Hopetown
Hope Town · Elbow Cay anchorage · Hopetown Lighthouse anchorage
26°32.22'N 76°58.80'W
Depth
1.5–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding on sand/mud in 1.5–4m. Hopetown is a very popular and crowded anchorage — the 0.6–0.8m tidal range combined with shallow depths means careful depth planning is essential. Vessels over 1.5m draft should take great care approaching at low tide. The inner harbour allows a relatively tight alarm radius given the good all-round protection. Anchor very firmly — crowded conditions mean any drag can affect multiple boats.
About This Anchorage
Hopetown on Elbow Cay is arguably the most picturesque settlement in the entire Bahamas — a pristine, colonial-era Loyalist village with candy-coloured cottages, immaculate gardens, golf-cart paths (no cars), and at the tip of the entrance point, the famous Hopetown Lighthouse. The candy-stripe (red and white) lighthouse was built in 1863 and is one of the last manually-operated kerosene lighthouse in the world — still lit every night by resident keeper. Visitors can climb the lighthouse steps for panoramic views over the Sea of Abaco. The inner harbour is enclosed and very sheltered. The town's charm is matched by its facilities: Hopetown Harbour Lodge (restaurant, bar, marina), Club Soleil (swimming pool), Vernon's Grocery, and several excellent restaurants. The 0.6–0.8m tidal range creates a perceptible harbour current through the narrow entrance passage.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · W
Exposed To
NW · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in outer areas; Hopetown Harbour Lodge marina berths ~$2/ft/night; some mooring balls available.
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required; harbour entrance is narrow — approach at slow speed; tidal current through entrance can be 1–2kt; no power boats above idle speed in harbour; golf carts only on island (no cars); respect the residential community character of the settlement.
Hazards
- !Shallow harbour entrance at low tide — 0.6–0.8m tidal range; draft over 1.5m approach only at high water
- !Narrow harbour entrance with tidal current — enter slowly, especially if wind against tide
- !Very crowded November–April — swinging room extremely limited; anchor firmly and use minimum safe scope
- !No cars on the island — all transport by golf cart or foot; dinghy dock essential for shore access
Skipper's Tips
- →Climb the Hopetown Lighthouse (open to visitors, small donation) for the finest views in the Abacos — the keeper can explain the kerosene mechanism
- →The ferry from Marsh Harbour arrives at the government dock in town — if sailing from Marsh Harbour, enter from the south and approach the harbour entrance slowly
- →Vernon's Grocery has a surprisingly well-stocked selection for a small island — check for fresh bread and produce deliveries mid-week
- →The 0.6–0.8m tidal range creates a noticeable current through the harbour entrance — enter on slack water for the smoothest passage
- →Rent a golf cart (several rental agencies in town) for a complete Elbow Cay exploration — the ocean-side beach is on the Atlantic side, 15 minutes by cart
Facilities
Hopetown Harbour Lodge restaurant and bar (popular with cruisers). Munchies restaurant (local casual). Cap'n Jacks (local bar). Vernon's Grocery for provisions. Fuel at the Hopetown Harbour Lodge dock.
Nearest provisions: Vernon's Grocery Hopetown (0.1nm) (0.1nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. One of the most popular Abacos stops — arrive early in the day to secure an anchorage or mooring. Quieter in November and May compared to the peak January–March period.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
The Abacos' tidal range and winter northers make anchor monitoring essential. Safety Anchor Alarm watches your GPS position continuously — so you can enjoy Grabbers, Nipper's, and Miss Emily's Goombay Smash with complete peace of mind.
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