La Toc Bay
La Toc · Toc Bay
14°00.1'N 61°00.3'W
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m on sand and mud in 3–7m. Sheltered from north by Castries headland. Open to south — occasional southerly swell from passing weather. Check set thoroughly before leaving vessel.
About This Anchorage
La Toc Bay sits just south of Castries, St. Lucia's capital and main commercial port. The bay is a popular anchorage for yachts who want to be close to Castries for provisioning and sightseeing without entering the large commercial harbour. The La Toc headland provides shelter from the north and the prevailing NE trades. The Sandals resort (formerly La Toc) occupies the south shore of the bay. Anchoring in 3–7m on sand and mud gives good holding. The bay is an attractive stepping stone between Rodney Bay and Castries, or a quiet overnight spot 2nm from the capital's facilities.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · W
Exposed To
S · SE · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring. Castries is a port of entry — Customs facilities in the commercial port 2nm north. Navigation licence required.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Sandals resort south shore — respect resort water activities zone. Stay clear of resort buoyed swim area. No facilities at anchor.
Hazards
- !Rocky headland on north approach — give wide berth
- !Resort swim buoys on south shore — stay clear
- !Open to south and SW — swell from passing weather can make anchorage uncomfortable
- !Commercial port traffic from Castries creates wash — ferries pass north of bay
Skipper's Tips
- →Dinghy or take a taxi north to Castries for provisioning — busy capital with good markets and supermarkets
- →La Toc Battery ruins (18th century British fortification) are visible on the headland — dinghy ashore and walk up
- →Good position for watching the large cruise ships enter and leave Castries harbour to the north
- →Castries market (Saturday morning) is one of the best on the island — colourful, local produce and spices
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Castries market and supermarkets (2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. Sheltered from trade winds. Occasional southerly swell in transition season (June). Near Castries services.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
Trade wind gusts and ARC fleet traffic in Rodney Bay can cause anchor drag overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — wake up before you are aground.
Download Free for iOS