Compass Cay Nurse Sharks

Compass Cay in the Exumas is renowned for its marina, where visitors can interact with nurse sharks (*Ginglymostoma cirratum*) in their natural habitat. These sharks are bottom-dwellers and are generally considered harmless to humans, as they primarily feed on crustaceans and small fish. The sharks at the marina are semi-wild and have been habituated to the area by local operators for years, providing a unique opportunity for underwater observation in shallow, crystal-clear water. Nurse sharks can grow to a maximum length of about 14 feet (4.3 meters), though the individuals at Compass Cay typically measure between 6 and 10 feet. Ecologically, they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystems within the Exumas. The marina is part of a private island resort that emphasizes sustainable tourism and marine wildlife conservation. Visitors are instructed to treat the sharks with respect and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent accidental injuries from the sharks' powerful suction-based feeding mechanism.

Nearby cities

Hartswell

A coastal settlement on Great Exuma.

Stewart Manor

A residential settlement near George Town, Exuma.

George Town (Exuma)

The capital and largest town of the Exuma island chain.

Staniel Cay

An island in the Exumas famous for the nearby Thunderball Grotto.

Black Point

One of the largest settlements in the Exuma Cays.

Little Farmer's Cay

A small, family-run island in the Exumas.

Ramsey

A small, quiet settlement on Great Exuma Island.

Williams Town

A settlement on Little Exuma Island.

The Ferry

A settlement on Great Exuma that serves as a ferry link.

Barraterre

A fishing community on Great Exuma.

Rolleville

A historic settlement in Exuma founded by a former slave.

Forbes Hill

A small coastal community on Little Exuma.

Moss Town

A settlement on Great Exuma, near the international airport.

Alexandria

A small, rural settlement on Great Exuma.

Rolletown

A historic settlement on Great Exuma founded by Lord Rolle.

History & landmarks

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

A protected area in the Exumas known for its pristine beauty.

Tropic of Cancer Beach

A stunning crescent-shaped beach on Little Exuma, crossed by the Tropic of Cancer.

Hermitage Tomb

A fascinating family tomb from the Loyalist era on Exuma.

More places

George Town Marina

A central harbor basin for yachts, provisioning, and charter boats.

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Exuma Cays Karst Topography

The landscape of the Exuma Cays is defined by karst, featuring countless caves, blue holes, and sharp limestone formations.

Pig Beach (Big Major Cay)

An uninhabited island famous for a colony of swimming pigs that live on the beach.

Fauna of Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

The park is a sanctuary for a variety of marine and terrestrial life, including seabirds, hutias (a species of rodent), and reef fish.

Black Point Dock

A local landing point for supplies and small cargo vessels.

Saddleback Cay

A picturesque uninhabited island in the northern Exumas with a crescent-shaped beach.

Fish Cays (Exuma) Relief

A group of small, low-lying cays in the Exumas surrounded by sandbars and coral reefs.

Allen Cay Iguanas

Home to the endangered Exuma Islands rock iguanas, a subspecies found only in this area.