Islands of The Bahamas: The Berry Islands, A Life Shaped by Water
In the Berry Islands, two things are essential: a boat and a deep love of the water. This tight cluster of nearly 30 cays totals no more than twelve square miles of land, yet it offers some of the richest marine experiences in The Bahamas. Bordering the dramatic Tongue of the Ocean, these islands sit beside a deep underwater trench that draws an abundance of marine life, creating waters prized by anglers, divers, and explorers alike.
Small in size but vast in adventure, the Berry Islands deliver an experience where the ocean is not just scenery but the heart of daily life.
The Lay of the Land
Nearly 30 cays make up The Berry Islands, most of them uninhabited and accessible only by boat. The chain stretches south of Bimini and northwest of New Providence, making it a favorite destination for boaters seeking quick access to remote beauty.
While many cays remain untouched, a few stand out as hubs of activity. Great Harbour Cay anchors the northern end of the chain, while Chub Cay defines the south. Between them lies Little Harbour Cay, home to a beloved local landmark that welcomes passing boaters.
Quick Tip: Island hopping is essential here. Even short distances reveal dramatically different beaches, reefs, and anchorages.
Great Harbour Cay
Great Harbour Cay is the largest island in the chain and serves as a central gateway. Commercial and private flights land at Great Harbour Cay Airport, and boaters will find the largest port facilities here.
The island is known for its expansive beaches, particularly those on the eastern shore, where powder-soft sand stretches for miles with little development. Saltwater flats surrounding Great Harbour Cay also make it a strong destination for bonefishing.
Chub Cay: The Billfish Capital
At the southern end of the chain lies Chub Cay, a name that resonates strongly among sportfishing enthusiasts. Often called the “Billfish Capital of The Bahamas,” Chub Cay is legendary for blue and white marlin, with record-breaking catches a regular occurrence.
The proximity of deep water to shore allows anglers to transition quickly from calm flats to offshore battles with some of the ocean’s most powerful predators.
Local Hack: Chub Cay’s fishing grounds are productive year-round, but experienced captains tailor outings based on seasonal migration patterns.
Little Harbour Cay
Situated near the center of the island chain, Little Harbour Cay is a favorite stop for cruising boaters. The cay is home to Flo’s Conch Bar, a legendary watering hole where fresh conch, cold drinks, and island stories are shared dockside.
It is a place that captures the easygoing spirit of The Berry Islands, where the journey is just as memorable as the destination.
Unparalleled Game Fishing
Few destinations in The Bahamas rival The Berry Islands for fishing diversity. Deep-sea anglers pursue marlin, tuna, and wahoo, while flats fishermen stalk bonefish across shallow sandbanks throughout the chain.
The convergence of the Tongue of the Ocean with shallow banks creates nutrient-rich waters that support abundant marine life. This unique geography is what makes fishing here consistently exceptional.
Miles and Miles of Beaches
Despite their small landmass, the Berry Islands boast an impressive variety of beaches. From Shelling Beach and Sand Dollar Hill to Sugar Beach, even the names hint at what awaits.
Across the island chain, visitors discover pristine stretches of sand that feel entirely private. These beaches are ideal for beachcombing, swimming, or simply watching the tides roll in without interruption.
Blue Holes and Natural Thrills
Hidden among the southern cays is Hoffman’s Cay, home to one of the region’s most dramatic blue holes. Concealed behind pine trees along a horseshoe-shaped shoreline, the deep pool invites thrill-seekers to leap from surrounding limestone ledges into crystal-clear water below.
It is one of the most photographed and exhilarating natural attractions in the islands.
Diving the Chub Cay Wall
For divers, the Chub Cay Wall offers an unforgettable experience. Stretching from Chub Cay toward Whale Cay, the wall drops nearly 4,000 feet and provides exceptional visibility.
Divers regularly encounter Caribbean reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, black coral formations, and dramatic wall structures that change with depth and light.
Drinks, Dining, and Island Flavours
Dining in The Berry Islands is casual and centered on the sea. Fresh fish, conch, and lobster take pride of place, often prepared simply to let the flavors shine. Meals are relaxed, unpretentious, and best enjoyed with sand between your toes or a view of the harbor.
Where to Stay: Island Resorts and Retreats
Accommodations across The Berry Islands range from charming guest houses and intimate hotels to luxurious resorts designed for boaters and anglers. Many properties cater to fishing enthusiasts, offering dockage, guides, and easy access to prime waters.
Despite the islands’ remoteness, comfort and hospitality are hallmarks of the experience.
Quick Tip: Choose accommodations based on your activities, as distances by boat can define daily plans.
Getting There and Getting Around
The Berry Islands are accessible by air via regional airports on Great Harbour Cay and Chub Cay, or by private boat from nearby islands. Once there, water taxis and private vessels are the primary means of transportation.
Final Thoughts
The Berry Islands prove that size has nothing to do with substance. With deep waters, endless beaches, and some of the finest fishing and diving in The Bahamas, this compact chain delivers outsized adventure. For travellers who find joy on the water and freedom beyond the shoreline, The Berry Islands offer a way of life shaped entirely by the sea.