Seal Cays
Seal Cays anchorage · South Caicos Banks — Seal
21°21.00'N 71°39.00'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for good holding on sand in 2–5m. At the southern edge of the Caicos Banks, Seal Cays is exposed to the Caribbean Sea to the south. The 0.6–0.9m tidal range matters most in the shallower inshore areas. Set 65m alarm; monitor for any southerly weather development — the Seal Cays have more exposure to weather systems from the tropics than the northern Banks anchorages.
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
The Seal Cays are a group of small, low-lying uninhabited cays at the southern extreme of the Caicos Banks — marking the transition between the sheltered shallow Banks environment and the open Caribbean Sea. The cays are part of the West Caicos/French Cay protected area system. The water here is at the intersection of the shallow Banks (to the north) and the deep-water Caribbean (to the south), creating an unusual mix of habitats — bonefishing flats on the Banks side and beginning reef drop-off on the south side. Wildlife is exceptional — the remote location means minimal human disturbance. The Seal Cays were historically associated with fishing operations targeting the once-abundant monk seal populations (now extinct in TCI); today they are a serene and wild conservation area.
Protected From
N · NE · E
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Remote conservation area — no anchoring on coral; shoal draft; DECR protection; approach from north only; no night navigation.
Hazards
- !Southern exposure to Caribbean Sea — weather systems from S/SW arrive without shelter; monitor carefully
- !Caicos Banks tidal range 0.6–0.9m — shallow areas north of cays can dry at low water
- !Very remote — 15nm from limited South Caicos services; full self-sufficiency required
- !Coral heads on approach — visual navigation essential; no night navigation
Skipper's Tips
- →Seal Cays marks the southern boundary of the Caicos Banks cruising ground — a natural final stop before French Cay or returning north
- →The wildlife here is exceptional given the minimal human traffic — exceptional bird life and marine life
- →Approach from South Caicos — the route south from Cockburn Harbour to Seal Cays is a full-day Banks transit in shallow water
- →Monitor weather carefully here — the southern exposure and distance from shelter make a reliable window essential
Facilities
No facilities. South Caicos (15nm N) has limited services.
Nearest provisions: South Caicos (15nm N) (15nm)
Best Months & Season
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
January–April. Remote south Banks destination. Experienced shoal-draft sailors with full self-sufficiency.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
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.
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