Home / Islands / Rum Cay
woman snorkeling near coral reefs
Exumas mainsite hero upper right petal
Exumas mainsite hero circle
Exumas mainsite hero below left petal
Exumas mainsite hero bellow right petal
The Island
a group of people on a beach

The Island ofPeaceful Seclusion

Rum Cay is considered one of the best-kept secrets in The Bahamas–home to historical ruins, vivid coral reefs, miles of white sand beaches, and thrilling surf. Just offshore, abundant marine life attracts fishermen, divers, and snorkelers from all around.

Island Resorts & Retreats Where to Stay

Hotels

Make nearby Long Island your home base, and hop over to Rum Cay for the day via boat or charter flight.

View All
Island insider
view of clear blue water reaching land in top image and view of beach in bottom image

The Highlights Lucayan Art History

Hartford Cave holds the secrets of the Lucayan-Arawak people that once lived here. The cave walls are decorated with ancient petroglyphs, perhaps the largest display of such art in The Bahamas.

view of water reaching the shore in top image and view of beach in bottom image

The Highlights Two Theories On One Curious Name

Two theories exist about the origin of Rum Cay's name. The first attributes the name to a West Indian ship that wrecked offshore with a cargo of rum during the rum-running 1800s. The second claims the name is a reference to Scotland's Isle of Rhum.

snorkeler near colorful coral reefs in the top image and view of the beach in bottom image

The Highlights Colourful Below

Rum Cay’s gin-clear turquoise waters and its location on the continental shelf create countless exhilarating dive sites. From the 60ft walls of the “Grand Canyon”, to steep drop-offs and tunnel systems, divers can take their pick.

aerial view of the port in upper image and view of the beach in bottom image

The Highlights Port Nelson

Today, Port Nelson is the only inhabited town in sleepy Rum Cay. Notice the peculiar street signs in the shape of the island and the town square named for The Bahamas' first Governor-General, Sir Milo Butler, a Rum Cay native.

Things to do
a couple holding handles while scuba diving near a sunken ship

Things to Do Explore An Underwater Museum

In 1861, the 101-gun HMS Conqueror, Britain's first propellor-driven warship, wrecked on Sumner Point Reef, just off the coast of Rum Cay. Today, the wreck lies under 30 feet of water and is designated an underwater museum.

Learn More
man swimming beneath shallow clear water observing starfish and woman standing up in waist high water

Things to Do Plan An Eco-Adventure

A short boat ride away is Conception Island National Park. This protected area is perhaps one of the most pristine islands in The Bahamas–a stunning sight whether you’re sailing, swimming, or hiking through the island. Plan a day trip with a local fishing guide.

Learn More
man holding surfboard while walking into the ocean

Things to Do Catch A Wave

The Bahamas may not be a traditional surf destination, but maybe that’s what makes these secret surf spots so special. Rum Cay’s northern coast in particular offers perfect surf conditions on undisturbed beaches.

Fresh Island Flavours Drinks & Dining

Restaurants

Local favourites, including a green coconut dessert that can’t be missed, are prepared with fresh ingredients and served with warm, Bahamian hospitality.

View All
map
small map showing island location
map of island - desktop view
map of island - mobile view
RCY
Alessia-icon-close
long island deadmans cay airport lgi

Port Nelson Airport

Port Nelson Airport in Rum Cay receives domestic flights from Nassau. Domestic charter services may also be arranged.

