Gibbs Cay
Gibbs Cay stingray beach · Grand Turk stingray anchorage
21°27.00'N 71°05.52'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. The west side of Gibbs Cay is partially sheltered from the easterlies but the small size of the cay means protection is limited. The 0.6–0.9m tidal range affects depth in the shallower inner areas near the stingray beach. Set 70m alarm; this is primarily a daytime excursion anchorage from Grand Turk rather than an overnight stop.
About This Anchorage
Gibbs Cay is a small uninhabited cay approximately 4nm east-southeast of Grand Turk, accessed by a short motor or sail from Cockburn Town Roads. The cay is famous for its population of wild but habituated southern stingrays — large, graceful creatures that congregate on the sandy shallows of the west beach, where fishermen have traditionally cleaned their catch. The stingrays have become completely comfortable with humans and will glide directly to your feet in thigh-deep water, accepting food from your hand. It is one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in TCI — comparable to the Stingray City experience in the Cayman Islands but in a wilder, less commercialised setting. Cruise ship day-trip operators run excursions here from Grand Turk when ships are in port. The surrounding reef has excellent snorkelling. Dinghy from the Grand Turk Roads anchorage or motor over for a half-day trip.
Protected From
W · NW · SW
Exposed To
E · NE · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Uninhabited DECR-protected cay; do not feed stingrays with non-natural food items; no collecting; no anchoring on coral; anchor in sand only.
Hazards
- !Eastern exposure — uncomfortable in trade wind conditions above 15kt from the east; visit in morning when trades are lighter
- !Stingray barbs — stingrays are harmless when approached respectfully; do not startle them; shuffle feet in shallow water approaching the beach
- !Cruise ship day-trip boats — when ships are in Grand Turk port, excursion boats run here; can be crowded mid-day
- !Tidal range 0.6–0.9m — the sandy stingray beach area can shoal at low tide
- !Coral on approach from north and south — approach from west in good light
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit Gibbs Cay in the early morning before cruise ship day-trippers arrive — the stingray encounter is extraordinary in the quiet
- →Bring bread or squid for the stingrays — they will approach you directly and eat from your hand; an unforgettable experience
- →The snorkelling around Gibbs Cay is excellent — pristine reef in good condition away from the stingray feeding beach
- →Check the cruise ship schedule in Grand Turk before planning your Gibbs Cay visit — busy on cruise days, magical on off-days
- →The dinghy run from Cockburn Town Roads to Gibbs Cay takes 30–40 minutes in settled conditions — motor over for the morning and back for lunch
Facilities
No facilities. Grand Turk (4nm W) has all services.
Nearest provisions: Cockburn Town Front Street (4nm W) (4nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. Best visited on non-cruise-ship days for the stingray encounter. Morning visits strongly recommended to avoid excursion boat crowds.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In the Turks Islands, open roadstead anchorages with 0.6–0.9m tidal range and strong Turks Island Passage current mean careful monitoring is essential. Safety Anchor Alarm keeps watch while you sleep.
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