Tour· Exuma Cays
Pipe Creek and its sandbars
24° 13.2′ N · 76° 30.0′ W
A maze of small cays, cuts and drying sandbars between Compass Cay and Staniel Cay, just south of the park boundary at Conch Cut. Superb dinghy exploring and the classic Exumas sandbar picnic.
Practical
No fees, and OUTSIDE the park's no-take zone — fishing and conching are legal here under normal Bahamian rules. Navigation is eyeball-only: sun high and behind you, ideally on a rising tide, and expect strong tidal streams through the narrow passes. Popular anchorages: Compass Cay, Joe Cay, Rat Cay and the pocket off Overyonder Cay. Sandbars dry only around low water — check the tide before promising a sandbar picnic, and never leave a dinghy on a falling tide. Many commercial 'sandbar tours' sold from George Town run in Elizabeth Harbour, not Pipe Creek — check which sandbar you are being sold.
Best for
Self-guided dinghy exploring and sandbar picnics
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