Mayreau (Saltwhistle Bay)
Saltwhistle Bay · Grand Col Bay · Mayreau anchorage
12°38.2'N 61°23.7'W
Jurisdiction: St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
55m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m
55m on the western Caribbean side in 2–4m on white sand. Excellent holding. If using a mooring buoy, reduce alarm or use dock alarm mode. In very fresh NE trades, swell can make the bay uncomfortable — proceed to Union Island (7nm S) for better shelter.
About This Anchorage
Saltwhistle Bay on Mayreau is widely considered one of the most beautiful anchorages in the entire Caribbean. The bay is almost completely enclosed — a double-sided anchorage with two white sand beaches separated by the narrowest strip of land, facing west (Caribbean Sea) and east (Atlantic). The turquoise water, swaying palm trees, and pristine sand make this the classic Grenadines postcard image. Mayreau is a tiny island — just 4 km² — with a small hilltop village of approximately 250 residents, one church, and one road. The Saltwhistle Bay Club at the north end of the bay has mooring buoys available for guests, plus a restaurant and bar open to visiting sailors. The island is a stopping point on the Tobago Cays circuit — the Tobago Cays lie just 4nm to the northeast. SVG Customs clearance is required — clear at Union Island before arriving at Mayreau. Mooring buoys are available and strongly preferred to anchoring, to protect the sand and coral ecosystem.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW
Exposed To
E · NE · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring or mooring buoy fee (contact Saltwhistle Bay Club); SVG cruising permit required
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- SVG Customs clearance required — clear at Union Island (7nm S) before arriving. SVG cruising permit. Mooring buoys preferred to protect the reef and sand ecosystem.
- Mooring buoys
- Available
Restrictions: Use mooring buoys where available — preferred over anchoring to protect coral. Do not anchor on coral — sand only. SVG National Marine Park rules may apply in adjacent waters.
Hazards
- !SVG jurisdiction: clearance required at Union Island before arriving at Mayreau
- !Mooring buoys: always inspect before trusting — condition varies; check the mooring pennant and swivel
- !In fresh NE trades, swell can build in the anchorage — in boisterous conditions move to Union Island
- !Tobago Cays approach from Mayreau: reef navigation required; follow buoyed channel carefully
Skipper's Tips
- →Walk to the hilltop village for the best view in the SVG Grenadines — 360° panorama of Saltwhistle, Tobago Cays, and Union Island
- →Arrive early — Saltwhistle Bay has limited anchoring space and fills up by mid-morning in peak season
- →Use a mooring buoy if available — this protects the coral and gives you a more secure night with predictable swing
- →The church at the top of the hill rings its bell for Sunday service — one of the most evocative sounds in the Caribbean
- →Tobago Cays is 4nm NE — a half-day sail; head there for the morning and return to Saltwhistle for the sunset
Facilities
Saltwhistle Bay Club at the north end of the bay: restaurant and bar open to visiting sailors. Small hilltop village has very basic provisions. Dinghy walk up the hill to the village — local rum shop and basic supplies.
Nearest provisions: Mayreau village (basic) / Union Island (7nm S) (7nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Best December–April. One of the most popular Grenadines anchorages in peak season — can be very crowded January–March. Off-season (May–November) is quieter but check for heightened swell activity.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m
In the Grenadines, trade wind squalls and current shifts can drag anchors without warning. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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