DIRECTIONS: Turn onto the paved road at what used to be Harding’s in the center of Salt Pond. At the bottom of the hill, go right onto the sand road and follow it along the large salt pond (Carmichael Pond) until you can’t go any further. Note that along the way there are some small hillocks and several sharp curves which will block your view of oncoming cars. For those with bikes, the sand is hard, making for a reasonably easy 15-20 minute ride.
Whelks is a wonderful spot for anything “beachy” - strolling, wading, swimming, and snorkeling, and the protection that it has from most winds and waves makes it also very family friendly. For those who enjoy walking, the beach continues north for about a half mile past the house that in the upper left photo. I would consider this the southern terminus of the great “South Salt Pond Beach” that starts at the “amphitheaters.” From the entrance, if you walk out onto the promontory and look south, you can see Guana Cay (center on the horizon past the table rock, photo lower right). From this photo taken at low tide, it appears possible to walk to the northern entrance to the Cay even at high tide. However, there is no beach on the north side of the Cay, just rock cliff. I tried the reverse route, i.e., trying to work around the cliffs on the north side of Guana Cay. However it proved too tough. There may be a path, but I haven’t discovered it. If you do attempt to go “all the way”, bring a machete!
Looking south toward Guana Cay
Northern beach that is "around the bend".
Whelks Wilks cay beach, Salt Pond, Long Island, Bahamas
Whelks Wilks cay beach, Salt Pond, Long Island, Bahamas