One of the Bahamas' best-kept secrets, Great Harbour Cay delivers mile-long empty beaches, a 1960s jet-set past, and some of the finest bonefishing flats in the Caribbean — all with barely another tourist in sight.
Great Harbour Cay has no cruise pier — ships anchor offshore and run tenders to the marina or Bullock's Harbour government dock.
💡 Pro move: Cell service is extremely limited. Download offline maps before sailing. Bring cash — card readers are unreliable.
Great Harbour Cay is a tender-only destination; all cruise lines anchor offshore and ferry passengers to the marina.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury & expedition lines (SeaDream, Windstar, Seabourn, Ponant) | Great Harbour Cay Marina📍 | Tendered |
| Small-ship charters & private vessels | Bullock's Harbour government dock📍 | Tendered |
From jaw-dropping empty beaches to world-class bonefishing and a blue hole you can jump into, Great Harbour Cay rewards the curious traveller.
A long crescent of powder-white sand along the island's roughly 7 miles of beach, said locally to be where Brigitte Bardot swam during her 1960s visits. Calm, shallow water, stunning scenery, and virtually no other tourists.
Book beach day tours →A short boat ride south, Hoffman's Cay features a dramatic blue hole roughly 600 feet across with a 20-foot cliff for jumping. Local boat captains run half-day excursions here.
Find blue hole excursions →The Berry Islands are legendary among fly-fishers. Hire a local guide for a half-day on the shallows — the flats here are among the Caribbean's finest, with large, spooky bonefish.
Book fishing guides →A winding tidal creek at the island's south end, nursery to baby sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays, and juvenile fish. Explore by kayak, paddleboard, or shallow-draft boat.
Find eco tours →Sugar Beach's limestone cliffs hide sea caves to explore at low tide. Nearby stand the overgrown ruins of the 1960s Sugar Beach Resort & Golf Club — its 18-hole course was designed by Joe Lee — a surreal slice of jet-set history.
Explore beach tours →Settle in at Coolie Mae's Sunset by the Sea in Bullock's Harbour for cracked conch, peas 'n' rice, and lobster with sweeping water views — as authentic as Bahamian food gets.
Find local dining →The island is best explored by golf cart, but a stroll through Bullock's Harbour village is a rewarding taste of real Bahamian life.
Walk from the marina through Great Harbour Cay's main settlement — colourful houses, friendly locals, a small market, and views over the inner harbour. A quiet, genuine village atmosphere.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →A flat paved road leads from the marina to the closest stretch of the famous Bardot Beach. Walk it for the views, or hop on a golf cart and head further along the 7-mile shore.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, Bahamas (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 74°F / 23°C | 71°F / 22°C | 11 | 6:59 AM | 5:42 PM |
| Feb | 75°F / 24°C | 72°F / 22°C | 7 | 6:46 AM | 6:04 PM |
| Mar | 75°F / 24°C | 72°F / 22°C | 7 | 7:20 AM | 7:20 PM |
| Apr | 77°F / 25°C | 74°F / 23°C | 10 | 6:48 AM | 7:34 PM |
| May | 79°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 13 | 6:25 AM | 7:49 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 15 | 6:20 AM | 8:03 PM |
| Jul | 84°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 16 | 6:29 AM | 8:04 PM |
| Aug | 85°F / 29°C | 82°F / 28°C | 16 | 6:44 AM | 7:46 PM |
| Sep | 84°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 16 | 6:57 AM | 7:14 PM |
| Oct | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 18 | 7:10 AM | 6:43 PM |
| Nov | 79°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 11 | 6:29 AM | 5:22 PM |
| Dec | 76°F / 24°C | 74°F / 23°C | 10 | 6:50 AM | 5:22 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Unmetered local taxis may be available when tender boats arrive at the marina. Agree on fare before boarding; contact Great Harbour Cay Marina (+1 242-451-2007) to pre-arrange.
Local shuttle and tour service operating 24/7, transporting up to 16 passengers. Offers airport transfers, island tours, and private charters — book in advance.
Golf carts and jeeps are available for rent on the island and are the most practical way to explore independently. Confirm availability and pricing at the marina on arrival.
Cruise lines typically offer guided excursions covering snorkeling, fishing, or beach outings. Easiest option for a structured day; book through your ship.