Compass Point Marina Approach

About This Anchorage

The Compass Point Marina approach area on the east coast of St. Thomas provides anchorage in the vicinity of the small-boat marina of the same name, adjacent to Red Hook Bay. The anchorage is very close to Red Hook's facilities — fuel, provisions, restaurants, and the St. John ferry terminal are all within 0.5nm. Holding is fair due to the mixed sand, mud, and weed bottom. For most visiting cruisers, Red Hook Bay proper provides a better anchorage experience with more swinging room. Compass Point approach is useful when Red Hook Bay is full and an extra anchorage spot is needed nearby. The marina itself primarily serves local and small craft — visiting yachts should contact the marina on VHF 16 regarding berth availability.

Hazards

• !Marina approach channel — maintain clear passage; traffic entering and exiting Compass Point Marina
• !Fair holding only — weed and mixed bottom; engine test mandatory; monitor overnight
• !Open to south and southeast — in southerly conditions anchorage becomes exposed
• !Prefer Red Hook Bay as primary anchorage — better holding and more established anchorage area

Skipper's Tips

• →Use Compass Point approach as overflow when Red Hook Bay is full — same access to all Red Hook facilities by dinghy
• →Engine test after anchoring is essential — holding is only fair; re-anchor if needed
• →Red Hook ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John is 0.5nm west — walk the dinghy dock and catch the 20-minute ferry
• →VHF 16 for Compass Point Marina to check berth availability before committing to anchoring
• →All Red Hook services (fuel, chandlery, restaurants) are a 5-minute dinghy ride west

Nearby Anchorages