Palm Island
Prune Island · Palm Island Resort anchorage
12°36.18'N 61°23.58'W
Depth
3–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding on sand in 3–10m. Good shelter from NE trades. Western exposure — check forecast for overnight. Convenient proximity to Clifton Harbour services.
About This Anchorage
Palm Island (formerly Prune Island) is a small private island resort just 1.5nm east of Clifton Harbour, Union Island — one of the classic small Caribbean resort islands with white sand beaches, coconut palms, and the calm tropical atmosphere of an exclusive hideaway. The island was transformed from a mosquito-infested mangrove swamp by John and Mary Caldwell, American sailors who arrived in the 1960s and spent years planting the 2,000 palm trees that give the island its current name. Palm Island Resort now operates as a luxury all-inclusive, but visiting sailors are welcome to anchor in the surrounding waters. The anchorage on the western side has good holding in clean sand and the beach is pleasant for swimming. The proximity to Clifton Harbour makes this a convenient overnight stop with easy access to Union Island's services and customs. The snorkelling off the reef on the island's eastern side is excellent.
Protected From
E · NE · SE · N
Exposed To
W · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in surrounding waters
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Private resort island — do not land on resort beach areas without permission. Cruising permit required for SVG. Anchor clear of resort dock and ferry approach.
Hazards
- !Western exposure — westerly swell can enter; check forecast before overnight
- !Private resort island — land only at public beach areas or with resort permission
- !Resort ferry traffic from Clifton Harbour — small water taxi operates regularly
Skipper's Tips
- →Palm Island is one of the classic Grenadines anchorages — quiet, beautiful, and perfectly positioned between Clifton Harbour and the Tobago Cays
- →The snorkelling on the eastern reef is excellent — take the dinghy around the island
- →The story of John and Mary Caldwell transforming Prune Island is one of the great Caribbean cruising tales — worth reading before you arrive
- →A convenient overnight stop when Clifton Harbour is busy — still within dinghy range of all Union Island services
- →Watch the sunset over the hills of Union Island from the Palm Island anchorage — one of the finest Grenadines views
Facilities
Palm Island Resort restaurant for non-guests by reservation only. All services at Clifton Harbour, Union Island (1.5nm W).
Nearest provisions: Clifton Harbour, Union Island (1.5nm W) (1.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. Quiet and convenient — a good overnight stop on the Tobago Cays to Union Island circuit. The proximity to Clifton Harbour makes it a practical first or last night before or after customs clearance.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
In the Tobago Cays, even mooring balls can drag or become unclipped in strong trades. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can snorkel with the turtles in total confidence.
Download Free for iOS