Coakley Cay Relief

Coakley Cay represents a typical yet ecologically significant island relief in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas. This small island is characterized by its pristine white sand beaches and the surrounding crystal-clear, shallow lagoons that are so characteristic of the region. Geologically, Coakley Cay is composed of Pleistocene limestone, shaped over time by wind and water erosion, leading to gentle elevations and small coastal caves. The relief provides an important habitat for various shorebirds and is surrounded by healthy seagrass meadows that serve as feeding grounds for sea turtles. Historically, cays like Coakley were important stopovers for local fishermen and sailors seeking shelter from the open Atlantic. In modern times, the cay is a popular destination for private boat expeditions, offering a secluded atmosphere away from larger tourism centers. Terrestrial vegetation is adapted to saline air and poor soils, with palmetto palms and coastal shrubs dominating the landscape. The preservation of this relief is crucial for the ecological network of the Exumas, as it functions as a stepping-stone biotope for migrating species. The interplay of land and sea relief makes Coakley Cay an aesthetic and biological gem of the archipelago.

Nearby cities

Nicolls Town

A town on North Andros known for its giant land crabs.

Bullock's Harbour

The main settlement on the Berry Islands.

Kemp's Bay

A settlement in the southern part of Andros Island.

Long Bay Cays

An area of settlements in South Andros.

Congo Town

A settlement on South Andros Island.

Wood Cay

A small island and settlement off the coast of Little Abaco.

Crown Haven

The northernmost settlement on the island of Great Abaco.

Fox Town

A small settlement on Little Abaco Island.

Rocky Point

A remote fishing community in eastern Grand Bahama.

Cephas

A very small settlement near Mount Pleasant on Abaco.

Sandy Point

A settlement at the southern tip of Great Abaco Island.

Mount Pleasant

A small rural community on mainland Abaco.

Pelican Point

A small coastal settlement on Grand Bahama.

History & landmarks

Andros Barrier Reef

The third largest barrier reef in the world, perfect for diving.

Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse

A historic maritime beacon on a private island in the Berry Islands.

Baha Mar Resort

A massive hotel and casino complex dominating the Cable Beach skyline.

Ocean Atlas Statue

The largest underwater sculpture in the world, depicting a local Bahamian girl.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral

The first Catholic church built in the Bahamas, featuring impressive Gothic architecture.

Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts

A distinctive building that serves as the heart for theater and culture in the Bahamas.

Nature

Fresh Creek

A major tidal creek on Andros that leads deep inland and connects to blue holes.

Southern Bight (Andros)

An extensive network of tidal creeks that nearly divides South Andros in half.

Goose River

A wide tidal creek in North Andros that winds through mangrove forests.

Tongue of the Ocean

A deep oceanic trench between Andros and New Providence islands.

Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park

An important wetland area on New Providence, designated as a vital habitat for water birds.

More places

Andros Mangrove Forests

The largest mangrove ecosystem in The Bahamas, serving as a vital nursery for countless marine species.

Andros Island

The largest island in the Bahamas, crisscrossed by tidal creeks and covered in vast pine forests.

Andros's West Coast Flats

A vast, uninhabited, and pristine wilderness of tidal flats, considered one of the world's best bonefishing areas.

Andros Crab Processing Plant

A processing plant for crabs and marine products from Andros.

Crabbing on Andros

Andros is the 'land crab capital' of The Bahamas.

Great Bahama Bank

A vast underwater carbonate platform known for its extremely shallow, turquoise waters.

The Berry Islands' Sand Flats

The Berry Islands are renowned for their vast, white sand flats exposed at low tide, creating an angler's paradise.

Goulding Cay Forest

A small cay off the west coast of New Providence with a dense, pristine dry forest.