The Bahamas' best-kept secret
Far from the crowds, resorts and commercial tourism of the busier islands, life on Rum Cay moves at a different pace.
Genuine tranquility, increasingly hard to find.
Powder-white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise Atlantic water and a welcoming local community. Rum Cay sits in the Bahamian archipelago at the gateway to the Caribbean, with no sprawling resorts, crowded tourist beaches or busy commercial districts.
Instead you will find extraordinary natural beauty, excellent swimming, exceptional fishing and the simple pleasures of authentic Bahamian island life. For anyone looking to escape the noise of everyday life, Rum Cay is a place to recharge and reconnect with nature.
A small village with a big welcome.
The heart of Rum Cay is Port Nelson, a fishing settlement of roughly 50 residents. Island life revolves around the ocean, family, community and the rhythms of nature. Free-roaming chickens and goats add to the charm of village life.
The island has a staffed medical clinic for day-to-day care. It is not a full-service hospital; for emergencies needing advanced treatment, air evacuation can be arranged to Nassau or Florida. Several international homeowners have kept their island properties for more than 25 years, which says a lot about the place.
- Local government office
- Two churches
- Two convenience stores
- Staffed medical clinic
- Three restaurants
- Local fishermen and skilled trades
Miles of powder-white sand.
The southern coastline is home to long stretches of fine white sand and clear blue water. The beach in front of the lots runs for several kilometres, with soft sand rather than rock, so it is ideal for swimming and long morning walks.
Each standard lot has approximately 100 feet of beachfront, with the option to acquire a further 100 feet for a property of roughly 200 feet, subject to availability. Morning sun, afternoon breezes, and sunsets over the western horizon from your own terrace.
Flamingo Bay
On another part of the island, secluded Flamingo Bay is reached by boat. Its slightly pink-tinted sand makes for an unforgettable day out.
Fresh seafood and real Bahamian cooking.
Rum Cay is small, but its restaurants are generous. Local fishermen bring in grouper, lobster and conch, and you can buy the catch straight off the boat.
Kay's Sandbar
A favourite gathering place for conch chowder, fresh grouper, local lobster and the catch of the day. Group dinners can be arranged on request.
Two Sisters
Local dining run by George, who also handles airport taxis and transfers. A good first contact when you land.
Ocean View
Another welcoming spot to slow down and enjoy the relaxed pace of island life with residents and visitors.
Opening hours and operations vary. Confirm before visiting.
A world beneath the surface.
A deep-water shelf sits just off the island, bringing offshore game fish close and opening the reefs to divers. Rum Cay has long drawn anglers who value deep water and an undeveloped coastline.
- Wahoo
- Tuna
- Marlin
- Grouper
- Seasonal game fish
HMS Conqueror
A British Royal Navy ship that sank off Rum Cay in 1861, now a protected underwater heritage site.
Hartford Cave
Home to ancient Lucayan petroglyphs, a glimpse of island life long before modern settlement.
Grow your own paradise.
Rum Cay has a long farming history, including pineapple growing. With good soil preparation, fresh water, irrigation and protection from salt spray, many tropical crops do well here.
- Mangoes
- Avocados
- Coconuts
- Citrus
- Tropical vegetables
- Fresh herbs
We can design garden areas, fruit trees and tropical landscaping into your property from the start.
No traffic jams. No highways.
Small car, four-wheel-drive truck, Polaris side-by-side or off-road electric golf cart: the choice is yours. Explore sandy limestone roads, find hidden beaches or take a slow drive through Port Nelson.
Vehicles and equipment come to the island by freight vessel, along with building materials, furniture, household supplies and shipping containers. Mail boat services connect Rum Cay with Nassau, including KTC and Lady Frances, with freight generally arriving weekly and sometimes more often. Groceries and provisions can be ordered the same way.
For many homeowners, the golf cart or side-by-side becomes part of the island lifestyle. The garage in the standard home design is sized for one.
Vehicles must meet local registration, licensing, insurance and road-safety rules.
Closer than you imagine.
Fly into Nassau, then take a 45-minute hop with views over the Exumas. Within minutes of landing you can be on your own terrace.
- 45 min flight from Nassau with Southern Air, Stella Maris seat options or private charter
- 4,500 ft runway, with the new airport terminal completed and expected to open shortly
- Under 10 minutes drive from the airport to the beachfront lots. Transfers can be arranged.
Airlines and schedules change seasonally. Confirm before travel.
Make Rum Cay your island.
Ask for lot details, plans and pricing, or arrange a visit to see the beach for yourself.