Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau

About This Anchorage

Salt Whistle Bay on the north side of Mayreau is one of the most photogenic anchorages in the Caribbean — a double crescent of brilliant white sand enclosing an almost completely sheltered lagoon, fringed with coconut palms and with the Salt Whistle Bay Hotel's charming cottages scattered through the tropical garden. The bay is extraordinary in its completeness — the twin beaches curve around to create a near-perfect enclosure, leaving the anchored yachts in flat, crystal-clear water even when the trades are blowing. The holding in clean sand is excellent throughout. The snorkelling off the reef at the northern entrance to the bay is very good, and the beach itself is beautiful for swimming and walking. The Salt Whistle Bay Hotel has a beach bar and restaurant open to visiting sailors. Peak season sees the bay moderately busy — arrive before noon for a good anchor position.

Hazards

• !Reef at southern entrance — approach from the north; the southern entry is shallow and reef-strewn
• !Peak season crowding — bay holds 20–30 boats comfortably; arrive before noon
• !Southerly exposure — in unusual southerly conditions, swell can enter the southern opening

Skipper's Tips

• →Salt Whistle Bay is regularly described as one of the ten most beautiful anchorages in the Caribbean — it deserves the reputation
• →Approach from the north — the southern entry is too shallow and reef-strewn for most keelboats
• →The Salt Whistle Bay Hotel beach bar is the perfect sundowner spot — simple, charming, right on the beach
• →Snorkel the reef at the northern entrance for excellent Caribbean fish life in very clear water
• →Arrive before noon in peak season (Dec–Mar) — the bay is beautiful and well-known; it fills up quickly

Nearby Anchorages