Berry Islands Marinas Guide: Where to Dock, Refuel & Cruise in The Bahamas
INTRODUCTION
For many visitors, the Berry Islands are experienced from the water. This chain of nearly 30 cays sits on the northeastern edge of the Great Bahama Bank, where protected anchorages, deep-water access, and world-renowned fishing grounds have made boating an integral part of island life. Whether arriving aboard a private yacht, sportfishing vessel, sailing catamaran, or cruising powerboat, marinas in the Berry Islands provide essential services that make exploring this part of The Bahamas convenient and enjoyable.
The two primary marina destinations are Chub Cay and Great Harbour Cay, each serving a different purpose for visiting boaters. Chub Cay functions as a modern full-service marina with customs clearance, fuel, and premium amenities, while Great Harbour Cay Marina offers a relaxed Out Islands atmosphere with convenient access to beaches, fishing grounds, and the local settlement of Bullock Harbour. Together, these facilities make the Berry Islands an ideal stopover for vessels cruising between Florida, Nassau, the Abacos, and the central Bahamas.
This guide focuses specifically on the Berry Islands' marina network, helping boaters understand where to dock, what services are available, and how each marina fits into a wider cruising itinerary. For a complete overview of beaches, accommodations, attractions, and island experiences, continue to the Ultimate Berry Island Travel Guide, the main destination hub for planning a visit.
WHY THE BERRY ISLANDS ARE A POPULAR CRUISING DESTINATION
The Berry Islands occupy a strategic location for recreational boating in The Bahamas. Positioned between Florida, Nassau, and the northern Out Islands, they are frequently included in cruising itineraries as either a first landfall or an intermediate stop before continuing deeper into the archipelago.
Several characteristics make the islands especially attractive to boaters:
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Easy access from South Florida
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Protected waters across the Great Bahama Bank
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Deep-water routes via the Tongue of the Ocean
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Excellent sportfishing opportunities
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Numerous cays for day cruising
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Modern marina facilities
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Quiet anchorages away from larger tourism centers
Unlike busier destinations, the Berry Islands offer a balance between modern marina infrastructure and the relaxed pace associated with the Out Islands. Many visiting yachts spend several days exploring nearby cays after using Chub Cay or Great Harbour Cay as their operational base.
CHUB CAY MARINA: THE PREMIER FULL-SERVICE MARINA
Located at the southern end of the Berry Islands, Chub Cay Marina is widely regarded as one of the region's most modern boating facilities. Its position near the edge of the Tongue of the Ocean makes it especially popular among sportfishing boats targeting marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and other offshore game fish.
The marina features 109 floating slips capable of accommodating vessels up to approximately 160 feet (49 metres), making it suitable for everything from cruising yachts to large sportfishing boats and superyachts.
Key marina amenities include:
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Floating concrete docks
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Fresh water connections
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30-, 50-, and 100-amp shore power
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Gasoline and diesel fuel dock
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Ice and frozen bait
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Air-conditioned fish cleaning facilities
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Modern shower and laundry facilities
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Convenience store
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Golf cart rentals
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Hull cleaning services
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Airport courtesy transportation
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Customs and immigration clearance for eligible arrivals
Because customs and fuel services are available, many international boaters choose Chub Cay as one of their first stops after crossing from Florida into The Bahamas. The marina also serves as an excellent staging point for exploring the remainder of the Berry Islands or continuing toward Nassau, the Exumas, or the Abacos.
GREAT HARBOUR CAY MARINA: A GATEWAY TO THE OUT ISLANDS
Further north, Great Harbour Cay Marina provides a distinctly different boating experience. Rather than functioning primarily as a luxury marina, it serves as a welcoming community marina that supports cruising yachts, sportfishing vessels, and recreational boaters looking to experience everyday life in the Berry Islands.
Situated within the naturally protected harbour near Bullock Harbour, the marina offers convenient access to local restaurants, grocery supplies, beaches, accommodations, and island services. Many cruisers appreciate the marina's sheltered location, often referred to as a "hurricane hole," which provides additional protection during changing weather conditions.
Typical marina services include:
Great Harbour Cay Marina also acts as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding island by golf cart or rental vehicle. Visitors can spend the morning boating and fishing before enjoying beaches, local dining, or sightseeing around Bullock Harbour later in the day.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MARINA FOR YOUR TRIP
Although both marinas serve recreational boaters, each appeals to different types of visitors.
Choose Chub Cay Marina if you:
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Need customs clearance
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Require premium marina amenities
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Plan offshore sportfishing trips
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Operate a larger yacht
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Need extensive marine services
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Want direct access to the Tongue of the Ocean
Choose Great Harbour Cay Marina if you:
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Prefer a relaxed Out Islands atmosphere
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Want to explore local communities
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Plan several days of island cruising
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Enjoy beach excursions
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Need convenient access to Bullock Harbour
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Prefer quieter overnight dockage
Many experienced cruisers incorporate both marinas into a single itinerary, beginning at Chub Cay after arriving from Florida before continuing north to Great Harbour Cay to explore more of the Berry Islands' natural attractions and coastal communities.
MARINAS AS GATEWAYS TO OTHER BERRY ISLAND EXPERIENCES
The Berry Islands' marinas are more than simply docking facilities—they serve as launching points for many of the destination's most popular marine experiences.
