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Sampson Cay

Sampson Cay

Sampson Cay is a charter location in The Exumas, a yacht charter area in the Bahamas.

Sampson Cay Overview

Till recent times, Sampson Cay used to be one of the most-visited cays in the whole of Exumas. After its central enterprise, Sampson Cay Club and Marina, was shut down, the cay was pushed into oblivion. However, it still attracts visitors who like to explore its 50-foot-high hills and shallow valleys.

Trivia – Sampson Cay was named after Israel Sampson who was granted the cay in 1810. The cay is also known as Little Birnea.

Navigation and Anchoring

Navigating to Sampson Cay is pretty straightforward. Head southeast via the banks route to lead to the southwest of Twin Cays. Round Twin Cays, head eastward while staying away from the rocks and maintaining a distance of 150 yards off the shores. Head straight to enjoy 9-foot waters to the anchorage by the marina. It should be instantly visible as there are some decrepit storefronts with possible human activity on the dock.

There’s a cover between Sampson Cay and Dennis Cay where you can anchor in 9 feet of water. Holding is not great, so a double anchor is suggested.

If entering from the south via the banks route, round Sandy Cay and head northeast. Pass Big Major’s Spot and Fowl Cay to find 6-foot waters for easy anchorage. Watch out for the rocky patch and stray heads off Big Major’s Spot channel.

Entrance to Sampson Cay - Thomas Mertens, Google
A beach in Sampson Cay - Thomas Mertens, Google

Places of Interest In and Around Sampson Cay

Sampson Cay has white beaches with mid-sized casuarinas lining some of them. You may also find decrepit shops and some leftover “modern artefacts” that are reminiscent of a bygone era when the cay enjoyed extreme popularity.

Sampson Cay is highly preferred for dinghy explorations. It has some nice inlets and beaches worth exploring. There is a lone house on a long beach on the southwestern side of the cay. If you plan to walk around, please respect the privacy of its owners.

There’s a dilapidated airstrip and a seaplane hangar near the center of the cay.

Services

At the time of writing, Sampson Cay was closed. It’s now a private island and visitation is by invitation only. At the time of writing, the 121-acre Sampson Cay was up for sale.

The anchorages on Sampson Cay:

    Yachts available in Sampson Cay

    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    ROMEO FOXTROT

    From $135,000/week
    5 cabins
    118 ft
    Hargrave
    10 guests
    Built: 2024

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    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    BASH III

    From $25,000/week
    3 cabins
    67 ft
    Custom
    6 guests
    Built: 2008

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    3 reviews
    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    OKTO

    From $480,000/week
    6 cabins
    217 ft
    ISA, RODRIGUEZ GROUP ITALY
    11 guests
    Built: 2014
    300 Litres/Hr

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    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    FREEDOM

    From $100,000/week
    5 cabins
    110 ft
    Horizon
    10 guests
    Built: 2023
    302.8lph / 80gph

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    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    BEACHFRONT II

    From $79,900/week
    5 cabins
    105 ft
    Princess
    10 guests
    Refit: 2023

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    Princess Anna

    From $129,500/week
    5 cabins
    147 ft
    Intermarine Savannah
    10 guests
    Refit: 2021

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    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    O

    From $90,000/week
    5 cabins
    98 ft
    Ocean Alexander
    10 guests
    Built: 2022

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    HOOKED HER

    From $48,000/week
    3 cabins
    78 ft
    Princess, UK
    6 guests
    Built: 2020
    110 US Gall/Hr

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    Jetskis: 3
    Jacuzzi

    Natural 9

    From $120,000/week
    5 cabins
    130 ft
    Sunseeker
    11 guests
    Refit: 2024

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    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    ARTEMIS

    From $110,000/week
    4 cabins
    108 ft
    Mangusta
    8 guests
    Built: 2021

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    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    NAUTILUS

    From $749,000/week
    6 cabins
    240 ft
    Perini Navi
    12 guests
    Built: 2014

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    Jacuzzi

    TRUE NORTH

    From $40,000/week
    3 cabins
    85 ft
    Pacific Mariner
    6 guests
    Refit: 2018
    75 US Gall/Hr

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    11 reviews
    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    CARTOUCHE

    From $65,000/week
    4 cabins
    95 ft
    Jean-Jacque Coste
    8 guests
    Refit: 2017 - 2021 - 2022
    20 Litres/Hr

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    Jacuzzi

    SeaQuest

    From $85,000/week
    5 cabins
    124 ft
    Christensen
    10 guests
    Refit: 2025
    80 US Gall/Hr

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    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    QUANTUM OF SOLACE

    From $574,000/week
    7 cabins
    238 ft
    Turquoise
    12 guests
    Built: 2012

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    1
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