Mosquito Cove
Mosquito Cove anchorage
17°03.3'N 61°53.4'W
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m alarm radius for 3–6m on sand/mud. Allow for weed on bottom — anchor may drag until properly set; re-anchor if not confident. In afternoon NW sea breeze, some chop develops — alarm radius is appropriate for these conditions.
About This Anchorage
Mosquito Cove is the preferred anchorage for sailors who want access to Jolly Harbour's excellent facilities without paying full marina prices. The cove sits just inside the dredged entrance channel to Jolly Harbour marina complex, protected from the prevailing NE trades by the natural headland and marina breakwater infrastructure. The bottom is sand and mud with some light weed — anchors set well once through the weed. Jolly Harbour Marina (0.4nm dinghy ride) has the best-stocked provisioning on Antigua (Epicurean Fine Foods, open 365 days), full fuel dock, showers, chandlery, and marine services. Crabbs Marina is visible from the cove across the bay. The anchorage is quiet, with minimal swell, and works well as a budget-friendly base for exploring the west coast.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Port Authority anchoring fee ~US$2/night; no National Park fee at Jolly Harbour area
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral; stay clear of approach channel to Jolly Harbour (marked by buoys); do not obstruct marina traffic; clearance at Jolly Harbour office required if this is port of entry.
Hazards
- !Weed on bottom — anchor may skate before setting; re-anchor and test with engine in reverse
- !Approach channel to Jolly Harbour: stay clear of marked channel and dredged edges
- !Westerly afternoon sea breeze creates chop; anchor closer to NE shoreline for protection
- !Insects (especially mosquitoes and sandflies) in the evening — cove name is descriptive; screens and repellent essential
- !Shoal water near shore — keep to middle of cove; check depth carefully before anchoring close in
Skipper's Tips
- →Mosquito Cove saves US$40–60/night compared to marina berths at Jolly Harbour while keeping full access to the marina's Epicurean supermarket and facilities
- →Use a stern anchor or kedge to keep bow into the afternoon NW sea breeze — reduces the rolling chop significantly
- →Screens are absolutely essential at night — the cove's name is accurate; sandflies also active at dawn and dusk
- →Dinghy to Jolly Harbour fuel dock to fill jerry cans rather than sailing into the marina — saves hassle and time
- →Excellent base for day trips to Five Islands Harbour, Green Island, and Barbuda — central west coast location
Facilities
No facilities directly at anchorage. Jolly Harbour Marina 0.4nm: full facilities including Epicurean supermarket, fuel dock, showers, restaurants (Castaways, Cloggy's), chandlery.
Nearest provisions: Epicurean at Jolly Harbour (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May ideal. Year-round anchorage possible but hurricane season June–November requires a proper hurricane hole plan — Mosquito Cove is not considered a hurricane hole.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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