Barbuda — Low Bay
Low Bay anchorage · Barbuda Pink Sand Beach
17°35.0'N 61°49.0'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m alarm radius for 3–8m open anchorage on sand. The anchorage is open to the west — set a larger alarm radius than usual to allow for any unexpected wind shift. In settled NE trade winds the anchorage is comfortable; any westerly tendency requires immediate departure to Codrington Lagoon (if draft permits) or Antigua. Monitor forecast closely overnight.
About This Anchorage
Low Bay anchorage lies off one of the most extraordinary beaches in the Caribbean — a 17-mile (27km) continuous stretch of pink-tinged sand on Barbuda's southwest coast that has consistently ranked among the finest beaches in the world. The pink colour comes from fragments of Foraminifera shells (tiny marine organisms with pink/red shells) mixed into the white coral sand — the effect is subtle but unmistakable in morning and evening light. The beach is completely undeveloped (Barbuda's population of around 1,800 is concentrated in Codrington village on the opposite coast) and accessible only by boat or by those willing to walk long distances from the lagoon side. Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused significant damage to Barbuda's infrastructure, though the beach itself is unchanged. The anchorage is exposed to the west but comfortable in the prevailing NE trade winds. The crossing from Antigua (27nm) is in open water — allow 4–5 hours from Jolly Harbour.
Protected From
E · NE · N · SE
Exposed To
W · SW · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- No formal fee; check current requirements with Antigua Port Authority
- Maximum stay
- 14 days
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral — sand only (plentiful throughout the bay); respect the undeveloped beach — no litter; approach coral heads with extreme caution; Barbuda: cleared in Antigua covers the visit but carry documentation; no discharge of any waste.
Hazards
- !Open western exposure — any westerly swell or SW/NW wind shift makes anchorage dangerous; departure in darkness is difficult; monitor forecast carefully
- !Coral heads throughout approach from south and north — numerous unmarked; approach very slowly with depth sounder; Irma 2017 may have shifted positions
- !Remote location: 27nm open water from Antigua; no marine services on Barbuda; be completely self-sufficient
- !Barbuda is a low, flat island difficult to see at distance — use GPS approach waypoints; do not confuse with open sea
- !No shelter from western storms — if forecast deteriorates toward westerly, depart immediately for Antigua or Codrington Lagoon
Skipper's Tips
- →The 17-mile pink sand beach is best experienced at sunrise or sunset — the pink colour is most vivid in low-angle light; anchor overnight for both
- →The passage from Antigua to Barbuda is fastest on a broad reach in the NE trades — leave Jolly Harbour at first light for arrival in comfortable conditions before midday
- →Bring all food, water, fuel, and supplies from Antigua — Barbuda has almost nothing available for visiting sailors
- →The beach at Low Bay is completely empty on most days — you may be the only yacht and the only person in sight; enjoy the extraordinary solitude
- →Barbuda hawksbill and loggerhead sea turtles nest on Low Bay beach April–October — treat nesting areas with extreme respect
Facilities
No facilities at all at Low Bay. Codrington village (2nm N by dinghy across the lagoon) has very limited provisions. Stock completely in Antigua. One or two informal beach bars operate seasonally on Low Bay beach — check locally.
Nearest provisions: Codrington village (very limited, 2nm by dinghy) (2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May ONLY. This anchorage is untenable in summer hurricane season. The passage to Barbuda is open Atlantic — do not attempt in conditions above F5 or with any W/NW swell forecast. Barbuda facilities remain limited post-Irma — check current situation before visiting.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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