Royal Plantation Fowl Cay Private Island Resort

About Fowl Cay, Private Island Resort
In the very midst of a sea so electric that you’ll swear it is made of incandescent-blue liquid light, sits Royal Plantation at Fowl Cay, a resort unlike any other on the planet. A private 50-acre island in the Bahamian chain of the Exumas, Fowl Cay lies only 200 miles from Miami and features six gorgeous, fully stocked villas, innumerable secluded coves and white-sand beaches, a personal boat and guide to introduce you to the wonders of the ocean and a hilltop restaurant serving some of the most spectacular cuisine for hundreds of miles around.

Whether you lay claim to one of the six splendidly outfitted houses as your sun-swept home-away-from-home or you take over the entire island for yourself, you’ll definitely feel as if every inch of this indescribably beautiful, undiscovered landscape belongs completely and inexorably to you.

Stroll along deserted paths that wind charmingly through the isle’s luscious vegetation and fragrantly blossoming tropical flowers. Swing like a carefree castaway in a hammock strung between two towering coconut trees planted in the silky sand of a pristine beach. Marvel at waters that display every conceivable shade of blue—from aquamarine, turquoise and indigo to a shockingly clear diamantine translucence—inviting you to wade in, dive deeply and immerse yourself completely in its deliciously warm embrace.
Everywhere you turn, around each corner and atop each rise, a new revelation awaits, taking your breath away and leaving you awash in a sense of unfathomable tranquility.

Getting to the private island
Step 1: Fly to Nassau, Bahamas or Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Step 2: Take a short, 40-minute charter from Nassau or 2 hour charter from Ft. Lauderdale to Staniel Cay Airstrip*. (1.25 miles from Fowl Cay)
Step 3: The Fowl Cay boat will pick you up at Staniel Cay for the short boat ride back to the island.

ACTIVITIES ON FOWL CAY

*All of Fowl Cay's equipment is provided free of charge.
(For activites requiring captains, guides, or off-island equipment there may be an additional charge).

ON FOWL CAY
Beach Games
Bocce and Horseshoe courts are on the South Beach. The balls/shoes are either on the court or in the boathouse. Why not pack a cooler and make an afternoon of it?
Sailing
Two small sailboats can be found at the South Beach. Please replace them on their dollies when you finish and pull them above the high-tide mark.
Sea Kayaking
Seven Sea Kayaks can be found on the South Beach. Please return them to the South Beach when you finish, and pull them above the high-tide mark. Please do not leave them on the North beach.
Tennis
The tennis court is available for your use. Racquets and balls can be found in the gear locker. Please replace them when you're finished.
Swimming
Swim in our freshwater pool (located at the Harbour Club) or in the beautiful sea that surrounds the island.

Walking Trail
There is a walking trail that extends from just beyond the tennis court (the north side of the court) to the west end of the island. Wear sturdy shoes.

Music, TV, Movies & Books
Each house has a selection of CDs for your enjoyment, as well as a player. The books vary from house to house, so check with your island-mates if you don't see one you like (The Harbour Club has some books too). Please do not take any CDs from the Harbour Club. Instructions for the satellite TV and DVD player are in each house . DVD's are in the front office please pass by to collect your choices

Harbour Club Games
The Harbour Club is always open for you to enjoy. Play pool, darts, backgammon, cards, dominoes, chess, checkers or any of a number of board games.

Excercise Room
Head up to the Harbour Club to work out on the elliptical trainer, the treadmill, jump rope or free weights. It's located behind the bar.

Shopping
Visit the Fowl Cay "mall" for local art, hand-made jewelry that won't break the bank. Embroidered logo apparel will remind you of your trip and makes a great gift too. Located behind the office, ask any of us to let you in.

Snorkeling
The Exumas have the best snorkeling in the Bahamas. Ask management for suggestions of places that shouldn't be missed (some are noted in the following sections). Snorkels, masks and fins can be found in the gear room. Keep this at your house all week and place them outside the office the afternoon before you leave. Please remember that neither fins, masks nor snorkels, float and that the masks are easily broken by stepping or sitting on them.

Waterskiing
Please check with the management about waterskiing activities. Skis and life vests are located in the gear room.

Deep Sea Fishing
Guides can be arranged to fish for Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, Barracuda and Mackerel (depending on the season). Typically guides charge $350-400 for a half day, and $600-$700 for a full day.

TO THE NORTH

Warderick Wells
Visit the Exuma Land and Sea Park headquarters at Warderick Wells with a local guide. Contact the management to make arrangements if you have interest in this.

Reef of Halls Pond
Snorkel the reef to the east of Halls Pond Cay and see if you can find one of the spectacular spotted eagle rays that live there.

Sea Aquarium
See if you can find the sunken plane west of the Sea Aquarium and snorkel on it.

Sunken Plane #1
Guides can be arranged to fish for Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, Barracuda and Mackerel (depending on the season). Typically guides charge $350-400 for a half day, and $600-$700 for a full day.

Rocky Dundas
Another great snorkel spot for you water lovers. Swim into the small cave and see the stalagmites and stalactites. (NOTE: There are two Fowl Cays in the area, us and one next to Rocky Dundas).

