Seasonal· Exuma Cays
Exuma Bank vs Exuma Sound — timing the cuts
24° 6.0′ N · 76° 24.0′ W
The chain separates two completely different bodies of water: the shallow protected Exuma Bank to the west and deep open ocean to the east. The cuts between them are the pinch points, and getting the timing wrong is the main safety risk on a March cruise.
Practical
BANK SIDE: typically 6-20ft over sand, short steep seas, cays give a lee in any easterly. Navigation is eyeball — sun high and behind you. SOUND SIDE: deep ocean immediately off the beach; a north or northeast swell left over from a front persists a day or two after the wind drops and will make the cuts break. A 'RAGE' occurs when a strong ebb runs against an opposing ocean swell, producing steep breaking seas; this can make a cut impassable in otherwise fine weather. RULE OF THUMB: transit at or near slack, ideally on the FLOOD when there is any easterly wind or swell, never on a strong ebb against an easterly. Conch Cut and Dotham are among the more forgiving; Galliot and Rudder demand tide planning. Carry the Explorer Chartbooks.
Best for
Passage planning and choosing bank vs sound routes
Nearby
- Black Point — free water, trash, showers and WiFi0.3 NM away
- Black Point Government Dock (water and trash)0.3 NM away
- Lorraine's Cafe, Black Point0.3 NM away
- Rockside Laundry, Black Point0.3 NM away
- Scorpio's Bar and Restaurant, Black Point0.3 NM away
- Black Point Settlement Anchorage0.4 NM away
- Black Point Blowhole0.5 NM away
- Emerald Sunset View Bar and Grill, Black Point0.5 NM away