Green Cay Anchorage
Green Cay St. Croix · East Christiansted anchorage
17°45.24'N 64°40.74'W
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for good holding on sand in 4–10m. Northern exposure — ENE trades have a northerly component that partially exposes this anchorage; in stronger trade conditions the anchorage can be choppy. Green Cay provides partial southern protection. Dive boats operating in the area — maintain clear passage.
About This Anchorage
Green Cay Anchorage between Green Cay (a small uninhabited island) and the north coast of St. Croix provides a useful alternative to Christiansted Harbour and a convenient staging point for a Buck Island visit the following morning. The bay has good sand holding and the snorkelling around Green Cay is excellent — the reef surrounding the small island has good coral coverage and diverse fish life. Dive operators from Christiansted regularly bring clients here. The anchorage is open to the north and northeast (the prevailing trade direction), making it somewhat choppy in strong trade conditions. Best suited to settled periods or as a daytime stop. Buck Island Reef National Monument is approximately 2nm northeast — the standard approach for a Buck Island mooring ball day trip from Christiansted.
Protected From
S · SW · W · SE
Exposed To
N · NW · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Anchor only in sand — coral heads surrounding Green Cay; give way to dive boats operating in the area; Green Cay is uninhabited — do not disturb wildlife.
Hazards
- !Northern and northeast exposure — ENE trades make this anchorage choppy to uncomfortable in strong conditions; monitor wind strength
- !Coral heads around Green Cay — anchor in clear sand well away from the island's reef perimeter
- !Dive boat traffic — local dive operators regularly use this site; give way and maintain slow speed near dive flags
- !Not suitable for heavy trade conditions — consider Christiansted Harbour if trades are above 20kt
Skipper's Tips
- →Green Cay is an excellent staging anchorage for an early Buck Island departure — anchor here, snorkel in the afternoon, and depart for Buck Island at 08:00 the next morning
- →The snorkelling around Green Cay is excellent and much less visited than Buck Island — healthy reef, good fish, and no day-trip boat congestion
- →Local dive operators treat Green Cay as a regular site — watching certified divers working the reef from the dinghy gives a good preview of the underwater environment
- →In light trade conditions (under 15kt) the anchorage is comfortable and pleasant; in strong trades, move to Christiansted Harbour
- →Buck Island NPS mooring balls are 2nm northeast — contact NPS rangers on VHF 16 to confirm mooring ball availability before departing
Facilities
No facilities at Green Cay anchorage. Christiansted (2nm W) has full services.
Nearest provisions: Christiansted (2nm W) (2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April. Best in light to moderate trade conditions. Excellent staging point for Buck Island visits. Avoid in strong trade winds above 20kt.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In St. Croix, Christiansted Harbour's barrier reef and ENE trade winds make secure anchoring essential. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can explore the Danish colonial town and Buck Island with confidence.
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