Carlisle Bay North
Boatyard anchorage · Bayshore anchorage
13°04.92'N 59°37.26'W
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding on sand in 4–12m. North bay position is closest to Bridgetown and The Boatyard — busiest area of Carlisle Bay in ARC season. Tighter spacing may require reduced alarm radius to 60m if neighbours are close.
About This Anchorage
The north end of Carlisle Bay is the prime berth for arriving ARC+ passage-makers — close to The Boatyard beach bar where the ARC finish line celebrations are held, and within easy dinghy distance of the Carenage for customs clearance. The Boatyard is an institution on the Barbados sailing scene — its jetty, beach, bar, and pool are free to use for yachts anchored in Carlisle Bay. This is where Atlantic landfall parties happen, where crew celebrate the end of their ocean crossing, and where boats raft up three deep during ARC season. The position offers good protection from the ENE trades and excellent access to all of Bridgetown's facilities.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- No anchoring fee; The Boatyard facilities free to anchored yachts
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Customs mandatory at Carenage on arrival from abroad. Carlisle Bay marine park designation — sand only. Busy dinghy traffic area especially during ARC season.
Hazards
- !Most crowded section of Carlisle Bay during ARC season — 200+ boats; arrive early or anchor further south
- !High dinghy traffic to/from The Boatyard throughout the day
- !ARC finish line in this area — high-speed RIB traffic during finish events
- !Anchor near wrecks south — verify chart positions before anchoring
Skipper's Tips
- →The Boatyard has a dedicated dinghy dock for visiting yachts — tie up here and enjoy the free beach and pool facilities
- →The ARC+ finish line celebrations are held here — if timing an Atlantic crossing, arriving mid-November is the peak social period
- →Best restaurant in easy reach: Champers at the south end of the bay — renowned for fresh Bajan fish; book ahead in season
- →The Boatyard's free WiFi is the best in the anchorage — check in, update passage plans, call home
Facilities
The Boatyard beach bar and restaurant directly adjacent — a Barbados institution. Full Bridgetown provisioning 0.4nm north. Chandleries and fuel at the Carenage.
Nearest provisions: Bridgetown (Massy Stores, 0.4nm N) (0.4nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April. Most social anchorage in the Caribbean during ARC season November–January. February–April is busy but much calmer.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In Carlisle Bay, anchor drag toward the historic wrecks or coral patches can cause serious damage. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can celebrate your Atlantic crossing with confidence.
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