Cruz Bay
Cruz Bay anchorage · Cruz Bay St. John
18°19.92'N 64°47.70'W
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding in 4–10m sand/mud. Ferry traffic requires clear passage in approach channel. Western exposure — monitor in westerly conditions. Mooring field in inner harbour; anchor in outer area only. CBP clearance mandatory from BVI or foreign ports.
About This Anchorage
Cruz Bay is the main town on St. John and the gateway to the Virgin Islands National Park — a vibrant small community with the USVI's best St. John restaurants, shops, and the NPS Visitor Center. The ferry from Red Hook, St. Thomas takes 20 minutes and runs constantly throughout the day, making Cruz Bay accessible to both day-trippers and cruising sailors. For vessels arriving from the BVI or any foreign port, Cruz Bay is a US CBP port of entry — clear here or use the CBP ROAM app before arrival. The anchorage is in the outer bay east of the ferry terminal, with mooring balls in the inner harbour area. The town has a lively waterfront bar and restaurant scene — Woody's Seafood Saloon, the Lime Inn, and several other well-regarded establishments. The NPS Visitor Center in Cruz Bay is the starting point for learning about the national park, hiking trails, and bay regulations.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in outer area; private mooring balls available in inner harbour at nightly rates
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- US CBP ROAM app clearance or in-person at Cruz Bay CBP office. All crew must have valid US entry documentation.
Restrictions: CBP ROAM clearance mandatory from BVI or any foreign port; ferry channel must be kept clear at all times; NPS Visitor Center provides park regulations; speed limit 5 knots in Cruz Bay harbour.
Hazards
- !Ferry traffic — ferries from St. Thomas arrive and depart every 30–60 minutes at speed; maintain absolute clear passage in ferry approach channel
- !Western exposure — in rare westerly conditions the outer anchorage becomes exposed and uncomfortable
- !Crowding — peak season January–March sees high anchorage density; mooring balls in the inner harbour fill quickly
- !Dinghy traffic throughout the harbour — water taxis, tour boats, and charter dinghies; slow speed always
Skipper's Tips
- →CBP ROAM app clearance is the easiest way to clear US customs from BVI — complete the form before entering USVI waters
- →NPS Visitor Center in Cruz Bay is essential first stop — pick up the park map, learn about bay regulations, and get hiking trail information
- →Starfish Market on the road above Cruz Bay has reasonable provisioning for St. John — limited compared to St. Thomas but adequate for fresh produce
- →Woody's Seafood Saloon at the waterfront is a local institution — the fish tacos and cold beers are exactly what sailing demands
- →The Caneel Bay Resort is a 10-minute dinghy ride north — dinghy up for lunch at the beach even if not staying at the resort
Facilities
Cruz Bay has the best restaurant selection on St. John — Woody's Seafood Saloon, the Lime Inn, Rhumb Lines, and others. Provisions at multiple small groceries. Starfish Market is the main provisioning store. Fuel available at the town dock.
Nearest provisions: Cruz Bay (Starfish Market, town center) (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April. Cruz Bay is active year-round as the main St. John ferry hub. Peak crowds January–March. NPS regulations enforced year-round in park bays.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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