A Guide to Mooring and Anchoring in the Grenadines

Dropping anchor in the Grenadines is one of the great pleasures of Caribbean cruising, offering everything from quiet, secluded anchorages to bustling natural harbours. Having sailed these islands for more than twenty years, we have learned that understanding local sea bottoms, designated mooring zones, and marine park regulations is essential for safe, stress-free cruising.

Mooring field requirements and marine park rules

Certain bays across the archipelago require or strongly encourage using designated mooring balls rather than anchoring. In Mustique's Britannia Bay, anchoring is restricted to protect the seabed, and all visiting yachts must pick up a designated mooring managed by the Mustique Company. Similarly, in tight or environmentally sensitive areas like parts of Salt Whistle Bay in Mayreau or Admiralty Bay in Bequia, moorings help manage space and reduce bottom disturbance.

The Tobago Cays Marine Park enforces specific conservation rules to protect its fragile coral reefs and turtle feeding grounds. Anchoring is permitted only within designated sandy zones away from the living horseshoe reef, while anchoring on live coral or seagrass is strictly prohibited. Marine park rangers patrol the waters daily to collect park fees and ensure vessels respect the boundaries, preserving this pristine environment for the sea turtles and marine life that thrive here.

Understanding seabed holding: sand versus grass

Reading the seabed accurately makes all the difference when setting your hook. Throughout the Grenadines, white sand typically offers exceptional holding for modern anchors, allowing your ground tackle to dig in cleanly under reverse power. We always recommend setting your anchor with plenty of scope—typically 4:1 in normal trade-wind conditions—and backing down firmly to confirm the hook is well set.

Dense seagrass beds require extra caution, as anchor flukes can slide along the root mat without biting, giving a false sense of security before dragging in a midnight gust. In anchorages like Chatham Bay on Union Island or near Petit Tabac, look for clear patches of pale sand rather than darker seagrass patches. Dropping in bare sand not only ensures a secure hold, but it also protects vital marine ecosystems from chain scuff.

Etiquette and seamanship in crowded bays

Good neighbourliness in a crowded anchorage ensures everyone enjoys a peaceful evening at sea. Always enter a busy bay at idle speed, observing how other boats are lying to their anchors or moorings before picking your spot. Respect the swing radius of boats already anchored, and avoid anchoring directly upwind of a smaller vessel at close quarters. If you arrive late in the afternoon at popular spots like Salt Whistle Bay or Princess Margaret Beach, take time to dive your anchor to check the set and confirm sufficient clearance.

If you are planning your next bareboat, skippered, or fully crewed charter in the islands, please get in touch with our team to start planning your itinerary.