Anchorages

Anchorages are harbors and bays naturally conducive to overnight anchoring by visiting yachts. They are places where a visiting boat can safely weigh anchor for a few hours, or even overnight. Some offer moorings (buoys attached to the bottom of the sea), so you don’t have to actually weigh anchor. The cost of overnighting at a mooring is usually considerably less than the cost of overnighting at a marina dock, although you will have to take your dinghy to get ashore.

Probably the favorite anchorage on Tortola [1], Cane Garden Bay [2] is usually comfortable for overnight use. Be sure to stay out of the swimming area. There is a dinghy dock on the eastern end of the bay, near Quito’s Gazebo.

On the west end, Soper’s Hole has moorings for visiting yachts, plus restaurants, groceries, and other supplies.

A nice anchorage on the east end is Buck Island, off Maya Cove. Anchor on the southwestern shore in 7–10 feet of water. Also on the east, Trellis Bay, Beef Island [3], is a great stop for yachters. Check on the latest regulations in the area, however, as the presence of the international airport has rendered some parts of the harbor off-limits.