Anchorage· Samana Cay· Bahamas — Eleuthera, Andros & the Out Islands
Samana Cay Anchorage (Propeller Cay lagoon)
23° 3.9′ N · 73° 45.0′ W · approximate
The only anchorage at uninhabited Samana Cay: a lagoon behind the barrier reef on the south side, reached through a narrow, dog-legged cut and anchored in the lee of tiny Propeller Cay, with superb snorkelling and nesting noddies and terns.
Practical
Coordinate approx: moved from the island centre (on land) to the south-shore lagoon just inside the Propeller Cut waypoint. No surveyed anchorage position was found, so pilot by eye. A 2021 cruiser report: entrance channel about 40 ft wide and several hundred yards long with breaking reef on both sides and a dog-leg to avoid a shallow reef; you only see the flat turquoise lane once perfectly lined up; never less than 11 ft on their run in. Marlin magazine (2012) calls Propeller Cut 'very small and winding' and says it takes the right conditions and careful handling; it suggests Attwood Harbour for an overnight instead. Enter only in settled weather with the sun high and behind you, never in swell. No services; Acklins residents visit occasionally to harvest cascarilla bark.
Best for
Experienced crews seeking an untouched reef lagoon
Season
Calm settled weather only, Apr–Jun often best
Nearby
- Samana Cay offshore fishing0.3 NM away
- Samana Cay (Columbus landfall candidate)1.2 NM away
- Attwood Harbour Anchorage (Acklins)21.9 NM away
- Hurricane season (Crooked/Acklins)21.9 NM away
- Attwood Harbour mangroves (turtles and rays)22.1 NM away
- Attwood Harbour beach (Acklins Atlantic shore)22.2 NM away
- Chester's Highway Inn bonefish lodge (Chesters)23.9 NM away
- Chesters settlement (Acklins)23.9 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).