Oven Rock

• Location: Southern Exumas
• Lat / Lon: N 23° 58.772' / W 076° 19.813'
• Depth: 8'-12'
• Tide: 2.5'-3.0'
• Description:

  Oven rock is a large hollow rock that looks like a giant stone oven. It is a conspicuous landmark for those heading into Farmers Cay because once south of Oven Rock most vessels will be committed to entering the harbour at Little Farmers Cay by the north entrance.  Vessels that wish to access Farmers Cay from the south side or to bypass it completely will have to turn due west prior to passing oven rock to avoid a 1.5 nm long very shallow sandbar that extends north from the south end of the Little Farmers Cay airstrip.  The Oven Rock anchorage is just north of the rock along the rocky shoreline of Great Guana Cay. The bottom is hard but the holding is good if you find a patch of sand in which to set your anchor. The best holding is to the north of the rock in water at least 8’ deep. During the 5F regatta  (Farmers First Friday in February Festival) the anchorage can become quite crowded. 

  When setting anchor it is important to realize that the bottom is hard in many spots and it is important to ensure that you back down hard to ensure your anchor is well buried in a pocket of sand, otherwise you may be in for an unpleasant surprise if the winds were to pick up from the west which is a common occurrence during afternoon thunder storms.

  On the North end of the beach there's a trail that leads to the cave. Follow it and where it splits go up the hill to the right to reach the cave. The other trail leads to a beautiful protected beach on Exuma Sound.

  DISCLAIMER: Before committing to an anchorage, you should confirm that the location is not governed by a regulation that may conflict with your plans. An increasing number of states and municipalities are enacting laws that define where and how long you may anchor.