Black Point, located on Great Guana Cay, embodies the soul of the Exuma Cays, offering a rare glimpse into an authentic Bahamian settlement largely untouched by the commercialization found in more frequented tourist hubs. As the largest settlement in the Exumas outside of George Town, this vibrant community of approximately 400 residents is perched on a ridge overlooking the turquoise waters of the Exuma Bank.
The geography of Great Guana Cay provides a dual experience for the adventurous soul. On the leeward side, the island is fringed by pristine, shallow sandbars and calm beaches like Long Beach, where the water clarity is so profound it feels like swimming in a liquid lens. Conversely, the windward Atlantic side offers a rugged, dramatic contrast, characterized by sharp limestone cliffs and the powerful Nismo’s Blowhole.
Between these two coasts lies a settlement that operates on “island time,” where the scent of fresh-baked coconut bread from Lorraine’s Cafe wafts through the air and wetsuits dry on laundry lines.
Culturally, Black Point is a bastion of Bahamian heritage. It is widely regarded as one of the best places in the Bahamas to witness the art of traditional sloop building and the intricate craft of straw weaving.
5 Things We Loved Most About Black Point
1. Nismo’s Blowhole
Nismo’s Blowhole, also known simply as the Black Point Blowhole, is a prominent natural geological feature. Unlike the calm, turquoise waters of the Exuma Bank to the west, this eastern coastline is defined by sharp “ironshore” limestone cliffs that bear the full force of the Atlantic Ocean’s swells. At first, it wasn’t easy to find, but luckily, someone had left a clue.
We enjoyed the short hike there. There was a lot of vegetation, such as bay cedars, bay lavender (iodine bush), sea grapes, wild thyme (bay tansy), coconut palms, railroad vines, and silver thatch palms.
Snails are often found on or around wild thyme (and other aromatic herbs like sage and rosemary) primarily for shelter and moisture, and sometimes for opportunistic feeding on dead, decaying plant matter rather than the healthy, aromatic leaves themselves. There were a lot of them.
There were also many beautiful bay lavender plants.
As we walked toward the rocky edge, we heard a gurgle. Then, a hiss. Then whoosh! The blowhole started erupting.
The phenomenon occurs when powerful waves are forced into underwater sea caves or narrow fissures in the limestone. As the water is compressed, it is jettisoned upward through a vertical vent in the rock, creating a dramatic geyser-like spray that can reach heights of over 20 feet during high tide or heavy surges. The stream of water was like a dense, powerful mist.
The blowhole’s pressure can be quite significant.
2. Black Point Beach (aka Long Beach)
Long Beach, situated on the tranquil leeward side of Great Guana Cay, is the premier stretch of sand in the Black Point settlement. Extending for more than a mile along the shallow Exuma Bank, the beach is defined by its powdery, stark-white calcium carbonate sand and crystal-clear, turquoise waters. It truly looked like a swimming pool.
During low tide, the receding waters reveal expansive sandbars that allow you to walk hundreds of yards out into the ocean while only being ankle-deep in water.
It was one of the prettiest places we had ever visited.
The water is stunningly clear.
This area is also a natural habitat for various marine life, including bonefish, southern stingrays, and green sea turtles, which are frequently spotted in the nearby seagrass beds. There was also a lot of pretty vegetation.
3. Hole n Rock Beach
Hole in the Wall Beach, often referred to locally as “Hole n Rock,” is a secluded and geologically significant coastal site located on the southern end of Great Guana Cay. This beach is named after a distinct natural archway carved into the limestone cliffs by centuries of Atlantic wave erosion. The site serves as a dramatic transition point where the rugged, high-energy Atlantic coastline meets the calmer, shallow waters of the Exuma Bank.
We noticed several deep holes in the limestone.
The beach itself is characterized by its “wild” aesthetic, featuring a mix of fine white sand and weathered coral rubble. It is a prime location for beachcombing, as the Atlantic currents frequently deposit unique sea glass, driftwood, and tropical sea beans along the shore.
The views were dramatic.
On a more somber note, the strong Atlantic currents also wash a great deal of trash onto the shore. It was heartbreaking.
4. Rockside Laundry
This was our first stop on the island.
