Moriah Cay (Exumas)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freestyle, Foil
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Flat, Small waves, Chop
Spot Type
15–25 kts
Wind Range

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Moriah Cay (Exumas) is a remote, uninhabited flat-water kitesurfing spot in the Exuma Cays, known for exceptionally clear water and shallow turquoise sandbars. Conditions are typically described as shallow and flat with small waves, and the riding ground changes with tide as sandbars appear and disappear. Wind is dominated by easterly trade winds, with the best direction reported as NE. Typical riding wind is around 15–25 knots, most consistently during the winter trade season (notably November through May), and the spot is also reported to work in N and E directions. Some sources describe seasonal sea-breeze reinforcement in warmer months. Because access is boat-only and the spot sits inside the Moriah Harbour Cay National Park, riders should expect limited assistance and follow park regulations and wildlife respect. There are no on-site amenities—visitors must bring food and water and take all trash away. Logistics and self-sufficiency matter, since landing and launch options can be affected by tidal changes. Safety focus is currents: strong tidal currents can form in the cuts and narrow channels between islands during tide changes, and there are additional remote-environment hazards reported such as stinging rays and shallow sandbars that can snag equipment. Riders are advised to check tide charts carefully, avoid the strongest-current areas, and be prepared for self-rescue with appropriate personal safety gear.

  • Crystal-clear shallow sandbars
  • Consistent NE–E trade winds in winter
  • Boat-only access inside a protected area
Great for
Kitesurfing freestyleKitesurfing foilKitesurfing freerideWingfoil freestyleWingfoil downwindWingfoil waveBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Crystal-clear, shallow flat-water riding with sandbar scenery
  • Generally consistent easterly trade-wind pattern, strongest in winter
  • Good match for kitesurfing freestyle/foil and exploring shallow lagoons
Heads up
  • Boat-only / remote access with limited on-spot support
  • Currents can be strong during tidal changes in surrounding cuts/channels
  • No on-site amenities (food, storage, or repair services)
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE, ENE, E
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Easterly trade winds.
Reliability
85%
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Also described as steady in some reports.
Best Months
January, February, March, April, October, November, December
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–14 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Small waves, Chop
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Tidal
Waves
Small — Also described as flat / flat water; generally small-wave conditions.
Chop Level
Light chop — Described as Shallow, Flat, Chop, and Small wave in some reports.
Launch
Small — Small, shallow cay with limited natural launch slope; narrow sandy beaches and/or exposed sandbars at low to mid-tide.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
24–30 °C
Water Temperature
24–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 2mm or 3/2mm shortyApr–Oct: Boardshorts or bikini
Crowds by Season

Generally very low crowds, with more boat tours during peak winter tourism (Dec–Jan).

Storm/Rain Season

June to October (Atlantic hurricane season and higher chances of storms/tropical rain).

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Premier flat-water kitesurfing with vast turquoise sandbars and shallow lagoons protected from ocean swell. Crystal-clear, shallow, flat conditions with small waves; best matched to consistent NE–E trade winds.

FreestyleFreerideFoilDownwinderStrapless
Kite Sizes
9–14 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Suitable for freeride or foil windsurfing, but logistics are difficult due to boat-only access.

FreerideFoil
WingfoilingSkill Level

Excellent for wing foiling over shallow flatwater and in deeper channels. Riders must be mindful of very shallow sandbars at low tide.

Foil Friendly
Limited — Also described as yes for foil friendliness; deeper channels appear to be the safer bet.
Min Depth
ankle
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Moriah Cay (Exumas) in the full forecast view.

Moriah Cay (Exumas) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
5–11 ktsGusts 15 kts
Direction
ENE72°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2511 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.2–0.7 m9s period
Temperature
25–28 °C

Over the next 7 days, Moriah Cay (Exumas) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.2–0.7 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • currents during tidal changes in cuts/channels between islands
  • tidal changes
  • remote location
  • stinging rays
  • power lines downwind of Haulover Bay launch area (not on Moriah Cay itself)
  • mangroves and scattered rocks near cay edges
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestHelmetWetsuitBoots

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No on-site organized rescue.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in George Town on Great Exuma.

Rules of the spot

No motorized access; boat-only launch. Self-rescue required.

Restrictions
  • National Park rules apply (Moriah Harbour Cay National Park).
  • Boat access only.
Local Tips
  • Check tide charts carefully—sandbars and launch/landing access can change quickly.
  • Watch the currents in the cuts between islands, especially during tide changes.
  • Take all trash with you; there is nothing around on-site.
  • Boat/water taxi rides can be unpleasant in wavier and colder conditions.
  • The 'Lazy River' area has strong currents—avoid getting swept into deep ocean cuts if the wind dies.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Great Exuma (George Town)
Nearest Town
Great Exuma / Haulover Bay
Nearest Airport
Exuma International Airport (GGT)
Parking
Parking available at Haulover Bay launch point (Great Exuma). No parking on Moriah Cay.
Public Transport
Public transportation is virtually non-existent; water taxis or private transport are typically used.
Access
Only accessible by boat or water taxi (about 20 minutes) from Great Exuma; most riders use local kite charter services.
Cost Level
Expensive
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Near — No accommodation on Moriah Cay; lodging is available on Great Exuma and around George Town/Haulover Bay.
Food & Drink
None on the island; bring all food and water.
Equipment Rental:
No equipment rental on the spot itself; equipment can be rented via specialized operators in George Town/Great Exuma.
Gear Storage
No storage on-site; storage/lockers may be available via local schools or at departure areas on Great Exuma.
Gear Repair
No on-site repair; basic help may be available through local operators, with major repairs likely requiring gear to be sent away.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Moriah Cay (Exumas)?

The best overall months at Moriah Cay (Exumas) are November, December, January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, October, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Moriah Cay (Exumas)?

Moriah Cay (Exumas) works with NE, ENE, E winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Moriah Cay (Exumas)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Moriah Cay (Exumas): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Moriah Cay (Exumas) suitable for?

Moriah Cay (Exumas) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Intermediate.