Six Men's Bay
Six Mens Bay anchorage · Six Men Bay
13°16.14'N 59°38.22'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding on sand in 3–8m. More exposed to NW swell than the southern bays due to north cape proximity. Monitor forecasts carefully before overnight. Good in settled ENE trade conditions.
About This Anchorage
Six Men's Bay is a traditional Barbadian fishing village at the northern end of the Platinum Coast strip — one of the most authentic, non-touristy anchorages in Barbados. The bay is the working home of Bajan fishing pirogue boats painted in bright primary colours, traditional wooden fishing vessels that have worked these waters for generations. The anchorage provides reasonable shelter from ENE trades but is more exposed to northwesterly swell than the bays further south, due to its proximity to the north cape. The village has no tourist infrastructure — it is purely a local fishing community. The nearest services are in Speightstown (1.5nm south). A wonderful stop for anyone wanting to see authentic Barbadian fishing culture rather than the hotel strip.
Protected From
E · NE · SE · S
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- No anchoring fee
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Customs cleared at Bridgetown required. Active fishing village — give way to all fishing vessels. No anchoring on coral or sea grass — sand only.
Hazards
- !North cape proximity — NW swell can wrap around the cape; more exposure than southern bays
- !Active fishing village — working fishing pirogues manoeuvring; give priority to fishing vessels
- !No tourist facilities — entirely self-sufficient stop
- !North tip swell in weather systems — monitor carefully before overnight stay
Skipper's Tips
- →Six Men's Bay is one of the most authentic cultural experiences in Barbados — the fishing community here has changed little in decades
- →Early morning: watch the fishing pirogues return with the night's catch — an extraordinary spectacle of colour and activity
- →Speightstown (1.5nm south) for provisioning and services
- →Best as a daytime stop rather than overnight — protection from N/NW is limited
Facilities
No restaurants in the village. Nearest services in Speightstown (1.5nm S).
Nearest provisions: Speightstown (1.5nm S) (1.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April in settled conditions. Day stop preferred — overnight if northerly swell is nil on forecast.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
On the Platinum Coast, even calm west coast conditions can see anchor drag toward sea grass beds or shallow patches. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can watch the Barbados sunset in peace.
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