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Pipe Cay South

Location: Northern Exuma
Lat / Lon: N 24° 14.164' / W 076° 30.265'
Depth: 8'-12'
Tide: 2.5'-3.0'
Description:
While not quite as dramatic as the Scylla and Charybdis of Homer's Odyessy, the modern-day metaphor of caught between a rock and a hard place is an apt description of this anchorage. Nestled in a gap between the south end of Pipe Cay and the north side of Little Pipe Cay, those who feel confident in their anchoring skills will enjoy one of the most dramatic anchorages in the middle Exumas.
The gap is one of several entries into the Pipe Creek area and is subjected to ferocious reversing currents when the tide is running; however most of the anchorage is deep sand so with properly set ground tackle swinging through 360° is generally not a problem. There is good protection from winds in every direction except SW which diminishes its suitability for weathering a cold front but winds from any other direction will not present a problem. It is possible to ride out a cold front if one can get far enough back into the anchorage
To the NW of the anchorage there is a large drying sandbar that is popular with local boaters and every day the beach will be busy with the crews from mega yachts who bring their charges for a protected beach day, even when it is inclement.
The most important part of using this anchorage is to ensure your anchor is well set with adequate scope because even in settled conditions the current will test your anchor every tide cycle.

DISCLAIMER: Before committing to an anchorage, you should confirm that the location is not governed by a regulation that may conflict with your plans. An increasing number of states and municipalities are enacting laws that define where and how long you may anchor.

Holding:

5.00

Good holding in sand, avoid grassy patches

Wind Protection:

5.00

SW-SE

Current Flow:

5.00

Strong reversing currents

Wake Protection:

5.00

Scenic Beauty:

5.00

Shore Access:

5.00

Drying sand bar south of Hattie Cay otherwise private

Review for Pipe Cay South

Reviewed by: Rey Stephane on May 2, 2025
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

Shore Access:

5

Exceptional anchorage!!! An extraordinary setting, incredible colors! An anchorage on excellent sand but a lot of current so plan for 180° turns. Space for 4/5 boats. Otherwise, a lot of tourist boats passing by at full speed to take photos on the sandbanks ?Take your dinghy and go around all the islands in the middle of the sandbanks, it's magical and magnificent, one of the most beautiful anchorages in the Exumas.

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