Bottom Bay
Bottom Bay anchorage · Bottom Bay Beach
13°04.38'N 59°29.22'W
EXPOSED ATLANTIC COAST — Emergency Reference Entry
This anchorage is on the Atlantic windward coast of Barbados. It is NOT suitable for visiting yacht anchoring in normal conditions. Full Atlantic swell arrives directly — 1–3m swell common even in settled periods. This entry is for emergency reference and local knowledge documentation only. Visit by car from Bridgetown.
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
110m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
110m
110m alarm — fully exposed Atlantic coast. This anchorage is for reference/emergency only. Do not attempt in any swell conditions. The beauty of the location does not compensate for the exposure risk.
About This Anchorage
Bottom Bay is one of the most dramatically beautiful beaches in Barbados — a small cove backed by towering coral limestone cliffs and shaded by palms, with brilliant turquoise water and fine white sand. It is a popular photography location and a benchmark of Caribbean beach imagery. However, this beauty comes with complete Atlantic exposure — the bay faces northeast into the full open Atlantic fetch, and swell of 1–3m arrives even in 'calm' conditions. Anchoring here is only theoretically possible in rare flat-calm windows that exist for perhaps a few days per year. Bottom Bay is best enjoyed by rental car from Bridgetown (30 minutes drive) rather than by sea. The coastal road south from Bathsheba passes through spectacular scenery.
Protected From
W
Exposed To
E · NE · SE · S
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- No anchoring fee
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Customs cleared at Bridgetown required. EXPOSED ATLANTIC COAST — approach only in confirmed flat-calm conditions (extremely rare). Cliff-backed beach means no escape route ashore in emergency.
Hazards
- !FULLY EXPOSED ATLANTIC COAST — 1–3m swell even in 'calm' periods; this anchorage is dangerous in normal conditions
- !Coral cliffs behind the beach — no escape route ashore in emergency
- !Reef hazards on approach — approach only with current chart and local knowledge
- !Distance from rescue services — self-rescue capability essential
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit Bottom Bay by car — it is one of Barbados's most photographed locations and well worth the visit by land
- →The coastal road from Oistins to Bathsheba passes through exceptional east coast scenery — rent a car for a full day
- →Do not anchor here unless conditions are absolutely confirmed flat-calm for 24+ hours — the risk is not worth it
Facilities
No facilities at Bottom Bay. Visit by car from Bridgetown.
Nearest provisions: Oistins (8nm SW by sea) (8nm)
Best Months & Season
Mar, Apr
Avoid — reference/emergency only. Visit by car.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 110m
On the Barbados south coast, south swell can build unexpectedly and drag an anchor toward the beach. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can enjoy the Oistins Fish Fry in peace.
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