Needham's Point Anchorage
Needham Point · Hilton Barbados anchorage
13°04.32'N 59°36.72'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for good holding on sand in 3–8m. Approach from north — rocky shoals around the Point tip. In SW swell, this position can become uncomfortable. Good position in normal settled trade wind conditions.
About This Anchorage
Needham's Point is the southern cape defining Carlisle Bay, home to the Hilton Barbados Resort. The anchorage in the lee of the point occupies the quiet southeast corner of the bay with slightly more shelter from trade-wind chop than the central anchorage. The Hilton's extensive beach is immediately adjacent. The historic gun batteries at Needham's Point (part of the UNESCO Garrison landscape) are visible from the anchorage and worth visiting by dinghy or short walk. This position tends to attract boats seeking slightly more shelter and space away from the busy central anchorage during ARC season.
Protected From
N · NE · E
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- No anchoring fee
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Carlisle Bay marine park designation. No anchoring on coral. Rocky shoals near Point — approach from north. No landing on Hilton private beach areas without resort access.
Hazards
- !Rocky shoal patches around Needham's Point cape — approach from north through the main bay
- !Exposed to SW swell in weather systems — less comfortable than central bay in those conditions
- !Swim zone around Hilton beach — water sports activity; maintain watch for swimmers
Skipper's Tips
- →Quieter than the main Carlisle Bay anchorage during ARC season — good choice if the central bay is full
- →The historic gun batteries at Needham's Point are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Garrison — accessible by dinghy or a 15-minute walk from the beach
- →The Hilton beach is well-maintained — dinghy ashore and walk north along the beach to the Boatyard for a livelier atmosphere
Facilities
Hilton Barbados resort adjacent — pool bar and restaurant accessible as paying guests. 1nm dinghy to Bridgetown/Carenage for full provisioning.
Nearest provisions: Bridgetown (via dinghy, 1.2nm N) (1.2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April. Quietest in the Carlisle Bay group. Good choice when main anchorage is crowded.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
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.
Download Free for iOS