Exploring Saddleback Cay in the Exuma Islands, Bahamas

May 26, 2011
James Nalley

Beautiful Half Moon Beach at Saddleback Cay, Bahamas - J. Patokal

Located on a private cay in the Bahamas is Saddleback Cay, an incredible location that offers guests an unforgettable experience in just one full day.

Located approximately 35 miles southeast of Nassau are the Exumas, a string of 365 islands and smaller cays that include some of the most beautiful and relatively untouched locations in the Caribbean. Although one of its largest islands, Great Exuma Island, still offers luxury hotels and resorts, there is still an overall atmosphere that is more relaxed compared to the busier ports of Nassau and Freeport. Best of all, there are plenty of hidden coves and bays that provide plenty of activities that range from swimming and snorkeling to some of the best sportfishing in the region.

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 1500s, the Exumas were home to colonies of Lucayan Indians who survived mostly by fishing in the plentiful waters and farming what they could off of the tropical landscape. According to the Bahama Islands Tourism, the islands eventually served as salt-mining colonies and havens for pirates who used many of the hidden coves to conduct raids on unsuspecting targets and British loyalists.

Today, the islands include dozens of reef locations and underwater wrecks for divers to explore as well as plenty of isolated coves for kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling in warm, turquoise-blue waters. Incredibly, one-third of the cays are untouched by tourism and protected as national parkland, which only makes a visit to the area that much more private and special. Saddleback Cay, a gorgeous cay owned by Island World Adventures (based in Nassau), is located right on the edge of some of this pristine parkland.

Getting to Saddleback Cay in the Exuma Islands

Since Saddleback Cay is privately owned, the primary way to get there is to call or email Island World Adventures at their website (listed below). The isolated 12-acre cay is only a half-mile in length and one-eighth of a mile wide, but it includes seven private beaches and its well-known Half Moon Bay, which is used exclusively for guests of Island World Adventures who come for the day. Each daily excursion departs at 9 a.m. from the ferry terminal on Paradise Island. Guests take one of two 45-foot speed boats that are custom built and powered by two 420-horsepower, turbo-charged engines. The exhilarating ride can reach up to 45 miles-per-hour and all seats are forward-facing.

Exploring Saddleback Cay

Once you arrive at Saddleback Cay, the point is to just relax and have a wonderful time. The water is incredibly clear and for those who prefer even more privacy, there are plenty of locations to take a short stroll and feel like you are the only one there. In addition, the price of the day trip includes everything you would need: roundtrip boat transportation, a delicious lunch, a fully-stocked bar that includes a wide selection of wine, beer, liquor as well as soft drinks and water, and snorkeling equipment. All you need is swimming gear, a towel, and some sun screen. As stated by Island Adventures, "Don't worry if you do forget anything...We have cameras, film, sunscreen, hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts all available for purchase on the island."

Although Island Adventures allows guests to be busy or relaxed once they arrive on the cay, general itineraries include:

Snorkeling –The shallow coral reefs around the cay include plenty of colorful, tropical fish. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities at the cay, and views include conch in their natural environment, stingrays, turtles, and dolphins. Guest can bring their own snorkeling equipment or Island Adventures will supply the gear at no extra cost.

Lunch – Guests receive an authentic Bahamian lunch under the shade of palm-thatched roofs. Best of all, lunch and drinks are included and every seat on the split-level decks offers an incredible view of the surroundings.

Feedings – After lunch, the friendly staff on the cay provides a tour where guests can feed the marine life in the nearby waters. Although there are a wide array of species, the primary ones include: sharks, barracudas, and stingrays, in addition to the thousands of tropical fish.

Leaf Cay – During the journey back to Paradise Island, the boat makes a short stop on another island in the Exumas known as Leaf Cay. It is home to dozens of iguanas in their natural habitats, which makes for an interesting end to an overall beautiful day.