Long Bay
Long Bay anchorage · Sam Lord's Castle anchorage
13°03.78'N 59°29.94'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
100m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m
100m alarm — open coast position with Atlantic swell. This is a high-risk anchorage in any but perfectly flat-calm conditions (which are rare on this coast). Set maximum alarm radius. Approach only in confirmed calm conditions. Escape route back to south coast required if conditions deteriorate.
About This Anchorage
Long Bay on the southeast coast of Barbados marks the transition zone where the protected south coast meets the exposed Atlantic windward coast. The bay is set below the former Sam Lord's Castle estate (now a Marriott resort development). While there is a long, attractive beach with white sand, the anchorage is exposed to Atlantic swell from the south through northeast quadrants — the full fetch of the Atlantic. Anchoring here is only viable in exceptional, confirmed-flat conditions which are very rare. The historic Sam Lord's Castle (a notorious 19th-century wrecker who reportedly lured ships onto the reef by hanging lanterns in the coconut palms) gives the area dramatic historical character. Visit this coast by land rather than sea for safety.
Protected From
W · NW
Exposed To
S · SE · E · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- No anchoring fee
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Customs cleared at Bridgetown required. EXPOSED COAST — only approach in confirmed flat conditions. Reef extends offshore on the southeast coast — chart essential. Local knowledge strongly recommended.
Hazards
- !EXPOSED ATLANTIC COAST — suitable only in rare flat-calm conditions; 1–3m swell common even in settled weather
- !Reef hazards on southeast coast approach — use current chart and local knowledge
- !Rapidly changing conditions — escape route back to south coast must be planned before entering
- !No rescue services close by on this coast
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit Sam Lord's Castle and Long Bay by car or taxi from Bridgetown — far safer and more comfortable than by sea
- →If conditions are perfectly flat (confirmed on Windguru for 24h) a daytime stop here can be beautiful — but only in exceptional conditions
- →The wrecker history of Sam Lord is fascinating — the Marriott resort has preserved some of the castle architecture
Facilities
No facilities at the anchorage. The Marriott/Sam Lord's Castle resort is ashore but not accessible by dinghy easily. Oistins (7nm SW) for provisioning.
Nearest provisions: Oistins (7nm SW by sea) (7nm)
Best Months & Season
Mar, Apr
March–April only in confirmed flat-calm conditions. High risk anchorage. Most skippers avoid entirely.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 100m
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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