Store Bay — Crown Point
Store Bay · Crown Point Anchorage
11°09.1'N 60°50.5'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding on sand 3–8m. Open to north and northwest — NE trade wind swell can create surge and roll. Check swell forecast before overnight stays. The airport is adjacent — excellent for crew changes but aircraft approaches can be intrusive.
About This Anchorage
Store Bay at Crown Point is the main arrival and departure anchorage on Tobago's southwest tip — strategically positioned adjacent to ANR Robinson International Airport, making it the first port of call for most visiting yachts and ideal for crew changes. The beach is one of Tobago's most popular with local vendors selling fresh seafood, crab and dumplings (a Tobago institution), and cold Carib beer. Customs and immigration at Crown Point can be arranged for yacht clearance. The bay is open to north swell which can make overnight stays uncomfortable in certain conditions. Buccoo Reef Marine Protected Area is immediately to the north — no anchoring permitted in or near the reef system. Store Bay Craft Village and food stalls are on the beach — a sociable and convenient base for exploring southwest Tobago.
Protected From
E · SE · S · NE
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring; customs fee on first arrival in T&T
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Yacht cruising permit for T&T required. Customs at Crown Point or Scarborough. Bring crew list, ship's papers, passports.
Restrictions: Do NOT anchor near Buccoo Reef (Marine Protected Area) to the north; respect beach swimming area buoy lines; Buccoo Reef glass-bottom boat tours operate from beach — stay clear of their routes
Hazards
- !Buccoo Reef Marine Protected Area to the north — strictly NO anchoring near or on the reef
- !North swell exposure — anchorage can be uncomfortable or dangerous in NW weather systems
- !Aircraft approach path from adjacent airport — noise and wash from low-flying aircraft
- !Busy beach with swimmers and glass-bottom boats — maintain anchor watch and slow dinghy speed
Skipper's Tips
- →Crab and dumplings from the Store Bay food stalls is the definitive Tobago culinary experience — arrive hungry
- →Crown Point is the best crew change anchorage in Tobago — airport walkable from beach
- →Check swell forecasts (PredictWind/Windguru) before committing to overnight — north swell rolls through without warning
- →Buccoo village (2nm north) is accessible by taxi for local market and provisioning
- →The Sunday School street party at Buccoo village (every Sunday evening) is a Tobago institution — taxi from Store Bay
Facilities
Store Bay food stalls — crab and dumplings, shark and bake, fresh seafood vendors. Excellent local food. No fuel dock or water at anchorage — use marina at Scarborough.
Nearest provisions: Crown Point village and Store Bay stalls (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec
Year-round (south of hurricane belt). Best Jan–May dry season for stable trade winds. North swell risk increases Oct–Mar — check forecasts before overnight stays.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
On Tobago's Caribbean coast, north swell can enter exposed bays without warning. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can enjoy the beach, the villages, and the turtle watching with confidence.
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