Situated on a dramatic 20-foot limestone bluff on the southwestern shore of Black Point, Rockside Laundry is pretty famous among cruisers.
The facility is owned and operated by the entrepreneurial Ida Patton and her husband, Pastor Terrance. It serves as much more than a cleaning station; it is a comprehensive service center offering a dedicated dinghy dock, high-speed Wi-Fi, and token-operated hot showers.
The facility is meticulously maintained and features around 10 washers and 10 dryers.
While waiting for laundry cycles—typically $3.50 per token—you can shop at the attached convenience store, which stocks marine supplies, clothing, and local snacks. I bought a $20 pair of Old Navy flip flops there.
Ida is particularly famous for her homemade conch fritters, banana cake, and carrot cake. They also offer professional haircuts and accommodations at the Rockside Inn, a set of adjacent vacation cottages. A one-stop shop!
Years ago, I worked for Delta Faucet Company, and I was tickled to find a Delta replacement part in stock way out here on a remote island in the Bahamas. Fun!
5. Shark Watching
After lunch at Lorraine’s High Tide Cafe (more on that later), I spent some time shark watching with Lorraine’s mom.
There were several nurse sharks circling right outside the dock, waiting for food scraps. They are known as the “couch potatoes of the ocean” due to their docile, bottom-dwelling nature.
We stood there for several minutes, watching them gracefully glide through the crystal-clear water. It was special sharing that moment with Lorraine’s mom. She’s really sweet.
Some Other Memories
Other Things to Do in Black Point, Great Guana Cay
Willie’s Garden aka driftwood Garden
Scorpio’s Bar & Grill
Where We Ate
Since its establishment in 1990, Lorraine’s Cafe has served as a cornerstone of the Black Point community on Great Guana Cay. This family-run establishment is internationally renowned within the cruising community, not only for its authentic Bahamian cuisine but for its deep-rooted hospitality.
The cafe’s most famous offering is Lorraine’s mom’s coconut bread, which is baked fresh daily in a small white building behind the restaurant. At the time, I felt like I was approaching her home; I’m not sure if that’s true. I later chatted with her on her porch.
This soft, sweetened bread has become a “must-have” for travelers navigating the Exuma Cays. Beyond its culinary appeal, Lorraine’s operates as a full-service hub, providing free Wi-Fi, a dedicated dinghy dock for boaters, and even vacation rentals through its “Lorraine’s Cafe Group” cottages. Under the leadership of Lorraine Rolle, the venue also hosts the annual SSCA Bahamas Gathering, featuring cultural events like Junkanoo rushes and sloop racing.
Shopping
There are two main stores on Great Guana Cay: Adderley’s Friendly Store (the most popular spot for provisioning) and Rockside Laundry’s convenience store.
Accommodations
There are a surprising number of hotels on Great Guana Cay, including Guana Beach Inn, Oceanfrontier Hideaway, Fowl Cay Resort, Kamalame Cay, Rockside Inn, and Firefly Sunset Resort.
We stayed on our boat in the Black Point anchorage.
Getting There
You can fly into Black Point directly via Flamingo Air from Nassau, or take m/v Captain C (the mail boat) if you’re feeling adventurous. Many people also arrive via a 10-minute water taxi from Staniel Cay.
We sailed there on our catamaran.
Getting Around
The settlement is walkable, but you can also rent a golf cart to explore the full length of Great Guana Cay. You can inquire about this at Rockside Laundry.
Final Thoughts
Black Point on Great Guana Cay stands as a testament to the enduring charm of the “Family Islands,” offering a profound sense of place that goes far beyond the typical resort experience. By balancing the rugged, Atlantic drama of Nismo’s Blow Hole with the serene, shallow tranquility of Long Beach, the island provides a diverse landscape for both adventure and relaxation. Its true value, however, lies in its community-driven infrastructure. Establishments like Lorraine’s Cafe and Rockside Laundry are more than just service points; they are cultural anchors where you can engage with authentic Bahamian traditions, from the aroma of freshly baked coconut bread to the sight of traditional sloops in the harbor.
For those seeking the “real” Bahamas, Great Guana Cay remains an essential, unpretentious sanctuary in the heart of the archipelago. We loved it.
You can see a map of Black Point here.
Originally experienced in January 2024; content refreshed in March 2026.
