And, if you haven't yet done so, check out the Pipe Cay/Pipe Creek area. You're within sight of popular Compass Cay (and that gorgeous Crescent Beach), but away from the hubbub.

Thanks Eva. Agreed, I don't need to see those pigs and that area is way too busy. We haven't checked out Pipe Cay yet. Nor have we been south of Staniel Cay. Appreciate the recommendations!

Following up on this - we anchored overnight at Sail Rocks North during our recent trip. I loved it! We had settled weather and east winds of ~10 knots, so it was a good opportunity to check it out.

Anchored pretty close to the AC marker. Depths of ~15 feet in sand, anchor set on first try. Not rolly at all and very little current - guessing 0.5 knots at most. We speared a lion fish on the nearby reef - swim to it right from the boat. We also hooked our first wahoo on the drop just to the south as we approached. We approached from the Exuma Sound and exited the same way. Hugged the

There were 2 other fishing boats that utilized the NE part of the anchorage, where you can see the anchor markers on charts.

Will put a more complete trip report up on our website soon.

Awesome, thanks

Following up on this, here's the Exumas Trip Report

Awesome! I wish we were a crew that fished, because all of that ceviche and poke looks amazing.

I'll have to take you with us next time!