Compass Cay: The Ultimate Guide
© Sugar Beach Villa - an Exuma Exclusives Home
Are you ready for an adventure in the Bahamas that's sure to leave you with unforgettable memories? Look no further than Compass Cay, a hidden gem in the Exuma Cays. This ultimate guide will dive deep into what makes Compass Cay so special, how to get there, and what to do once you arrive.
Why Compass Cay is a Must-Visit Destination
Swim With Nurse Sharks
The main attraction on Compass Cay is the chance to swim with nurse sharks. For many visitors, this is the sole reason for their trip to the island. These docile nurse sharks are friendly and used to human interaction, making it a safe and unforgettable experience for all ages.
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Getting To Compass Cay
Compass Cay is not directly accessible via commercial airlines or ferry services. To get there, you'll need to arrange an excursion with a local tour company. These excursions are well-organized and typically include visits to several other exciting destinations in the area, ensuring you get the most out of your day. Most people that visit Exuma either stay on Great Exuma or Little Exuma and the dock where most excursions leave from are accessible by.
Entry Fees & Guidelines
Once docked at Compass Cay, there is a fee to access the nurse sharks. Some tour companies include these fees in the overall excursion cost, while others may require separate payments.
It's essential to respect the local environment and wildlife during your visit. Please follow all guidance from the local operators and remember that no professional videography equipment is allowed at most of these sites. This ensures the preservation of the natural beauty and wildlife in these unique locations.
© Swimming with Pigs - Bahamas Air Tours
Swimming With The Sharks: What to Expect
When arriving to the Compass Cay docks, you’ll be greeted by a local operator of the docks to pay your entrance fee if it has not already been paid by your tour company. The Compass Cay docks do accept credit cards, but it would not be a bad idea to have some USD on hand.
You’ll be briefed about etiquette around the sharks and they will lead you down to the swimming area, accessed via either a shallow dock platform that falls beneath the water in high tide, or via ladder.
When standing in the water, you’ll be able to feel the sharks brushing up against your skin as they swim past you - they’ll feel like wet sandpaper. Be sure to not mishandle or accidentally step on any - we don’t want to hurt the wildlife.
If you’re lucky enough to visit at low tide, the sharks will come up and lay down on the lower level dock - it’s quite a sight to see. They enjoy taking a break from swimming to sit and visit with you!
If you need to access washrooms, there are two located slightly down the path off to the right, past the docks.
© Swimming with Pigs - Bahamas Air Tours
About Nurse Sharks
Species: Nurse sharks, also known as Ginglymostoma cirratum or The Gentle Giants of the Ocean.
Habitat: They Inhabit coastal waters in subtropical and tropical regions.
Appearance: Stocky bodies, broad heads, but are harmless despite their fierce look.
Behavior: Mostly docile, misunderstood due to their intimidating appearance.
Daily Habits: Resting on the ocean floor during the day, usually in reefs or sandy areas.
Nocturnal Activities: Active at night, hunting for fish, crustaceans, and octopuses.
Feeding: Use powerful suction-like mouths for feeding, but they are generally not aggressive hunters.
Disposition: Calm, non-aggressive, small blunt teeth, suck in prey rather than biting.
Size: Can grow up to 14 feet and live until they are 20 or even 25 years old
Importance: Contribute to ocean ecosystem health, and are popular among divers and snorkelers.
Conservation Message: They embody grace and gentleness, important to respect and protect for future generations.
Celebrities and Yachts
Rightfully so, Compass Cay has drawn the attention of celebrities and yachts due to it's location within the prestigious Exuma Cays. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a few celebrities whilst in Compass Cay. Don't worry, if you don't meet any you can still view their 'Wall of Fame' inside of the main building! Do you recognize any of the following celebrities? Compass Cay has hosted them all at some point: Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Shakira, Johnny Depp (owns his own private island nearby), Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Michael Jordan, Bill Gates, Tiger Woods, David Copperfield, Lenny Kravitz, Diddy, John Travolta, Eddie Murphy, Mariah Carey, and MORE!
© www.bahamas.com
Explore Other Nearby Attractions
During your journey to Compass Cay, you'll have the opportunity to visit other attractions nearby, such as:
Swimming With The Pigs: One of the most famous activities in the Exuma Cays is swimming with the friendly and photogenic pigs. It’s a unique and adorable experience that’s a must try for animal lovers.
Pablo Escobar’s Plane: Explore the intriguing wreckage of a drug-smuggling plane.
Bitter Guana Cay (Iguana Island): Get up close and personal with the native iguana population on this remote island. It’s a great chance for wildlife enthusiasts to observe these remarkable reptiles.
Thunderball Grotto: If you’re a James Bond fan, you’ll recognize this location from the film “Thunderball." Snorkeling inside this underwater cave is a surreal experience as you swim through crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish.
Pipe Creek Cay Sandbar: Nestled in the breathtaking waters of the Bahamas, Pipe Cay Sandbar is a pristine oasis where golden sands meet crystal-clear turquoise waves.
© Exuma Exclusives Vacation Rentals
Planning Your Trip
Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, Compass Cay has something to offer everyone. Consider renting a vacation rental home in Exuma and taking an excursion down the cays for a fully immersive experience of the island and to help acquaint yourself with the laid-back local Bahamian culture.
Conclusion: Dive Into The Magic of Compass Cay
Compass Cay is a hidden treasure in the Exuma Cays that offers an extraordinary opportunity to connect with nature and wildlife. Swim with nurse sharks, explore nearby attractions, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Now, it's your turn to experience the magic of Compass Cay.
Plan Your Exuma Adventure
Consider Compass Cay for your next vacation, where nature and paradise meet. Renting a vacation home in Exuma provides the perfect experience for those seeking to discover Compass Cay at their own pace or in more depth. Discover this Bahamian treasure and create memories that you’ll never forget.
FAQs
Can you pay by credit card?
The Compass Cay docks do accept credit cards, but bring USD just in case the machines are down.
What is the closest airport to Compass Cay?
The closest airport to Compass Cay would be the Staniel Cay airport.
What kind of sharks are at Compass Cay
These are Nurse Sharks or sometimes also known as Grey Nurse Sharks.
Is it safe to swim with the sharks?
Absolutely it is! Just respect the sharks and their habitat. They are used to human interaction.
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