Plizio Visual Lab

Fish Cays (Exuma) Relief

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Relief

Weather…

The Fish Cays in the Exumas are a group of small islands and coral reefs that exemplify the complex relief of the Bahamas Bank. Geologically, these cays are the result of millennia of limestone deposition and sea-level fluctuations, resulting in a jagged coastline with numerous underwater caves and shallow lagoons. The surroundings are characterized by crystal-clear, shallow water that supports high marine biodiversity, including corals, seagrass meadows, and numerous fish species. This region is a vital part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the first national park of its kind in the world, established in 1958. The Fish Cays serve as important nesting sites for seabirds and provide habitat for the endangered Bahamian rock iguanas. For navigation, the cays pose a challenge due to shifting water depths and hidden reefs, which has helped limit human impact. The relief of the islands is low, reaching only a few meters above sea level, making them particularly vulnerable to erosion from tropical storms. Today, they are a destination for eco-oriented tourism and scientific research in marine biology.

Location: Bahamas
Nearby: Ramsey (6 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	24	24	24	25	26	28	29	29	29	28	26	25
Rain mm	23	19	21	34	86	95	67	74	92	92	47	24

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

These low-lying cays are typically accessed by chartering a private boat or joining a local guided tour originating from larger islands in the Exumas. Small motorized vessels are best suited to navigate the shallow surrounding sandbars safely.

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Best season

The most favorable conditions are usually found between mid-December and mid-April, when the weather is consistently dry and comfortably warm. These months offer the calmest seas, making the journey and exploration of the coral reefs much easier.

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Terrain & paths

The landscape features a mix of very low sandy islets, rocky limestone outcroppings, and extensive shifting sandbars. Navigating the surrounding coral reefs requires careful wading in shallow waters and navigating uneven, sometimes sharp, surfaces.

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What to bring

Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet from sharp coral fragments, along with a high-quality snorkeling mask to observe the underwater life. Sun protection is essential, and packing a windbreaker can be helpful for the boat ride back.

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Parking

Standard vehicle parking is only relevant at your point of departure, typically a marina or resort dock on Great Exuma or Staniel Cay. From there, your chartered vessel becomes your main base of operations while exploring this remote area.

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Safety

Pay close attention to tidal movements, as rising waters can quickly submerge the sandbars and alter the coastal currents. Be cautious around the delicate coral reefs to avoid accidental cuts and to protect the fragile marine ecosystem.

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Time needed

A typical visit lasts roughly two to three hours, which provides ample opportunity for snorkeling, wading, and observing the natural scenery. Most visitors incorporate these cays as part of a longer half-day or full-day island-hopping itinerary.

Geography

Coordinates

23.90000, -76.20000

Facts

The Fish Cays are located within the Exuma island chain, which consists of over 360 islands.
They are part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, established in 1958.
The relief is composed almost entirely of Pleistocene limestone.
Water depth in the lagoons is often less than 2 meters.
The cays are habitat for the endangered Exuma Island rock iguana (Cyclura cychlura figginsi).
The surrounding waters are famous for visibility of up to 30 meters.