Cumberland Bay
Cumberland Anchorage · Chateaubelair district bay
13°15.18'N 61°15.18'W
Depth
5–20m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m in 5–20m on sand. Bay deepens rapidly — anchor in the shallower eastern section, not over the deep volcanic rock centre. Alarm radius accounts for westerly swell exposure. Boat boy mooring lines to shore trees provide additional security.
About This Anchorage
Cumberland Bay is one of the most dramatically beautiful anchorages in the entire Eastern Caribbean — a narrow, fjord-like inlet with near-vertical volcanic cliffs rising hundreds of metres directly from the water's edge, lush tropical rainforest cascading down to the sea, and a tiny fishing village of brightly painted wooden houses at the head of the bay. The bay offers excellent protection from the NE trades and is a popular overnight stop on the St. Vincent west coast circuit. Boat boys are active here — they hold stern lines ashore, offer local produce, and provide guided hikes up the volcanic slopes to spectacular viewpoints. The village has a few rum shops and informal local cooking. The surrounding landscape is genuinely extraordinary — volcanic black sand meets emerald green jungle. This is what Caribbean sailing used to look like before the charter infrastructure era.
Protected From
E · NE · SE
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring; stern line to shore trees managed by boat boys (~$5–10 USD)
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Cruising permit required for SVG. Respect the local fishing community — do not anchor over their fishing grounds near the shore.
Hazards
- !Rapid depth changes — bay deepens very quickly from shore; anchor in shallow eastern section only
- !Westerly swell can enter and make anchorage rolly overnight — check forecast
- !Volcanic rock bottom in places reduces anchor holding — set firmly with engine test
- !Flash flood risk after heavy rain from the steep volcanic slopes — do not anchor directly under cliff line
Skipper's Tips
- →Cumberland Bay is one of the most beautiful anchorages in the Caribbean — the volcanic cliffs at sunrise are extraordinary
- →The boat boys here offer guided jungle hikes to waterfalls on the volcanic slopes — well worth the experience
- →Stern lines to shore trees are nearly essential given the narrow bay and deep water — accept the boat boy assistance
- →The village at the head of the bay has excellent local cooking — ask boat boys about local families offering food
- →Come with full provisions — there is no provisioning at Cumberland Bay; stock up in Kingstown before heading north
Facilities
Local rum shops and home cooking available from village families. Boat boys sell fresh fruit, fish, and lobster. No commercial restaurant — local home cooking only.
Nearest provisions: Kingstown (9nm S) (9nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. One of the most spectacular anchorages in SVG — best in settled conditions without westerly swell. The lush jungle is at its most spectacular after light December rains.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
St. Vincent's volcanic anchorages are beautiful but can be exposed to overnight swell. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can explore ashore with confidence.
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