Black Sound Cay National Reserve sits in the sheltered waters just off Green Turtle Cay, protecting the cay and the mangrove-fringed sound that separates it from the main island. The mangroves here are a critical nursery habitat for the fish that populate the surrounding reef — nurse sharks, juvenile grouper, and snapper all use the root systems as cover.
The reserve is best explored by kayak from Green Turtle Cay's Black Sound harbour. The paddling is easy and the birdlife is good: herons, egrets, and osprey are regular sightings. On calm days, the water is clear enough to see the bottom through the tangle of mangrove roots. A local guide can add considerably to the experience — they know which channels to take and where the wildlife concentrates.