Rachel's Bubble Bath
Go to the very small beach at the northwest end of Compass Cay and hike back to the northern-most tip to find the swimming hole known as Rachel's Bubble Bath. If the tide is high and the wind is right, the waves of the ocean crash over the rocks into the pool.

Compass Cay Marina
Visit Tucker at the Compass Cay Marina. He has a family of pet nurse sharks. Take something to feed them, and they may even let you pet them. Be sure to look at the Compass Cay tee shirts. Tell Tucker we sent you. (There is a landing fee of $8/person)

Lighthouse at Little Pipe Cay
Take a photo of the small working stone lighthouse at Little Pipe Cay from your boat. Little Pipe Cay is a private island.

Snorkel Over Yonder Cay
Over Yonder Cay (a private island) is located just northeast of Little Sampson Cay. There is a small but lovely reef just at the base of the west facing cement dock where the pink warehouse is located. Swim right up to the wall and snorkel south. Excellent to snorkel if the wind is strong from the east or southeast.

Twin Cays Picnic Island
Twin Cays is a small, undeveloped island just west of the main entrance to Sampson Cay Marina. There's a picnic table under the large casuarina tree. Swim off shore and enjoy the crystal clear water. Or visit the small opposing beach - called honeymoon beach for a reason... there's only room for two.

Sampson Cay Marina
Visit the Sampson Cay Marina located on Little Sampson Cay. Lunch and dinner are served every day but Sunday at their dining room. Or walk the docks and look at the yachts.

Back to the top

TO THE SOUTH

Sandy Cay
To the west (and a little south) of Fowl Cay is Sandy Cay, a small, undeveloped island with a wonderful beach. Head there with a picnic and soak in the sun.

Big Major Beaches
For an easy and quick trip, have your boat guide take you over to one of the two northernmost beaches on Big Major Spot (not "Pig Beach"). A good first excursion if you're not completely comfortable with boating.

Pig Beach
eading south from Fowl Cay, stop at the last beach on Big Major before rounding the point. With a few calls and some food, you can often persuade Spot and her piglets to come out. They'll even swim if you're just off shore. They're more likely to come out if you visit before it gets too hot. Don't let them eat from your hand – throw the food to them. They'll eat scraps, bread or fruit.

Thunderball Grotto
One of the most renowned snorkel spots in the Bahamas, Thunderball Grotto is the westernmost of three small rock islands located closely together in a row between Big Major Spot and the Staniel Cay Yacht Club. There are a couple of small moorings just outside its entrance, which is hidden from view behind a smaller rock. Once inside, look up at the hole in the top where the light pours in and look across underwater to the opposite side where you will find a submerged exit. Or you can always exit where you entered, and swim around the west end, staying close to the island, where most of the fish are located. There can be a strong current around this island, so make sure everyone is comfortable with his swimming ability before venturing too far from the boat. The best time to go is usually at low slack tide - ask us when that is. Do not snorkel here if the wind is strong from the south or southwest. The James Bond movie, Thunderball, as well as the film Splash were filmed here.

Club Thunderball
Club Thunderball, located just to the northeast of the grotto, is a local bar and restaurant opened daily except Monday during "the season". There's a great view from the club on the hill.

Staniel Cay
Staniel Cay is a charming community of about 100 native Bahamians and 70 vacation homeowners. Walking through "town" gives a great vibe for what native living in the Bahamas is all about. Be sure to visit the church, Lindsay's Boutique (if you can find Lindsay to open it), the blue and pink stores (they sell yummy Bahamian bread) and Isles General Store (just over the bridge). You can rent a golf cart from Reevy Cart Rentals (355-2101 or 554-2982 or VHF ch.16) to see the rest of the island (South Staniel, Thunderball and the Ocean Beach). Also be sure not to miss Natajia's Sweet Tooth for ice cream and other goodies.

Staniel Cay Yacht Club
A social hub of the region, "the yacht club" has been around since the 60's. Open for lunch and dinner daily, it is on Jimmy Buffet's list of top ten favorite island bars. The local fishermen often clean their catch just outside, attracting rays and nurse sharks.

Local Artist
Joan Mann is a local artist who splits her time between Staniel Cay and the U.S. Much of her work can be found around Fowl Cay, including paintings and the palm-frond Junkanoo masks at the Hill House. Her prints and masks are available in our gift shop. If you are interested in purchasing original artwork, ask us to try to set up an appointment for you to view her work at her delightful studio/house.

Sunken Plane #2
There is another sunken plane (are you getting nervous about your return flight yet?) by the cut to the government dock at Staniel Cay. Ask us for explicit directions.

Iguana
Visit the large iguana that live on Gaulin Cay South. You may have to sit for a few minutes before the iguana appear out of the brush. Gaulin Cay South is located north of Dotham Cut.

Little Farmer's Cay
Visit this charming community of about 45 full time residents (you will need a guide). On your way down to Farmer's, have your guide stop at the cave by Oven Rock. Have lunch at the Farmer's Cay Yacht Club or Ocean Cabin. See JR's woodcarvings- they make great souvenirs.