Tell me about Samana Cays, Bahamas

[ohdrinkboy]

Was spending some time on Google earth and saw Samana Cays in the Bahamas. It looks pretty remote, not much info on Google.

Haven't invested in charts as I was just dreaming.

Have you cruised there? What's it like? Anchorage situation? Draft?

Thanks for the information.

[Waterway Guide]

It's beautiful and remote. Some Bahamian fishermen set up camps, but otherwise no settlements, marinas, or anything. Nice caves, hiking to ruins, blue hole. Entries to the bay has no markers...make sure you have the right light and conditions so you can navigate. Anchorage can have significant surge. I'd recommend it only to experienced, adventurous cruisers, and only as a stopover during periods of settled weather. Deep draft vessels can enter from the east, but breakers may make that entrance unmanageable. Lots of coral heads to dodge on the western entry, 5 or 6 foot draft can make it, but less makes it easier.

[hanschristian38]

I got curious myself based on your post. I found this:
Samana Cay Bahamas 2011

Looks interesting.

[Craig Weller]

Originally Posted by Waterway Guide

It's beautiful and remote. Some Bahamian fishermen set up camps, but otherwise no settlements, marinas, or anything. Nice caves, hiking to ruins, blue hole. Entries to the bay has no markers...make sure you have the right light and conditions so you can navigate. Anchorage can have significant surge. I'd recommend it only to experienced, adventurous cruisers, and only as a stopover during periods of settled weather. Deep draft vessels can enter from the east, but breakers may make that entrance unmanageable. Lots of coral heads to dodge on the western entry, 5 or 6 foot draft can make it, but less makes it easier.

I am hoping to hike to the large cave and inland blue holes on samana the next time I am there but I do not know where they are. Do you have any advice to help me find them?
Thanks,
Craig