Norman's Cay Marina | Grand Exuma

Norman's Cay Marina is a well-known marina located on Norman's Cay, one of the Exuma Islands in the Bahamas. This idyllic marina is situated in a prime location within the Exuma Cays, offering a convenient stop for boaters and yachters exploring the area. Norman's Cay itself is famous for its clear waters, beautiful beaches, and rich history, and the marina serves as a gateway for visitors to experience the natural beauty and adventure the Exumas have to offer.

Key Features of Norman's Cay Marina:

1. Prime Location in the Exumas:

• The marina is situated on Norman’s Cay, a small island in the Exuma Cays. This location provides boaters and visitors with easy access to the surrounding islands, beaches, and protected marine environments, making it an ideal base for exploring the Exumas by boat.

2. Docking and Mooring Facilities:

• Norman's Cay Marina offers a variety of docking options for yachts and boats of different sizes. The marina has deep-water docks that can accommodate vessels with a draft of up to 10 feet, and it provides secure moorings for visiting boats.
• Visitors can also take advantage of mooring balls located in the surrounding waters, which offer a safe place to anchor for a short or extended stay.

3. Services and Amenities:

• The marina is well-equipped with services and amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for boaters. These include fuel services, a pump-out station, fresh water, electricity, and Wi-Fi for connectivity.
• For provisioning, there are options for purchasing supplies such as groceries, water, and fuel, making it convenient for boaters to stock up on essentials before heading out into the Exumas.
• There are also options for yacht maintenance and repair services if needed, allowing guests to take care of any issues with their vessels while enjoying their stay.

4. Restaurant and Bar:

• The marina is home to Norman’s Cay Beach Bar, a relaxed and inviting spot for boaters and visitors to unwind after a day of exploring. The bar offers refreshing drinks, casual dining, and a laid-back atmosphere with stunning views of the marina and the Exuma Sound.
• The restaurant provides a great place to enjoy Bahamian-inspired dishes, seafood, and tropical cocktails, all while enjoying the peaceful marina setting.

Things to Do Around Norman's Cay:

1. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving:

• Norman’s Cay is located near some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving sites in the Exumas. The surrounding waters are home to vibrant coral reefs, marine life, and sunken wrecks, offering plenty of opportunities to explore underwater.
• One of the top dive sites near Norman’s Cay is the Norman's Cay Wreck, a plane wreckage from the 1970s that sank off the coast of the island. It has become a popular site for diving and snorkeling, with the wreck attracting schools of fish and marine life.

2. Beaches:

• Norman's Cay is known for its pristine beaches, with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The island offers a quiet and secluded atmosphere, ideal for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Exumas in peace.
• The Cays on Norman’s Cay feature secluded, untouched beaches, and visitors can spend their time exploring the coastline or enjoying water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and more.

3. Wildlife Watching:

• The waters around Norman's Cay are home to various marine animals, including sea turtles, stingrays, and nurse sharks. Visitors can often spot these creatures while snorkeling or diving in the area.
• The island also hosts a variety of birds, adding to its allure for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

4. Fishing:

• The Exumas are famous for world-class sport fishing, and Norman's Cay is an excellent spot for anglers. Whether you prefer deep-sea fishing, bonefishing, or fishing from a smaller boat, the surrounding waters are teeming with fish such as tuna, snapper, marlin, and barracuda.
• Local guides and charter services are available for those who want to experience fishing in the Exumas.

Historical Significance of Norman's Cay:

Norman's Cay is rich in history, particularly linked to the drug trade during the 1970s and 1980s. The island was once a base for drug traffickers, including the notorious Carlos Lehder, who used the island as a landing point for drug flights from Colombia. The remains of a plane wreck and other traces of this past can still be found on the island.

Today, Norman’s Cay has transformed into a peaceful and beautiful destination, with its rich history adding an intriguing layer to the island’s appeal.

How to Reach Norman’s Cay:

By Boat:

• The most common way to reach Norman's Cay Marina is by boat, as it is located in a prime location within the Exumas. Visitors can access the marina by private yacht, charter, or through guided boat tours.
• The marina offers ample space for vessels of various sizes, making it a popular stop for those exploring the Exuma Cays.

By Plane:

• Visitors can fly into Norman's Cay via a small airstrip located on the island. The airstrip is primarily used for private flights, and it’s a short hop from Staniel Cay or Georgetown, where commercial flights arrive.
• After landing, it’s a short ride from the airstrip to the marina.

Why Visit Norman's Cay Marina?

1. Prime Boating Location: The marina’s location in the heart of the Exumas makes it a great base for exploring the nearby cays and islands, and offers direct access to some of the best waters in the Bahamas.
2. Seclusion and Beauty: Norman's Cay is a peaceful, private island with unspoiled beaches, clear waters, and natural landscapes that make it ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities.
3. Snorkeling, Diving, and Fishing: The area around Norman's Cay is teeming with marine life, coral reefs, and historical shipwrecks, offering plenty of opportunities for water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing.
4. Local Culture and History: The island’s history, particularly its ties to the drug trade, adds an interesting dimension to the visit, with remnants of the past to explore.

Conclusion:

Norman's Cay Marina is a peaceful, well-equipped marina located in one of the most beautiful areas of the Bahamas, the Exuma Cays. Offering access to clear waters, secluded beaches, and plenty of opportunities for adventure, it is an excellent destination for boaters, divers, snorkelers, and those seeking a serene escape in the Bahamas. Whether you’re exploring the island's natural beauty, relaxing on the beach, or diving into its rich history, Norman's Cay offers something for everyone.