Walkers Cay, Bahamas

Welcome to the hidden gem of Walkers Cay, Bahamas – the northernmost island in this breathtaking archipelago.

Once renowned for its world-class sport fishing and stunning marine life, Walkers Cay is now undergoing an incredible rebirth after years of desertion due to devastating hurricane damage.

Located 53 miles northeast of West End, Grand Bahama, and spanning just under 100 acres, this idyllic destination offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation amidst fascinating history and ongoing transformation.

Key Takeaways

• Located in the northernmost part of The Bahamas, Walkers Cay was once a premier sport fishing destination renowned among anglers since the 1930s due to its unique location on the edge of Little Bahama Bank and an awe-inspiring 1,200-foot-plus drop-off that create ideal conditions for deep-sea fishing excursions.
• Closed since severe hurricane damage caused by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in 2004, Walker’s Cay is currently undergoing transformative renovations led by new owner Carl Allen, promising a much-anticipated revival of this iconic Bahamian getaway expected to be completed by 2020.
• Visitors to Walkers Cay can enjoy various activities such as fishing and boating on surrounding waters with abundant marine life ranging from tuna to bonefish or diving/snorkeling to admire coral formations surrounded by colorful fish like angelfish, butterflyfish, clownfish, or even several shark species. Island exploration is also recommended through hiking or historical site visits before retiring. Offsite accommodations are available at the nearby Abaco Island district after arrival via air travel (the closest major airport is Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport), then ferry/private boat charter or yachting /boating with dockage fee ranges.

History And Current State Of Walkers Cay

Walkers Cay in the Bahamas was once a popular sport fishing resort; however, it has been closed since 2004 due to severe hurricane damage caused by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne.

Popular Sport Fishing Destination

Renowned as a premier sport fishing destination, Walker’s Cay in the Bahamas has held legendary status among anglers since the 1930s. Its prime location on the edge of Little Bahama Bank and an awe-inspiring 1,200-foot-plus drop-off create ideal conditions for deep-sea fishing excursions.

Throughout its illustrious history, novices and expert fishermen alike have flocked to Walker’s Cay not just for its abundant fish population but also for its unparalleled saltwater fly-fishing opportunities.

As you cast your line into the crystal-clear waters surrounding Walker’s Cay, feel a thrill like no other, knowing that countless others before you have shared in similar experiences on this famous cay.

With each catch reeled in from these storied shallows or deep sea channels, you become part of an enduring legacy that continues to attract anglers from around the globe to this unassuming paradise tucked away within turquoise Bahamian waves.

Closed Since 2004 Due To Hurricane Damage

In 2004, the once-thriving Walker’s Cay was devastated by a series of catastrophic events brought on by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne.

These destructive forces left the Bahamas’ northernmost island in disarray, closing its doors to visitors and leaving behind a haunting reminder of what used to be a renowned fishing resort.

Since then, recreational fishermen worldwide have mourned the loss of one of their favorite sport fishing destinations.

Walker’s Cay had been well-known for its deep-sea fishing adventures among vibrant marine life within its surrounding barrier reef networks – an experience that became only a distant memory after these fateful storms.

Under Renovation By New Ownership

The revitalization of Walker’s Cay, Bahamas, began with the arrival of new owner and philanthropist Carl Allen, who acquired the island after its 14-year abandonment following the devastation left by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne.

With a passion for preserving marine life and reinvigorating this once-popular fishing destination, Allen has taken on an ambitious project to restore Walker’s Cay to its former glory by 2020.

Prepare to immerse yourself in the rebirth of this northernmost island of the Bahamas as it undergoes transformative renovations that will breathe new life into its marina, accommodations, and various facilities catering specifically to tourists interested in sport fishing and diverse marine ecosystems.

Attractions And Activities In Walkers Cay

Visitors to Walkers Cay will enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing and boating on the island’s many surrounding waters, as well as diving and snorkeling in the clear blue sea.

Fishing And Boating

The crystal-clear waters surrounding Walkers Cay boast an abundance of rich marine life that attracts anglers from around the world.

Whether you prefer deep-sea fishing or reef fishing, there’s something for every angler here.

The sea is teeming with game fish, including tuna, marlin, sailfish, and bonefish, to name a few. If you’re not into traditional hook-and-line fishing methods, give spearfishing a try.