From either Chub Cay or Great Harbour Cay, visitors can easily access:
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Offshore sportfishing grounds
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Bonefishing flats
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Snorkeling sites
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Scuba diving locations
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Nearby secluded beaches
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Island-hopping excursions
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Kayaking routes
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Wildlife viewing areas
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Mangrove eco-tours
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Coastal photography opportunities
Because distances between many cays are relatively short, boaters can comfortably enjoy multiple activities during a single day while returning to the marina each evening.
TRAVELER PLANNING INFORMATION
Whether you're making a short stop while crossing to The Bahamas or planning several days of island cruising, the Berry Islands' marinas provide the services needed to support a comfortable voyage. Both Chub Cay Marina and Great Harbour Cay Marina accommodate transient vessels, although reservations are recommended during peak cruising months and major sportfishing tournaments.
Getting There by Boat
The Berry Islands are a popular first stop for vessels departing South Florida because of their convenient location on the western edge of The Bahamas. Cruisers commonly arrive from:
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Fort Lauderdale
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Miami
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Palm Beach
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Bimini
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Nassau
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The Abacos
Many boaters clear customs at Chub Cay before continuing north through the Berry Islands or onward to destinations such as the Abacos, Eleuthera, or the Exumas.
Best Cruising Season
Boating is possible throughout much of the year, but the most popular cruising period generally falls between:
Weather forecasts should always be reviewed before crossing the Gulf Stream or planning longer offshore passages.
Reservations
Advance reservations are advisable during:
Both marinas accept advance slip reservations and provide marina assistance upon arrival.
Who Are These Marinas Best For?
The Berry Islands' marina facilities are suitable for:
SERVICES BOATERS CAN EXPECT
While individual facilities differ, visitors can generally expect a range of marine services that support both short-term stopovers and extended cruising.
Typical services include:
At Chub Cay, additional conveniences such as customs clearance, dive services, equipment rentals, and airport transfers make it one of the most comprehensive marina facilities in this part of The Bahamas.
COMBINING YOUR MARINA STAY WITH OTHER ACTIVITIES
Docking in the Berry Islands places visitors within easy reach of many of the destination's signature outdoor experiences.
Popular activities include:
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Deep-sea fishing
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Bonefishing
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Reef snorkeling
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Scuba diving
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Kayaking
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Paddleboarding
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Wildlife photography
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Birdwatching
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Beach exploration
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Island hopping
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Mangrove eco-tours
Great Harbour Cay also offers access to several miles of white-sand beaches, local restaurants, Bullock Harbour, and golf, making it easy to combine boating with time ashore. Chub Cay, meanwhile, is renowned for its proximity to exceptional offshore fishing grounds and marine recreation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Chub Cay Marina a port of entry?
Yes. Chub Cay provides customs and immigration services for eligible arriving vessels, making it a convenient first stop for many international cruisers.
What is the largest marina in the Berry Islands?
Chub Cay Marina is the largest full-service marina in the Berry Islands, with 109 slips and accommodations for vessels up to approximately 160 feet.
Where can I dock at Great Harbour Cay?
Great Harbour Cay Marina offers transient and longer-term dockage within a naturally protected harbour, along with fuel, utilities, and nearby island services.
Can I refuel at both marinas?
Yes. Both Chub Cay Marina and Great Harbour Cay Marina provide gasoline and diesel fuel services.
Are reservations recommended?
Yes. Reserving your slip in advance is recommended during the peak boating season and popular fishing events.
Why do many boaters stop in the Berry Islands?
The islands provide a strategic location between Florida and the central Bahamas, modern marina facilities, excellent fishing, and convenient access to nearby cruising destinations.
How long do cruisers usually stay?
Some vessels stay overnight before continuing through The Bahamas, while others remain for several days to enjoy fishing, beaches, island hopping, and local attractions.
EXPLORE MORE BERRY ISLANDS GUIDES
Continue planning your boating adventure with these related resources:
LOCAL & DESTINATION CONTEXT
The Berry Islands' marina network connects visitors with some of the most accessible boating experiences in The Bahamas. From Chub Cay on the southern edge of the island chain to Great Harbour Cay and Bullock Harbour farther north, these facilities support fishing expeditions, island-hopping adventures, diving, snorkeling, and eco-tourism. Their location between the Great Bahama Bank and the Tongue of the Ocean also makes the Berry Islands a strategic stop for cruisers exploring the Out Islands, linking marine recreation with the broader boating culture of The Bahamas.
CONCLUSION
Whether you're crossing from Florida, cruising through the Out Islands, or planning an extended boating holiday, the Berry Islands' marinas provide the infrastructure needed for a safe and enjoyable voyage. Chub Cay Marina delivers premium services, customs clearance, and direct access to renowned offshore fishing grounds, while Great Harbour Cay Marina offers a welcoming base for exploring local communities, beaches, and nearby cays.
Together, these marinas are more than places to dock—they are gateways to the boating lifestyle that defines much of the Berry Islands. To discover additional attractions, accommodations, beaches, and travel planning resources, continue exploring the Ultimate Berry Island Travel Guide, your central resource for experiencing the Berry Islands and the wider Bahamas.
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Updated as of July 2026.