Green Island
Nonsuch Bay · Green Island Anchorage
17°02.0'N 61°41.5'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m alarm radius for mooring buoy or anchor in 3–8m. On a mooring buoy, set alarm to 40m. If anchoring, increase to 65m and check swing does not put you on the reef. The windward east coast has more dynamic conditions than the sheltered west — monitor throughout the night.
About This Anchorage
Green Island is an uninhabited, privately-owned island (Mill Reef Club) 4nm east of English Harbour on Antigua's windward coast — one of the only genuinely wild anchorages on an island dominated by developed west-coast marinas. The Mill Reef Club, a private residential club established in 1948, has historically permitted visiting yacht access to the island's north and northwest faces. The coral reef surrounding the island is among the healthiest in Antigua — vibrant coral formations, large reef fish, rays, and frequently encountered hawksbill sea turtles. Nonsuch Bay on the northeast coast is an enclosed reef bay with some of the clearest water in the eastern Caribbean. Access into Nonsuch Bay requires careful eyeball navigation from the south in good visibility — the surrounding reef is extensive. This is the windward coast of Antigua: closer to the open Atlantic, slightly more dynamic conditions, and the reward of extraordinary natural environment.
Protected From
S · SW · W · NW · N
Exposed To
E · NE · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Mooring buoy: donation/voluntary fee to Mill Reef Club; anchoring: no charge but respect private island
- Maximum stay
- 7 days
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No landing on Green Island without Mill Reef Club permission; no anchoring on coral — mooring buoys or sand only; Nonsuch Bay: enter from SOUTH ONLY — reef system prevents all other approaches; eyeball navigation required in good light; no spearfishing; coral protection required — no contact.
Hazards
- !Extensive reef system — approach from WEST ONLY; never approach from east or south of island
- !Nonsuch Bay: enter from south only; reef extends from north and east shores — eyeball navigation mandatory in clear conditions and good light only
- !Windward coast exposure — more dynamic conditions than west coast; NE swell can make anchorage uncomfortable
- !Mooring buoys: inspect pennant and eye before trusting overnight; buoy maintenance is not guaranteed
- !Remote location: English Harbour (4nm W) is the nearest help; be self-sufficient
Skipper's Tips
- →Green Island has the best snorkelling on Antigua — take the dinghy around the north shore reef; visibility typically 25–30m, healthy coral throughout
- →Hawksbill sea turtles are frequently seen around Green Island — approach slowly and do not chase; they will come to snorkellers who stay still
- →Nonsuch Bay entry: approach from the south in morning light (sun behind you for visibility), proceed slowly with depth sounder, follow the deeper water through the reef
- →The passage from English Harbour to Green Island is a pleasant 4nm sail on the beam — a perfect morning excursion
- →If mooring buoys are all taken, anchor carefully in 5–8m on sand between buoys — plenty of room if the buoy field is not full
Facilities
No facilities. English Harbour (4nm W) for full facilities. Nonsuch Bay Resort on NE shore — not publicly accessible to visiting yachts.
Nearest provisions: Nelson's Dockyard (English Harbour) (4nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. More exposed than west coast anchorages — comfortable in settled trade winds (15–20kt NE) but not recommended in strong E or NE conditions above F4. Hurricane season June–November: leave area completely.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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