Moriah Harbour Cay National ParkAbout Moriah Harbour Cay National Park
Moriah Harbour Cay National Park is a protected area in the Exuma island chain of the Bahamas that conserves a group of small cays, tidal creeks, mangroves and seagrass habitats. It is designated for habitat and species conservation rather than developed tourism facilities.
The park offers shallow flats and channels used for bonefishing, wading and snorkeling, plus sandy beaches used by nesting sea turtles and roosting shorebirds. Much of the area is accessible only by boat and visits are typically day trips from nearby islands.
The site has been managed as a protected area to conserve its mangrove, seagrass and beach habitats and the species that depend on them. Management actions have focused on restricting development and protecting nesting sites.
Geographically it lies within the Exuma Cays of the central Bahamas and comprises a number of small, low-lying cays and associated tidal waterways. The park is reached by boat from Great Exuma and other nearby islands.
- Access: Reached by private boat or by charter from Great Exuma; there are no road links to the cays within the park.
- Wildlife: Contains shallow seagrass flats and mangrove channels that are important for bonefishing and for nesting and foraging by shorebirds and sea turtles.
Best Time to Visit Moriah Harbour Cay National Park
The park is best visited in the Bahamian dry season for calm seas and clearer skies; access is typically by boat from Great Exuma/George Town.
Weather & Climate near Moriah Harbour Cay National Park
Moriah Harbour Cay National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (977 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 19° - 25° | 22° | 36 mm | some cloud | 76% | 3.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.7h |
| February | Ideal | 20° - 26° | 23° | 30 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 4.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.3h |
| March | Ideal | 21° - 27° | 24° | 23 mm | some cloud | 75% | 4.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 22° - 28° | 25° | 36 mm | some cloud | 76% | 4.3 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.6h |
| May | Very Good | 24° - 29° | 26° | 136 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.1h |
| June | Very Good | 25° - 31° | 31° | 145 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.4h |
| July | Very Good | 26° - 32° | 33° | 75 mm | some cloud | 78% | 4.8 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.3h |
| August | Very Good | 25° - 32° | 33° | 98 mm | some cloud | 77% | 4.4 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.8h |
| September | Very Good | 25° - 31° | 32° | 117 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 5.0 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.2h |
| October | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 165 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.5h |
| November | Excellent | 23° - 28° | 25° | 69 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 5.8 m/s | 1.3 high | 10.9h |
| December | Excellent | 21° - 27° | 24° | 47 mm | some cloud | 77% | 4.7 m/s | 1.0 high | 10.6h |
How to Get to Moriah Harbour Cay National Park
Moriah Harbour Cay National Park is accessible by sea from Great Exuma’s main harbour at George Town; private charters and local tour operators run visits. The nearest airport is Exuma International Airport (GGT), from which boat transfer or road travel to a launch point are required.
Tips for Visiting Moriah Harbour Cay National Park
- Arrange boat access from George Town or a charter-Moriah Harbour Cay National Park is best experienced by water and many of its attractions (mangroves, flats for bonefishing) lie off the shoreline.
- Respect protected areas-many of the park's mangrove systems and flats are breeding or nursery grounds; follow guidance from the Bahamas National Trust.