Despite being closed since 2004 due to hurricane damage and years of neglect by previous owners until Carl Allen bought it in 2019 for his company Grand Bahama Shipyard to revamp it as a yacht destination with all necessary amenities while maintaining its heritage as one of the best sportfishing destinations ever known; Walkers Cay remains one of the Bahamas’ most beloved islands for sport-fishing aficionados and boating enthusiasts alike.

Marlin Fishing In Walkers Cay, Bahamas

Despite its small size of less than 100 acres, Walker’s Cay is known worldwide as a premier location for deep-sea marlin fishing.

One of the highlights of marlin fishing in Walker’s Cay is the annual Walker’s Cay Invitational Blue Marlin tournament. This event has grown in prestige and popularity over the years, with close to 50 boats registering to compete in the 2023 tournament. The event, which took place from May 24-27, attracts sportfishing boats from all over, all eager for a chance to participate in this prestigious event.

The tournament not only features big marlin but also offers big prize money, adding to the allure of the event and the legend of Walker’s Cay. The sight of sportfishing boats lining up to return to the tournament each year is a testament to the quality of marlin fishing in Walker’s Cay and the enduring appeal of this unique island.

Marlin fishing in Walker’s Cay is more than just a sport; it’s a tradition that continues to grow with each passing year. The island’s rich history, combined with its exceptional fishing opportunities, ensures that Walker’s Cay will remain a premier destination for marlin fishing for many years to come.

Diving And Snorkeling

The waters surrounding Walker’s Cay offer some of the most spectacular diving and snorkeling experiences in The Bahamas. With crystal clear waters, divers and snorkelers can enjoy exploring coral formations, underwater cathedrals, and an abundance of marine life that includes colorful fish such as angelfish, butterflyfish, and clownfish.

For those who appreciate a bit more adrenaline rush during their underwater adventures, Walker’s Cay is also home to several shark species that you can encounter while diving or snorkeling around the island.

The shipwrecks off the coast of Walker’s Cay also provide fantastic opportunities for advanced divers to explore historical sites while encountering exotic marine life along the way.

Island Exploration

Aside from fishing and diving, exploring the island itself is also a must-do. A beautiful barrier reef surrounds Walkers Cay and has stunning coral formations with an array of marine life to discover.

The island’s north end features the Walker’s Cay National Park, which provides excellent opportunities for hiking through lush vegetation to see the diverse birdlife on the island.

Additionally, visitors can explore historic sites such as Carl Allen’s house, which was once a legendary saltwater fly-fishing destination in its heyday before it got destroyed by hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in 2004.

Accommodations And Getting To Walkers Cay, Bahamas

While there are currently no accommodations available on Walkers Cay itself, visitors can easily find lodging options on nearby Abaco Island, Bahamas. Here are some of the ways to get to and stay near the Northernmost island of the Bahamas:

• Travel by Air: The closest major airport is Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport, which receives direct flights from various US cities. From there, visitors can take a private charter or scheduled flight to West End, where they will take a ferry or private boat charter to Walkers Cay.
• Stay on Abaco Island: Visitors can search and compare hotels and vacation rental options in the Abaco district on sites like Airbnb, TripAdvisor, or Kayak. Some recommended places to stay include Treasure Cay Beach Marina & Golf Resort and Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina.
• Boat Charter: Yachters and boaters can dock at the new 96-slip marina on Walkers Cay for a fee ranging from $2.50 per foot per day to $3.50 per foot per day for boats that exceed 80 feet.
• Experience Private Island Living: Carl Allen, a philanthropist who currently owns Walker’s Cay, is offering exclusive access to his private residence located just 300 yards from Walker’s Cay that accommodates up to eight guests who have their own captain and chef.

Walkers Cay is undoubtedly an island paradise waiting to be rediscovered by travelers, including those interested in fishing and marine life everywhere, with its remarkable history, iconic barrier reefs, and diverse marine ecosystem that sets it apart from other Caribbean islands.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Walker’s Cay in the Bahamas is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of marine life and enjoy fishing activities. Despite being closed since 2004 due to hurricane damage, this island is now under renovation by its new ownership, promising an exciting future ahead.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the awe-inspiring coral formations or simply relaxing on this peaceful island paradise, there’s no shortage of things to do on Walker’s Cay.