Man-O-War Cay Harbor

Marinas near Man-O-War Cay Harbor

Introduction:

One of the best-known islands in the Bahamas island chain, Man-O-War Cay is located on the north side of of Great Abaco Island. If you are looking for supplies, repair services, shopping, or dining, Man-O-War Cay will not disappoint. Man-O-War Cay is 30 miles southeast of Treasure Cay and only 8 miles northwest of Marsh Harbour.

Man-O-War Cay is an island of boat yards, and many of the facilities are among the best in the Bahamas. Yards here specialize in boat-building, and a few of the yards have facilities for haul-outs. Albury Brothers is a famous custom yacht outfit and repair facility. Have them build you a new one, or fix up your old yacht.

Ashore are grocery stores, restaurants, gift shops. marine electronics outfits, and all variety of other facilities. Distances are short, but a bicycle will add greatly to your exploration experience. If you have a penchant for the piscatory, these waters are some of the finest bonefish grounds on Earth.

Navigating the Water:

Two deep and convenient ocean passages lie on either side of Man-O-War Cay: North Man-O-War Channel and South Man-O-War Channel. Both are convenient breaks in the reef and offer access to offshore passages in the Atlantic north toward Little Abaco Island or South toward Great Abaco Island without having to deal with shallow Sea of Abaco.

Both “inlets” are deep and wide, but also have a swift current running most of the time. A wind opposing the tide can bring up a good chop if the conditions are right. As with any Bahamian passage, check your weather before departing and plan accordingly.

There are two primary anchorages on Man-O-War Cay, and both are visible in the image above. Each is reached via a common entrance on the east (right) side that has 6- to 8-foot depths. There is another entrance on the northwest side of the harbors, but you will only find 2 to 3 feet of water here.

Once inside you have your choice of marinas and marine facilities. The south harbor is more remote and tuned toward anchoring out, while the north side of the harbor has plenty of space with moorings and anchoring space. This is where all of the facilities are located.

Local Notices to Mariners:

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

Things To Do/Local Events:

Aside from snorkeling, beach combing, sailing, and other water activities, there is an active and vibrant calendar of other scheduled events in the Abacos. See our “Helpful Links” section below for a detailed calendar of events.

Transportation:

There is no airstrip on Man-O-War Cay, so arriving here by boat is your only option. The nearest airport is not far away, though. Marsh Harbour International is only 6 miles to the southwest.

Helpful Links:

Islands of the Bahamas Tourism

Guide to the Abacos

Abacos Calendar of Events

Marsh Harbour Airport