The Best Anchorages In The Caribbean: Where Smart Charter Clients Drop Anchor
- bamyachting
- 16 sept.
- 5 min de lecture
Beyond the Tourist Traps: Best anchorages caribbean
The Caribbean has been selling the same postcard shots for decades. But smart charter clients know the difference between tourist bays packed with day-trippers and genuine anchorages where the magic actually happens.
After years of charter experience across the islands, here are the 10 anchorages that deliver on the Caribbean promise each one tested by conditions, crew feedback, and clients who return year after year.
1. Tobago Cays, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
The Caribbean's Crown Jewel
Why it tops every list: Five uninhabited islands surrounded by Horseshoe Reef – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that delivers everything the brochures promise. Crystal-clear waters with 100-120 foot visibility, sea turtles swimming alongside your tender, and the kind of snorkeling that makes people cancel flights home.
Anchor intel:
Best spots: Between Petit Rameau and Petit Bateau for maximum protection
Holding: Excellent sand bottom, but watch for coral patches
Crowds: Can get busy during peak season – arrive early or visit shoulder months
Must-do: Swimming with hawksbill turtles at Baradal Island
Insider tip: Avoid the main anchorage at Salt Whistle Bay during Caribbean Music Festival season unless you enjoy sharing paradise with 50 other yachts.
2. White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, BVI
The Beach Bar Capital
The legendary anchorage: Home to the Soggy Dollar Bar (birthplace of the Painkiller cocktail) and the kind of beach that makes Instagram followers question your real job. White sand so fine it squeaks, turquoise water that doesn't need filters, and enough beach bars to fuel a week-long charter.
Anchor considerations:
Protection: Good during settled weather, avoid in northerly swells
Holding: Sand over coral – set your anchor properly
Depth: 10-20 feet, plenty of room for most charter yachts
Shore access: Easy dinghy landing on the beach
Charter reality: This is a day anchorage unless conditions are perfect. The sunset views are worth the risk, but smart captains have a backup plan.
3. Carlisle Bay, Antigua
The Sophisticated Choice
Why charter veterans love it: Protected by the rainforest-backed Curtain Bluff Resort, this crescent of sand offers luxury both on land and water. Tennis courts, spa facilities, and gourmet dining within tender distance, plus some of the Caribbean's best diving at nearby Cades Reef.
Practical details:
Protection: Excellent in most conditions
Facilities: Resort amenities available to charter guests
Diving: Cades Reef is a 5-minute tender ride
Season: Year-round anchorage with consistent conditions
The appeal: When your charter includes guests who appreciate both adventure and amenities, Carlisle Bay delivers both without compromise.
4. Friendship Bay, Bequia
The Turtle Sanctuary
The hidden gem: A sublime arc of sand in the Grenadines that remains blissfully uncommercialized. Clear, calm waters perfect for swimming, local restaurants serving fresh seafood, and – if you time it right – sea turtles nesting on the beach at dusk.
Anchor specs:
Bottom: Good holding in sand
Protection: Well-protected in most weather
Depth: 8-15 feet depending on position
Turtle season: May through October for nesting
Charter timing: Arrive before sunset during nesting season and anchor close enough to watch turtles come ashore – but respect the 50-meter distance rule.
5. Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
The Deserted Island Experience
The ultimate hideaway: One of the few anchorages where "deserted island" isn't marketing speak. Mayreau has 200-300 residents, pristine beaches accessible only by yacht, and the kind of tranquility that makes people question their mainland lives.
Logistical notes:
Village access: Short hike over the hill to Catholic church with stunning views
Facilities: Minimal – bring what you need
Best for: Guests seeking authentic Caribbean isolation
Weather: Excellent protection in most conditions
6. Admiralty Bay, Bequia
The Charter Hub
Why it works: The social center of the Grenadines with excellent marine facilities, vibrant local culture, and enough restaurants and bars to keep landlubbers happy. Plus, it's your gateway to the Tobago Cays and perfect for reprovisioning.
Harbor facilities:
Marina services: Full provisioning and fuel available
Restaurants: From local fish shacks to fine dining
Culture: Bequia Maritime Museum and local craft markets
Protection: Excellent year-round anchorage
7. Marigot Bay, St. Lucia
The Hollywood Backdrop
The dramatic anchorage: Made famous by "Doctor Dolittle" but beloved by charter clients for its stunning setting. Surrounded by lush hills, protected from ocean swells, and offering both luxury resorts and authentic Caribbean culture.
Charter highlights:
Scenery: Arguably the most photogenic anchorage in the Caribbean
Facilities: Full-service marina with luxury amenities
Activities: Rainforest hikes, zip-lining, and cultural tours
Season: Year-round destination with minimal weather issues
8. The Baths, Virgin Gorda, BVI
The Geological Wonder
The unique experience: Giant granite boulders creating natural pools and grottos – snorkeling through underwater caves and swimming in cathedral-like formations. It's geological drama meets Caribbean paradise.
Anchor details:
Mooring: Use park moorings to protect the coral
Fees: Marine park fees apply
Crowds: Very popular – early morning visits recommended
Activities: Snorkeling, cave exploration, beach lounging
9. Chatham Bay, Union Island
The Authentic Caribbean
The real deal: No stores, no crowds, just a dirt road over the hill to civilization. Perfect for guests who want to experience the Caribbean as it was before mass tourism – with a few cottages, local fishermen, and fish shacks serving fresh-caught dinner.
What to expect:
Facilities: Minimal – this is intentional
Activities: Fishing, swimming, complete disconnection
Best for: Guests seeking genuine island life
Protection: Excellent shelter from trade winds
10. Horseshoe Bay, Antigua
The Secluded Paradise
The perfect finale: A protected bay with excellent holding, beautiful beaches, and enough privacy to feel like you've discovered your own slice of paradise. Perfect for that final night before heading back to reality.
Anchor intel:
Holding: Excellent sand bottom
Protection: Good in most weather conditions
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, beach walking
Vibe: Peaceful and restorative
The Charter Reality Check
Timing matters: Each anchorage has its own rhythm and peak times. Understanding when to visit makes the difference between a good experience and an unforgettable one.
Mooring vs. anchoring: Many Caribbean marine parks require mooring buoys to protect coral. Factor in daily fees ($10-15 EC per person in places like Tobago Cays).
Seasonal considerations:
High season (December-April): Perfect conditions, higher prices, more fellow charter guests
Shoulder season (May/November): Better availability, occasional variety, great value
Summer season (June-October): Fewer crowds, more availability, flexible planning advised
Beyond the Guidebooks
The best Caribbean anchorages aren't just about the scenery – though it's spectacular. They're about the combination of protection, activities, access to shore, and that indefinable quality that makes guests not want to lift anchor.
These 10 deliver on all counts. Whether you're planning a BVI classic, a Grenadines adventure, or an Eastern Caribbean exploration, these anchorages represent the Caribbean at its finest.
Looking to charter a yacht for the Caribbean?
Send me a message with what you're looking for. I don't work with lists or generic recommendations you tell me your specific needs, and I'll make the research easy.
Whether it's a sailing catamaran for the Grenadines, a motor yacht for the BVI, or something completely different, I'll find the right match for your Caribbean charter.
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