Loggerhead Channel is perhaps one of the most treacherous areas in the entire Abacos island chain. While Whale Cay (uninhabited) is not of any particular danger, the surrounding waters and shoals are sometimes among the most dangerous anywhere, due to shallow water and long ocean fetches. Loggerhead Channel is located northwest of Great Guana Cay and northeast of Treasure Cay.

If the wind is blowing out of the northeast, the passage around the outside of Whale Cay in Loggerhead Channel can be deadly. Yes, deadly. The shallow water in this area and a long fetch to the northeast can result in sea conditions often referred to as a “rage.” No boat should be out in this are during these conditions.

Before you attempt the outside passage around Whale Cay, first check the weather for wind conditions. If the wind is blowing at any velocity above 10 knots from the northeast, likelihood is you’ll stay put for the day. Next, make a VHF radio call and ask for any boats in the Whale Cay Channel to report on conditions. Only after an all safe confirmation on the VHF should you head out past Whale Cay.

The view above shows small Spoil Bank Cay to the right (west), the dredged Southeast and of Loggerhead Channel toward the middle (ending at Bakers Bay), and Guana Cay to the left (east).

See our “Local Notices to Mariners” blog for updates on the latest conditions and advisories for this area.