Berry Islands

The Berry Islands form a compact cluster of about thirty cays north-west of Nassau, less visited than the Exumas and lacking the Abacos' colonial-settlement charm. Their appeal is simpler: empty beaches, productive reefs, bonefishing flats, and an absence of other boats that is increasingly rare in the Bahamas. Most Berry Islands charters originate from Nassau, 30 nautical miles to the south-east. The passage crosses the Great Bahama Bank, shallow and clear, with the deep Tongue of the Ocean — a submarine canyon exceeding 6,000 feet — forming the chain's eastern boundary. The contrast is striking: ankle-deep turquoise on one side, abyssal blue on the other. Great Harbour Cay, the largest island, has a marina, a small settlement, and an airstrip with limited commercial service. The marina provides the chain's only reliable fuel, water, and provisioning — a small store with basics. Beyond Great Harbour Cay, the islands are private, uninhabited, or home to a handful of caretakers. Chub Cay, at the southern end of the chain, has a marina that caters primarily to sport fishermen crossing from Florida. The island sits at the edge of the Tongue of the Ocean, and the drop-off diving here is among the best in the Bahamas — wall dives starting at 40 feet and descending into blue-black depths. The Berry Islands' shallow western bank provides bonefishing opportunities — wading or dinghy-based fly fishing over sand and grass flats. The cays' beaches are empty on most days, and the anchorages between the islands offer complete solitude in settled weather. Cold fronts are the primary weather concern, bringing north-westerly winds that expose anchorages on the bank side. The chain lacks the protected harbours of the Abacos, so weather windows and anchorage selection require more care. Provisioning must be done in Nassau before departure. Water is unavailable on most cays. The Berry Islands are a destination for self-sufficient sailors who value solitude over facilities and are comfortable with the minimal infrastructure that comes with it.