Plizio Visual Lab

Fowl Cays National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Island

Weather…

Fowl Cays National Park is located in the central Abaco Islands, tucked away between Scotland Cay and Man-O-War Cay. Established in 2009, this marine protected area covers approximately 2,326 acres and preserves a spectacular combination of coral reefs, sandy shoals, and seagrass beds. Geographically, the park is an integral part of the Abaco Barrier Reef, the third-largest barrier reef system in the world. The underwater landscape is characterized by shallow patch reefs well-suited for snorkeling, as well as deeper channels featuring dramatic rock formations and submarine caves. The sandy beaches of the cays serve as critical nesting grounds for sea turtles and various species of migratory seabirds. Historically, the area was a traditional fishing ground for locals, but it now stands as a premier "no-take" marine reserve focused on conservation. Its high biodiversity, including spirited reef fish, rays, and juvenile sharks, makes the park one of the most sought-after destinations for eco-tourism in the northern Bahamas.

Location: Bahamas
Nearby: Mount Pleasant (9 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	22	22	24	25	27	29	29	28	27	25	23
Rain mm	47	46	57	70	104	141	138	136	178	104	55	45

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access to this maritime national park in the Bahamas is possible exclusively by water, typically using private boats, chartered yachts, or organized boat tours that regularly depart from the surrounding islands within the Abacos archipelago.

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Best season

A visit to the reefs is generally rewarding all year round, although the months from December to May often offer the most stable weather conditions, a very calm sea, and excellent underwater visibility for snorkelers and scuba divers.

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Terrain & paths

As the area consists primarily of seawater and intact coral reefs, activity mostly takes place below the water's surface, although small, uninhabited islands can occasionally be utilized as flat, sandy resting spots for visiting boaters.

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What to bring

Essential gear includes well-fitting snorkeling or diving equipment, reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, towels, and plenty of drinking water, as there are absolutely no supply facilities or stores located on the islands within the protected area.

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Parking

Car parking is non-existent; instead, there are usually designated anchorages or mooring buoys where boats can safely tie up without damaging the fragile underwater coral structures through the careless dropping of heavy anchors on the reef.

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Safety

Visitors must pay close attention to tidal currents and strictly adhere to national park rules; touching the corals or feeding the marine life is strictly prohibited in order to avoid endangering the diverse and fragile underwater flora and fauna.

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Time needed

An excursion to this marine protected area usually takes half a day to a full day, which is ample time to thoroughly explore the fascinating underwater world at various snorkeling spots at a relaxed and unhurried pace from the comfort of a boat.