Long Cay
Long Cay South Caicos · South Caicos Long Cay
21°30.96'N 71°32.70'W
Depth
2–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for good holding on sand in 2–6m. Long Cay is close to South Caicos and the tidal currents in the passes between the islands are strong — 2kt on springs. The 0.6–0.9m tidal range means depth variation is significant. Set 70m alarm and monitor depth through the tidal cycle. The current in nearby passages affects the angle of the anchor rode — anchor further from the passes for a more comfortable lie.
Caicos Banks Tidal Warning
Tidal range 0.6–0.9m. Maximum draft 1.2m at low water. Navigate in good light only. Anchor alarm is essential — set immediately on anchoring and monitor depth readings continuously.
About This Anchorage
Long Cay is a narrow, elongated uninhabited cay lying immediately southwest of South Caicos, separated from the main island by a narrow channel used by local fishing boats and ferry traffic. The cay is approximately 3km long but very narrow — typical of the low-lying cays in this area. The north side of the cay provides an anchorage conveniently close to South Caicos town while offering more protection from southerly swells than the main Cockburn Harbour anchorage. Bird life on Long Cay is excellent — the uninhabited low scrub supports nesting seabirds and the passage between Long Cay and South Caicos is a good area for fish. The strong tidal currents in the South Caicos passages make approach timing important.
Protected From
S · SE · E
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Protected area — no anchoring on coral or seagrass; tidal current in adjacent passages; shoal draft required in shallowest areas; TCI cruising permit required.
Hazards
- !Strong tidal currents in South Caicos passages — time transits at slack water
- !Tidal range 0.6–0.9m — depth variation significant in shallow areas north of cay
- !Northern and western exposure — frontal conditions make anchorage uncomfortable
- !Coral and seagrass in surrounding areas — anchor in sand only
Skipper's Tips
- →Long Cay provides a quiet alternative to the busier Cockburn Harbour anchorage at South Caicos — 2nm further from the customs dock but more peaceful
- →The passage between Long Cay and South Caicos can be transited by dinghy at high water for access to the south side of South Caicos
- →Bird watching on and around Long Cay is rewarding — nesting seabirds visible from the anchorage
- →Good fishing in the passage channel between Long Cay and South Caicos at tidal turns
Facilities
No facilities. South Caicos Cockburn Harbour (2nm NE) has limited provisions, fuel, and the Admiral's Arms restaurant.
Nearest provisions: South Caicos Cockburn Harbour (2nm NE) (2nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. Good alternative anchorage to Cockburn Harbour for those seeking quieter overnight stops near South Caicos.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
On the Caicos Banks, in 1–4m of water with a 0.6–0.9m tidal range, the anchor alarm is not optional — it is your primary safety tool. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously, night and day.
Download Free for iOS