Union Island (Clifton Harbour)
Clifton · Union Island anchorage
12°35.8'N 61°24.7'W
Jurisdiction: St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 3–7m on sand/mud. Trade wind swell wraps into the harbour in fresh conditions — set alarm at 80m and ensure anchor is well bedded. Anchorage Point Marina berths available as alternative.
About This Anchorage
Union Island is the southernmost of the SVG Grenadines and the primary port of entry for sailors arriving from Grenada or the south. Clifton is the main settlement — a lively cruising hub with Customs and Immigration (mandatory clearance required), the Anchorage Point Marina, restaurants, bars, and excellent provisioning. Union Island is the launching point for the Tobago Cays Marine Park (10nm NW) — the most visited anchorage in the SVG Grenadines. The island's rugged interior rises to Mount Taboi at 305m, giving it a more dramatic profile than the flat sand islands to the north. The Clifton cruiser scene is active and social, with a good dinghy dock at Anchorage Point. IMPORTANT: Union Island is part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines — a different country from Grenada. SVG Customs clearance is required on arrival from Grenada or any Grenada jurisdiction (including Carriacou). SVG cruising permits must be purchased separately from Grenada permits.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW
Exposed To
E · SE · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring; SVG cruising permit required; marina berth fees at Anchorage Point
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- SVG Customs and Immigration clearance mandatory at Clifton on arrival from Grenada or any non-SVG territory. SVG cruising permit purchased from Customs. Q flag on arrival. SEPARATE from Grenada permit.
- Mooring buoys
- Not available
Restrictions: SVG clearance required — this is a different country from Grenada. Grenada cruising permit is NOT valid for SVG. Q flag mandatory on arrival from Grenada.
Hazards
- !SVG jurisdiction: MUST clear Customs and Immigration at Clifton; sailing in SVG without clearance carries heavy fines
- !Trade wind swell wraps around the eastern headland into Clifton Harbour — can be rolly in fresh NE trades
- !Tobago Cays approach: reef navigation required; follow the buoyed channel; no shortcuts
Skipper's Tips
- →Clear SVG Customs immediately on arrival — officers are at the pier; straightforward clearance with yacht documents
- →SVG VHF Net: check local VHF 68 for Union Island net information and Tobago Cays current conditions
- →Tobago Cays (10nm NW): SVG National Marine Park; moorings mandatory; park fee required; one of the Caribbean's finest anchorages
- →Anchorage Point Marina has the best dinghy dock in Clifton — use it for town visits
- →Fresh flying fish and lobster available at the market — Union Island is known for excellent local seafood
Facilities
Multiple restaurants and bars in Clifton. Anchorage Point Marina has facilities. Good provisioning — supermarket and fresh produce. Fuel dock at marina.
Nearest provisions: Clifton, Union Island (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Year-round base for the Grenadines. Busiest December–April. Peak of Tobago Cays season January–March. SVG clearance required year-round on entry from Grenada.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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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