Chatham Bay, Union Island

About This Anchorage

Chatham Bay is the jewel of Union Island — a remote, beautiful bay on the west coast of the island, surrounded by the dramatic rugged peaks of Union Island's volcanic interior rising steeply from the water's edge. The bay provides excellent shelter from the NE trades and a dramatically different experience from the busy Clifton Harbour on the east side — only a 3nm sail around the southern tip, but an entirely different world. The anchorage is deep and the cliffs rise sharply from the water — stern lines to shore trees are both practical and common, and local boat boys are present to assist. A few informal beach restaurants and rum bars operate seasonally at the head of the bay. The bay is beautiful for snorkelling, hiking on the coastal paths, and simply sitting at anchor admiring one of the Eastern Caribbean's finest mountain landscapes. This is one of those anchorages that reminds sailors exactly why they chose this life.

Hazards

• !Westerly exposure — westerly swell can enter; check forecast for overnight
• !Deep water close to shore — anchor position critical; stern lines to shore trees useful
• !Remote from services — carry all provisions from Clifton Harbour

Skipper's Tips

• →Chatham Bay is the most beautiful anchorage on Union Island — far removed from the busy Clifton Harbour scene
• →The hike to the ridge above the bay rewards with extraordinary views over the southern Grenadines and Grenada beyond
• →Stern lines to shore trees are the norm here — accept boat boy help and pay $5–10 USD
• →Seasonal beach restaurants when open serve excellent local fish and lobster — VHF 16 to check
• →Arrive from Clifton Harbour after clearing customs — the 3nm south then west around the tip is a fast reach in the trades

Nearby Anchorages