Find a Flight

Discover Your Next Adventure

All
All The ExumasCat IslandThe BahamasFreeportBiminiNassauThe AbacosAndrosEleuthera & Harbour IslandNassau & Paradise Island
a man and woman eating food
The Exumas

A Family Business

Let's Go
a man holding a wood fish
The Exumas

Chopped and Chiseled

Let's Go
a large green field
Cat Island

The Highest Point

Let's Go
a man and a woman holding straw hats and baskets
Cat Island

Family Heirlooms

Let's Go
a group of men playing drums on a beach 424x389px
The Bahamas

An Island Rhythm

Let's Go
discover your next adventure   424x389px
The Exumas

The Winds of Tradition

Let's Go
man and women hiking looking out to the ocean   424x389px
The Exumas

Island Delights

Let's Go
discover your next adventure   424x389px
Cat Island

An Open Invitation

Let's Go
DPM and family on beach  424x389px
The Exumas

Protecting What's Home

Let's Go
discover your next adventure   424x389px
Freeport

The King of Conch

Let's Go
discover your next adventure   424x389px
Freeport

Preserving a Natural Treasure

Let's Go
discover your next adventure   424x389px
Bimini

Wild, Wild Dolphins

Let's Go
discover your next adventure   424x389px
Cat Island

Sweet Cat Island

Let's Go
discover your next adventure   424x389px
Bimini

Poetry in Stone

Let's Go
discover your next adventure   424x389px dive freeport
Freeport

A World of Wonder

Let's Go
discover your next adventure   424x389px
Nassau

An Artful
Generation

Let's Go
Man swimming with Stingrays
Freeport

Secrets of the West End

Let's Go
John watlings rum
Nassau

SPIRITED ENDEAVOURS

Let's Go
discover your next adventure   424x389px
Bimini

A Boater's Summer Fling

Let's Go
discover your next adventure   424x389px
Nassau

A Culinary Revolution

Let's Go
discover your next adventure quad
Nassau

In True Bahamian Fashion

Let's Go
sea plane flying over clear waters
The Bahamas

Islands On The Fly

Let's Go
Man working on a wood carving
The Abacos

The Albury Family

Let's Go
Man Holding Bronze Sculpture sea turtle
The Abacos

Where The Artists Gather

Let's Go
discover your next adventure quad
The Abacos

Fishing For The Big Catch

Let's Go
Mary Fly Fishing Guide
Andros

A Fly Fishing Dream

Let's Go
bmot stories squarebahamas beats

Bahamas BEATS

Let's Go
bmot stories square learn to dive 5fb5a65cf37d9
Andros

Exploring a Deep-Sea Frontier

Let's Go
bmot stories squaremeetladydi 2
Eleuthera & Harbour Island

Lady of the Pineapple Fields

Let's Go
exuma exumacays
The Exumas

Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park

Let's Go
eleuthera islandhopping
Eleuthera & Harbour Island

An Island Hopping Story

Let's Go
andros androsia
Andros

Androsia Hand Made Batik

Let's Go
abacos lastlight
The Abacos

The Last Light of Its Kind

Let's Go
exumas lifetime
The Exumas

A Once-In-A-Lifetime Day

Let's Go
bmot stories squaresurfers beach
Eleuthera & Harbour Island

The Hidden Coast

Let's Go
discover slider people
Nassau & Paradise Island

People to People Experience

Let's Go
bmot discover your adventure you and me
The Exumas

You & Me Between the Cays

Let's Go
discover slider junkanoo
Nassau & Paradise Island

Junkanoo, A Celebration

Let's Go
nassau conchshack
Nassau & Paradise Island

The Conch Shacks

Let's Go
andros holes
Andros

An Island Full of Holes

Let's Go
bmot stories squaresomething blue
The Bahamas

Something Blue, A Sandbar Wedding

Let's Go
bmot stories squarea garden of marvel
Nassau & Paradise Island

A Garden of Marvel

Let's Go
bmot culture fishfry
Nassau & Paradise Island

All Day Fish Fry

Let's Go
bmot stories squaredowntown nassau
Nassau & Paradise Island

This is Nassau

Let's Go
eleuthera queenhighway
Eleuthera & Harbour Island

Naturally Majestic Queen's Highway

Let's Go
eleuthera dunmore
Eleuthera & Harbour Island

A Race Across Dunmore

Let's Go
bmot stories square10 boating tips
The Bahamas

Top 10 Boating Tips

Let's Go