Grace Bay Roadstead
Grace Bay anchorage · Princess Alexandra Park anchorage
21°48.42'N 72°11.76'W
Depth
2–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding on sand in 2–6m. This is a shallow open roadstead — the 0.6–0.9m tidal range combined with northerly exposure means the alarm radius must account for increased swing at low water. Use 75m minimum; increase to 100m if northerly conditions are forecast. Monitor weather religiously — this anchorage has no protection from north. In any norther, depart immediately for Turtle Cove or Sapodilla Bay.
About This Anchorage
Grace Bay Beach is consistently rated one of the top two or three beaches in the entire world — 12 miles of brilliant powder-white sand fringed by the turquoise waters of Princess Alexandra National Park, with one of the most spectacular barrier reefs in the Caribbean just offshore. The roadstead anchorage off Grace Bay is spectacular but exposed — an open north-facing coastline where the prevailing easterly trades provide some protection from swell but cold front northers (January–March) make this anchorage untenable. Mooring buoys are available within the national park boundaries. Access to the famous beach requires a dinghy; the water shoals significantly as you approach the sand. The Grace Bay strip has luxury resorts, several excellent restaurants (Somewhere Café, Da Conch Shack, Coco Bistro), and the famous Provo Fish Fry on Fridays. This is a day-stop or calm-condition overnight anchorage — not a reliable overnight in northerly conditions.
Protected From
S · SW · SE
Exposed To
N · NE · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Mooring buoys in Princess Alexandra National Park — fees may apply; anchoring free in sand outside mooring zone
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- TCI cruising permit required (~$50 USD, obtained at Turtle Cove Marina customs). National park use included in cruising permit.
Restrictions: Princess Alexandra National Park — no anchoring on coral or reef; DECR enforcement active; mooring buoys available and preferred in park zone; no fishing in the park reef area; access to beach via dinghy only (too shallow for keel boats).
Hazards
- !Open northern exposure — cold front northers January–March: depart immediately when norther forecast; 30–40kt N wind in open roadstead is dangerous
- !Coral heads throughout the area — approach with bow watch; anchor only in clearly visible sand patches
- !Very shallow approach to beach — dinghy required; keel boats risk grounding within 200m of beach
- !Tidal range 0.6–0.9m — at low water, sandy areas shoal to 1.5–2m; monitor depth
- !Princess Alexandra National Park — DECR patrol boats active; coral anchoring fines are significant
Skipper's Tips
- →Grace Bay is one of the world's great beaches — plan a morning dinghy ashore before the resort day-trippers arrive
- →Use mooring buoys in the national park zone where available — they are placed in suitable depths and protect the reef
- →The Friday Fish Fry at Bight Park (Fridays from 17:00) is a must-visit — local seafood, music, and the best conch fritters in TCI
- →Snorkelling on the barrier reef just offshore is world-class — the reef drop-off at Smith's Reef is accessible from shore
- →If any northerly weather is forecast, do NOT stay overnight here — move to Turtle Cove Marina or Sapodilla Bay
Facilities
Grace Bay strip has numerous restaurants — Somewhere Café, Da Conch Shack, Coco Bistro, Seven (at Grace Bay Club), and many others. Friday Fish Fry at Bight Park is a local institution. All accessible by dinghy and short walk.
Nearest provisions: IGA Supermarket, Grace Bay Road (dinghy + short walk) (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May in settled conditions. Day anchorage recommended in northerly forecast. December–April most reliable for overnight in settled trade conditions.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
In TCI waters, the 0.6–0.9m tidal range means your depth at anchor changes significantly overnight. Drag toward coral reef can cause serious damage. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can sleep with confidence.
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