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Tilloo Cay Reserve

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Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)

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Tilloo Cay Reserve is an 11-acre (4.5-hectare) nature reserve in the Abaco Islands, primarily established to protect critical breeding colonies of seabirds. Located south of Marsh Harbour, the reserve encompasses a strategically important stretch of Tilloo Cay that buffers the Abaco Sound from the open Atlantic Ocean. The reserve is internationally significant as a nesting site for the red-billed tropicbird, a species that relies on the island's steep coastal cliffs for secure nesting sites. Geologically, the area is composed of weathered karst limestone, forming a rugged coastline capable of withstanding heavy oceanic swells. The vegetation within the reserve is highly salt-tolerant, consisting mainly of dune stabilizers and low-lying coastal scrub. Since its inception, the area has been strictly managed to minimize human disturbance during the critical nesting season from December to June. Tilloo Cay also serves as an important site for monitoring maritime currents and their long-term erosive effects on the Abaco barrier island system.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222223242527282928272523
Rain mm44394757991151041061461025939

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The Tilloo Cay Reserve in the Abacos is accessible only by boat from nearby locations such as Marsh Harbour or Hope Town on Elbow Cay.
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Best season
The best time to visit is between December and May to avoid the hurricane season and enjoy pleasant temperatures for birdwatching and beach strolls.
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Terrain & paths
The island gives a mix of sandy beaches, rocky shoreline sections, and dense coastal scrub that serves as an important habitat for nesting seabirds.
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What to bring
Visitors should bring snorkeling gear, binoculars for birdwatching, sun protection, and sufficient provisions, as there are no facilities available on the island.
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Parking
Car parking is available at the marinas in Marsh Harbour; boats can be moored at designated anchorages or private docks in the surrounding area during your visit.
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Safety
It is important to pay attention to tides and sea currents and to avoid disturbing nesting birds to preserve the protected status of this sensitive ecosystem.
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Time needed
A typical excursion lasts three to five hours, providing enough time for land exploration and snorkeling in the clear waters surrounding the cay.

Geography

Coordinates
26.47000, -76.98000

Facts

  • 11-acre protected nature reserve
  • Located south of Marsh Harbour
  • Vital nesting site for red-billed tropicbirds
  • Composed of rugged karst limestone
  • Buffer between the Atlantic and Abaco Sea
  • Strictly managed during nesting seasons

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Hope Town Post OfficeHope Town Post Office3 km · NEExplore →
Pelican Cays Land and Sea ParkPelican Cays Land and Sea Park4 km · SWExplore →
Man-O-War Cay BoatbuildersMan-O-War Cay Boatbuilders4 km · SEExplore →
Cherokee SoundCherokee Sound9 km · SWExplore →
Marsh Harbour Boat YardMarsh Harbour Boat Yard9 km · SExplore →
Spring CitySpring City12 km · SExplore →
Murphy TownMurphy Town13 km · SExplore →
Little Harbour (Abaco)Little Harbour (Abaco)14 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Tilloo Cay Reserve (1)

Tilloo Cay National Reserve📍 landmark

Nature reserve on a small island in the Abaco chain, protecting seabird nesting sites and mangroves.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you reach Tilloo Cay Reserve?
The reserve is only accessible by boat from Marsh Harbour or Hope Town.
Is camping allowed in the reserve?
No, camping and overnight stays are not permitted to protect the wildlife.
Are there toilets or restaurants there?
No, there are no tourist facilities; visitors must bring everything they need.
What activities are popular?
Birdwatching and exploring the pristine coastline are the main attractions.
Is snorkeling allowed?
Yes, the surrounding waters offer good conditions for snorkeling during calm seas.
Tilloo Cay Reserve: where is it located?
Tilloo Cay Reserve is located in Bahamas.
Tilloo Cay Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Tilloo Cay Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
Tilloo Cay Reserve is an 11-acre (4.5-hectare) nature reserve in the Abaco Islands, primarily established to protect critical breeding colonies of seabirds.
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Nearby cities

Great Guana Cay — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Great Guana Cay
A narrow islet in the Abacos, known for its beaches.
Cherokee Sound — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Cherokee Sound
A historic settlement on Great Abaco.
Spring City — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Spring City
A residential settlement near Marsh Harbour, Abaco.
Murphy Town — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Murphy Town
A settlement on Great Abaco, bordering Dundas Town.
Little Harbour (Abaco) — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Little Harbour (Abaco)
A secluded artist colony and foundry on Great Abaco.
Crossing Rocks — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Crossing Rocks
A small fishing community on Great Abaco.
Current — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Current
A small settlement in North Eleuthera.
The Bluff — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
The Bluff
A settlement on the island of Eleuthera.
Sandy Point — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Sandy Point
A settlement at the southern tip of Great Abaco Island.
Gregory Town — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Gregory Town
A town on Eleuthera famous for its pineapples and surfing.

History & landmarks

Pink Sands Hotel Architecture — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Pink Sands Hotel Architecture
An iconic resort on Harbour Island known for its distinctive pastel-colored cottages.
Hole-in-the-Wall Lighthouse — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Hole-in-the-Wall Lighthouse
A remote lighthouse located at the southern tip of Great Abaco.
Preacher's Cave — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Preacher's Cave
A sprawling cave that served as a refuge for the first English settlers in the Bahamas.
Glass Window Bridge — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Glass Window Bridge
A spot where you can see the dark Atlantic and turquoise Caribbean Sea simultaneously.
Saint Matthew's Anglican Church — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Saint Matthew's Anglican Church
The oldest surviving church building in the city of Nassau.

More places

Hope Town Post Office — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Hope Town Post Office
A historic building in Hope Town that served as the communications hub for the community for a long time.
Wyannie Malone Historical Museum — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Wyannie Malone Historical Museum
A museum in Hope Town detailing the settlement's history.
Hope Town Lighthouse — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Hope Town Lighthouse
One of the last hand-wound, kerosene-powered lighthouses in the world.
Spanish Wells Lobster Port — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Spanish Wells Lobster Port
A fishing and lobster landing port on Spanish Wells.
St. John's Anglican Church — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
St. John's Anglican Church
The oldest Anglican church in The Bahamas, located in Dunmore Town, Harbour Island.
Horseback Riding on Pink Sands Beach — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Horseback Riding on Pink Sands Beach
A unique experience of riding horses along the world-famous pink sand beach of Harbour Island.
Harbour Island — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Harbour Island
An island famous for its Pink Sands Beach and chic boutiques.
Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park — Tilloo Cay Reserve (Bahamas)
Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park
A 2,100-acre marine reserve in the Abacos known for its underwater caves and coral reefs.