Information
Landmark: Moriah Harbour CayCity: Grand Exuma
Country: Bahamas
Continent: North America
Moriah Harbour Cay, Grand Exuma, Bahamas, North America
Overview
Tucked away in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas, Moriah Harbour Cay offers untouched beauty-clear water that sparkles in the sun, quiet shores, and a peaceful, far‑off feel.It sits within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a protected stretch of turquoise water and vibrant coral that draws eco-tourists, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers alike.The island bursts with green palms, soft golden sand, and a sea alive with color, offering the perfect escape for anyone craving a quiet spot far from the crowds.Moriah Harbour Cay sits in the Exuma Cays, a sparkling chain of islands scattered across the southern Bahamas.East of Great Exuma, Moriah Harbour Cay is reached by boat from nearby islands like Staniel Cay, where the turquoise water laps quietly against the dock.It sits inside the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, one of the Caribbean’s oldest and best-known marine sanctuaries.Perfect for nature lovers, eco‑tourists, divers, snorkelers, and anyone craving a peaceful retreat, the island stays far less developed and crowded than much of the Exumas, offering unspoiled beauty without the tourist bustle.Features of Moriah Harbour Cay: 1.Moriah Harbour Cay National Park, tucked within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, is a protected marine haven celebrated for preserving its coral reefs while welcoming visitors who care about leaving only footprints in the sand.The park shelters vibrant coral reefs, teeming fish, and habitats that stretch from tangled mangrove forests to bright, waving seagrass beds.Within its protected boundaries, the island and surrounding waters stay free from fishing, boating, and development, safeguarding both biodiversity and beauty.It’s one of the Bahamas’ finest spots to experience unspoiled marine life and see nature and conservation in harmony.Along its shores, Moriah Harbour Cay offers untouched white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waves-perfect for a quiet afternoon with nothing but the sound of the tide.The beaches stay quiet and tucked away, giving visitors plenty of privacy and a calm, unhurried vibe.Coral reefs ring the shoreline, where shallow bays and hidden coves invite kayaking or a lazy swim in clear water.Moriah Harbour Cay is famous for its vibrant marine life-think flashes of yellow parrotfish, slow-gliding sea turtles, graceful stingrays, and gentle nurse sharks.The clear waters around the island are ideal for snorkeling or scuba diving, and at Moriah Harbour Cay Reef you can drift over bright coral gardens while schools of yellow-and-blue fish flash past.The area’s seagrass beds shelter manatees, a rare sight that sometimes glides past like a shadow in the blue, while nearby reefs offer divers wall plunges, sunken wrecks, and bright coral gardens; Moriah Harbour Cay, meanwhile, draws birdwatchers eager to glimpse its thriving wildlife.Herons stalk the shallows, egrets glide above the mangroves, and pelicans dive into the clear blue waters around the island, where wetlands and sandy shores serve as vital nesting and feeding spots for migrating flocks-drawing birdwatchers in every season.Moriah Harbour Cay, reachable only by boat, is also a favorite haven for boating and kayaking enthusiasts.You can rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard to cruise along the island’s shores and slip into the quiet coves of nearby cays.Around Moriah Harbour Cay, the water lies calm and glassy, perfect for gliding past tiny islets and hidden inlets.Snorkeling or scuba diving here feels like gliding through crystal-clear water, where schools of bright parrotfish flash past in the sunlit shallows around Moriah Harbour Cay.Snorkelers have quick access to the sunlit shallows, while scuba divers can drop into deeper waters teeming with color and movement.For them, the real thrills are drifting along reefs, skimming sheer walls, and slipping into shadowy underwater caves.Snorkelers can drift over bright coral gardens alive with darting fish, gliding rays, and curious sea creatures, while Moriah Harbour Cay’s glassy waters and soft, curving shoreline make it perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding.Grab a kayak and weave through tangled mangroves, glide past tiny islets, and slip into quiet coves for a fresh view of the island’s wild side; you can even paddle over to Moriah Harbour, where shallow waters, rustling mangroves, and sheltered spots shelter darting fish and other marine life.Though the island’s still mostly untouched, a few narrow trails wind through it, inviting you to hike and discover more of Moriah Harbour Cay’s unspoiled beauty.Thick jungle, tangled mangroves, and hushed stretches of sand make the island perfect for a slow walk or a picnic under the shade of a palm.Hikers can follow the trails in Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park to spot orchids, shorebirds, and other wildlife, though most visitors come for the brilliant marine life.At Moriah Harbour Cay, photographers find endless shots-from the shimmer of turquoise water to the darting flash of a parrotfish.You can frame the vibrant coral reefs below the surface or the calm, sunlit shoreline above-it’s a dream spot for photographers.To get there, you’ll need a boat, whether it’s your own yacht or a guided tour skimming across the clear water.Just a short ride from Staniel Cay, Great Exuma, and other nearby cays, it’s easy to reach by boat from anywhere in the Exumas.You can rent a small skiff or hop on an excursion from Staniel Cay Yacht Club or a nearby resort.The waters around Moriah Harbour Cay usually lie smooth as glass, making the trip an easy one for seasoned boaters.If you want something more tailored, you can book a private charter.You can book these through local tour operators or your lodging in the Exuma Cays, like the Staniel Cay Yacht Club.The best time to visit Moriah Harbour Cay is the dry season, from November to April, when the sky stays clear and the sea is calm enough for snorkeling, diving, or kayaking.Summer, from June to August, brings heat and sticky air, but the island stays peaceful no matter the month.Pack snorkel gear and a swimsuit to explore the bright reefs, a waterproof camera for those flashes of darting fish, and plenty of sunscreen.
