Rum Cay - General Info
Description:
Located 20 miles southwest of San Salvador, this Cay has an excellent dive site, the wreck of the 101-Gun Man-o-War HMS Conqueror which was built in 1855 and sank in 1861.
Unfortunately, the once-usable marina in Port Nelson has now silted up and is blocked by a substantial sand bar. The only option now is to anchor here.
Position:
23°38.73’N, 074°50.72’W (Port Nelson).
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Related to following destinations: Bahamas, Out Islands, Rum Cay
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Posted on behalf of Alice Burch on Bahamas Chatter:
We visited Rum Cay on June 23. It was our second attempt to anchor near the Government dock, due to strong winds. We tendered into what remains of the marina and were shocked to find the marina entrance completely closed in with sand. There is no entrance possible, and some boats are trapped in what remains of the basin.
We went over to Kaye’s Restaurant (which is now also the island store in one corner.) Dolores’ daughter, Kaye, was most cordial, cooked lunch for us, and answered all our questions with grace and poise. Since Hurricane Joaquin, many buildings remain damaged. The mailboat dock is pilings only, but the mailboat still comes.
Kaye told us that the marina is closed and the ownership is still tied up in court. She said there is no regularly scheduled air service, although the airport is open. We hope these resilient people (approximately 60 residents) get back on their feet. Kaye’s guest log shows that sailboats frequently stop by.
I’m at rum cay now and the sand bar blocking the marina entrance is now better described as a sand dune! There are a few boats inside taking advantage of the free berthing, however, it looks unlikely they will be able to leave the marina any time soon. The jetty on the seaward side of the dune is destroyed.
The only option now at rum cay is to anchor in the bay, which is a really nice anchorage unless the wind is from south or west. The sand blocking the marina entrance is very soft, possibly quicksand in places. I had trouble landing a dinghy there.
Better to land your dinghy on the beach next to the ruined wharf in the middle of the bay. Despite the loss of the marina Rum Cay are a beautiful place to visit, very sleepy village and some of the best underwater visibility I have ever seen anywhere in the world.
The government dock is mostly destroyed from Hurricane Joaquin, and the mail boat now uses part of the old marina instead. The marina has a few sunk boats, and much of the docks are unusable. Maybe 1/2 dozen or so, depending on your size.
Only 66 people now living on the island, and the most activity centers around Kay’s Bar, on the beach by the old government dock. Mrs. Dolores, the owner, is also the Minister of Tourism for the island and is very welcoming and helpful to cruisers. Diving and snorkelling are excellent just outside the harbor on the outer reef.
Travis and Joanne
s/v Calico Jack