Information
Landmark: Allen's CayCity: Grand Exuma
Country: Bahamas
Continent: North America
Allen's Cay, Grand Exuma, Bahamas, North America
Overview
Allen’s Cay is a tiny, sun-warmed island in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas, sitting just north of Great Exuma.Allen’s Cay is known for its rock iguanas basking on sun-warmed stones and its pristine, untouched beaches, offering a rare blend of wild life, stunning scenery, and quiet calm.If you love nature, crave wildlife sightings, or just want a quiet escape in the Bahamas, this place belongs on your list-imagine the hush of palm fronds in the warm breeze.Allen’s Cay sits within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a protected stretch of islands and turquoise waters about 10 miles north of Staniel Cay, an easy boat ride from many nearby cays.The island is best known for its rare Allen’s Cay rock iguanas-amber-eyed, sun-warmed creatures found nowhere else on Earth.It’s a quiet haven for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone craving both solitude and the thrill of discovery.Allen’s Cay is best known for its rock iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus)-large, gentle reptiles that roam the island and sometimes shuffle right up to visitors, especially if they catch the scent of fresh fruit.They’re a unique species, calm by nature, but it’s important to skip the human snacks and give them space to live wild.Beyond the iguanas, you’ll find quiet beaches with powdery white sand and water so clear you can see your toes.Swim, stretch out in the sun, or just listen to the waves.Offshore, vibrant coral reefs teem with tropical fish and gliding rays, making the shallows perfect for snorkeling or wading among sea grass beds.Climb a rocky outcrop, and you’ll see the Exuma Cays spread before you-turquoise water sparkling under the sun, dotted with small islands.On Allen’s Cay, you can wander the soft white sands and watch the curious rock iguanas shuffle right up to you, their scaly heads tilting as if posing for a photo-just remember to admire without feeding them.Snorkel over bright coral gardens where parrotfish flash past and rays drift lazily in the clear shallows.Stroll the untouched beaches to collect smooth shells or bits of coral, camera in hand for sweeping ocean views and sunlit iguana portraits.Paddle a kayak across calm turquoise water, steering close to the rocky points for a better look at the shoreline.Reach the island by private boat or water taxi from Staniel Cay or nearby cays, or book a charter that pairs the trip with stops at Pig Beach or Thunderball Grotto.Visit between November and April for the calmest seas and best wildlife sightings, or come in summer for fewer crowds.Pack sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, water shoes, snorkel gear, and plenty of water-there are no shops here.Respect the iguanas’ habitat and carry out every bit of trash.Nearby, you can swim with the pigs at Big Major Cay, dive into the glowing waters of Thunderball Grotto, or snorkel shipwrecks at Norman’s Cay.With its rare wildlife, untouched beaches, and peaceful waters, Allen’s Cay offers a quiet slice of the Exumas you’ll never forget.Whether you come to swim alongside the island’s rock iguanas or to stretch out on quiet sand with the sound of waves in your ears, Allen’s Cay delivers a peaceful, unforgettable escape in the Exuma Cays.
