Fowl Cay: Island History and Snorkeling Reefs

Fowl Cay combines island history with reefs that rank among the top visitor experiences in Moriah Harbour Cay National Park. It is one of the park’s largest cays and has three beaches. It is also home to a private island resort with six oceanfront villas spread around the island. Fowl Cay brings together nature experiences and a resort offering closely connected to its island setting.

From Island Use to Vacation Destination

Fowl Cay’s history stretches back further than the resort: in the past, the local community used the island to raise chickens for food. In the 1950s, a French couple bought Fowl Cay and built their vacation home there. This made the island a vacation destination for the first time. The Fowl Cay Resort was later established in March 2002 as the first upscale luxury resort in the Exumas. Community use, a private vacation home, and the founding of the resort mark three distinct stages in the island’s history.

Reefs, Beaches, and Cabanas

Snorkeling puts the reefs near Fowl Cay front and center: they rank among the top visitor experiences in Moriah Harbour Cay National Park. The three beaches add more places by the water to the island’s appeal. Cabanas on Fowl Cay can also be used free of charge and at your own risk. Under the Bahamas National Trust rules in effect from February 13, 2024, until further notice, use is subject to these exact conditions.

The boating rules also provide clear guidance on the water: the reefs and sandbanks between Stocking Island and Fowl Cay are no-wake zones. Boats may travel there at a maximum of three knots. This local rule applies specifically to the area between the two islands.

Water Activities and Time at the Resort

Guests staying in a villa are each provided with their own motorboat. They can use it to enjoy picnics on secluded island beaches, explore coral reefs rich in marine life, and feed wild nurse sharks and stingrays. Single and double kayaks, paddleboards, and Hobie Cats are available for use at the resort’s South Beach. Activities range from independent outings on the water to options right on the beach.

The resort also provides masks, snorkels, and fins in a full range of sizes, from children’s sizes for ages three and up to size 13. For families planning what equipment they need, this age and size information is a specific point to consider. On land, there is a tennis court, and rackets and balls are provided. Guests can spend a pool day on double daybeds at the Hill House.

Getting There and Nearby Area

Fowl Cay can be reached by private boat or private aircraft via Staniel Cay’s paved 3,030-foot runway. Guests arriving at Staniel Cay Airstrip are taken to Fowl Cay by boat in seven minutes. These are two travel details relating to different modes of transport and situations.

The resort’s surroundings include other destinations on the water: the Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a short boat ride away. A beach with the “Swimming Pigs” can also be seen from the resort. These places add nearby sights to the picture of Fowl Cay without being confused with the island’s own beaches.

Villas, Location, and Dining

The six villas at the private island resort are oceanfront and spread around Fowl Cay. One specific accommodation is the Lindon Villa: it is designed for a maximum of two guests and is located on a low rise above North Beach. When planning a stay, the general distribution of the oceanfront villas can be distinguished from this villa’s specific location and occupancy.

The Hill House serves lunch and a four-course dinner to resort guests. Together with the pool day at the Hill House, this gives a picture of the resort offering that includes both meals and time by the pool. Those looking for a vacation rental for a trip to the Exumas can use these specific points to assess Fowl Cay: reefs and water activities shape the experience, while villa location and occupancy are relevant when choosing a particular accommodation.

Fowl Cay in the Wider Exumas Area

Beyond the island itself, the natural environment of the Exumas is an important part of the wider region. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is located within the broader travel area. A no-take zone has been designated there to protect a safe breeding ground for marine animals and fish that provide jobs and food for the local economy. This regional context complements the snorkeling reefs at Fowl Cay with a broader view of nature and protected areas in the Exumas.

Discover more destinations: Marsh Harbour, North Palmetto Point.

View the broader travel guide: Bahamas.