Seasonal· Whale Cay· Bahamas — North
Rage at the Whale (seasonal north swell)
26° 43.5′ N · 77° 14.2′ W
When a cold front's northerlies or a distant Atlantic storm send swell onto the shallow bank edge off Whale Cay, the passage 'rages' — breaking seas across the whole cut, sometimes on a sunny, calm day inside the Sea of Abaco. Wrecks litter the rocks on the ocean side.
Practical
Position is the Florida Sportsman 'east outside' waypoint off Whale Cay (26°43.510'N 77°14.250'W). Rage is worst in northerly winds and in NE winds over about 10 kt, with large or short-period swell, and on an ebb tide running out against the swell (mid-tide currents are strongest). It comes most often with winter cold fronts, but a distant Atlantic storm can raise it in calm local weather. Before going: listen to the Abaco Cruisers Net on VHF 68 at 8:15am (Mon-Sat), and call on VHF 16 for a report from boats in the Whale Cay Channel; plan to turn back and anchor at Whale Cay or No Name Cay if it looks bad. Marinas.com calls these waters among the most treacherous in the Abacos and says no boat should be out there in NE conditions.
Best for
Knowing when not to go
Season
Most frequent Dec–Mar with cold fronts; any time with distant Atlantic swell
Nearby
- Whale Cay Southwest anchorage0.9 NM away
- USS San Jacinto wreck (1865)3.2 NM away
- No Name Cay anchorage3.3 NM away
- No Name Cay pigs3.3 NM away
- Big O's Swimming Pigs Bar (No Name Cay)3.4 NM away
- Treasure Cay Beach3.5 NM away
- Coco Beach Bar / Treasure Cay restaurants3.7 NM away
- Treasure Cay coin laundry3.8 NM away