Kingstown Harbour
Kingstown anchorage · SVG port of entry
13°09.42'N 61°13.44'W
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m for good holding in sand/mud in 5–15m. The harbour has significant commercial traffic — ferries, cargo vessels, and cruise ships. Position well clear of all traffic channels. In southerly swell, increase awareness and consider moving to Blue Lagoon or Villa Beach.
About This Anchorage
Kingstown Harbour is the commercial heart of St. Vincent and the Grenadines — the main port of entry, seat of government, and largest town in the island nation. Clearing in here is mandatory for all foreign vessels on first arrival in SVG unless arriving at one of the approved alternative entry points (Wallilabou, Blue Lagoon, Villa Beach). The harbour itself is busy with inter-island ferry traffic to Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, and Union Island, plus cargo vessels and occasional cruise ships. The anchorage is west of the main ferry terminal in reasonable depth on sand and mud. Kingstown offers the best provisioning in SVG — the covered market is outstanding for fresh Caribbean produce, C.K. Greaves & Co. is the main supermarket, chandleries and ship services are available, and the town has the full range of services for cruising sailors including a port medical facility. The 19th-century cathedrals and botanical gardens (established 1765, the oldest in the Western Hemisphere) are worth a visit.
Protected From
N · NE · NW · W
Exposed To
S · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Port dues apply — check with SVG Port Authority (VHF 16)
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- SVG cruising permit issued here: ~$10–25 USD (vessel LOA dependent). Standard Eastern Caribbean health and immigration forms. EC dollars accepted; USD widely accepted.
Restrictions: Official port of entry — Q flag mandatory on arrival from any non-SVG port; customs and immigration at main port building; do not anchor in ferry approach channels or cargo berth approaches; harbour speed limit strictly enforced.
Hazards
- !Heavy commercial traffic — ferries, cargo vessels, and cruise ships operate frequently; maintain clear channels at all times
- !Southerly swell exposure — in unusual southerly conditions the anchorage becomes uncomfortable
- !Wakes from commercial vessel traffic — ensure anchor is set firmly
- !Port security — do not approach cruise ship berths or cargo terminal without permission
Skipper's Tips
- →Clear customs first thing in the morning — the immigration office at the port opens at 08:00; early arrivals avoid queues
- →The Kingstown covered market is outstanding — the best fresh Caribbean produce in SVG; stock up here before heading south to the Grenadines
- →C.K. Greaves & Co. supermarket is the best-stocked store in SVG — diesel, cleaning products, canned goods, the works
- →The SVG Botanical Gardens (1765, oldest in Western Hemisphere) are a 15-minute walk from the anchorage — a beautiful half-day visit
- →Blue Lagoon marina (2nm east) is quieter and more comfortable for overnight stays — many sailors prefer to anchor there after clearing customs at Kingstown
Facilities
Kingstown has the widest range of restaurants in SVG — local Vincentian food, Chinese restaurants, and supermarkets. Covered produce market excellent for fresh Caribbean fruit and vegetables. C.K. Greaves & Co. is the main supermarket. Fuel available at the commercial dock.
Nearest provisions: Kingstown covered market and C.K. Greaves supermarket (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. Kingstown is used year-round as a service stop — not a leisure anchorage. Clear customs and move to Blue Lagoon or Villa Beach for more comfortable overnight stays.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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