Whale Cay Channel Anchorage
Whale Cay Passage · North Abacos approach anchorage
26°43.32'N 77°11.16'W
Depth
2–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m for good holding on sand in 2–6m. The staging nature of this anchorage means boats may arrive and leave at various times depending on weather conditions at Whale Cay Passage. The 0.6–0.8m Abacos tidal range affects depths in the staging area — anchor in maximum available depth. Western exposure means post-frontal NW winds can create chop; time Whale Cay Passage transit for NW-N conditions below 15kt and seas below 1.5m.
About This Anchorage
The Whale Cay Channel anchorage is a staging area south of Whale Cay — the significant hazard in the northern Abacos that interrupts the inside Sea of Abaco passage. Whale Cay forces vessels either through the very shallow, tricky Don't Rock Passage (inside, local knowledge essential) or around Whale Cay Passage (outside, into the open ocean). Whale Cay Passage can be rough in any E-NE wind above 15kt, with breaking swells from the Atlantic making it dangerous for smaller vessels. The staging anchorage allows crews to wait for a suitable weather window (NW-N wind, sub-15kt, seas below 1.5m) before transiting. Monitor VHF 16 for local reports — Green Turtle Cay and Treasure Cay vessels routinely provide conditions reports at Whale Cay Passage. The 0.6–0.8m Abacos tidal range creates a tidal stream through the passage area that can add to sea conditions.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE
Exposed To
W · SW · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in staging area
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required; Whale Cay Passage — monitor VHF 16 for local conditions reports before transiting; do not attempt in conditions above 15kt E-NE or seas above 1.5m; Don't Rock Passage (inside route) requires local knowledge or current Explorer Chart.
Hazards
- !Whale Cay Passage sea conditions — do NOT transit in E-NE winds above 15kt or seas above 1.5m; breaking waves on the Atlantic side of Whale Cay are dangerous
- !Don't Rock Passage (inside alternative) — extremely shallow and tricky; requires Explorer Chart and ideally local knowledge; do not attempt without both
- !0.6–0.8m tidal range creates tidal current through passage area — time transit for flood tide (heading N) or ebb (heading S) for favorable current
- !Staging vessels may need to wait 24–48 hours for a weather window — carry sufficient provisions and anchor firmly
Skipper's Tips
- →Listen to VHF 16 for Whale Cay Passage conditions reports from northbound and southbound vessels — invaluable real-time intelligence on conditions in the passage
- →The best time to transit Whale Cay Passage is early morning (06:00–08:00) when winds are typically at their lightest before the afternoon trade breeze builds
- →The tidal current at Whale Cay Passage runs N on the flood and S on the ebb — align your transit direction with the tidal current for smoother conditions
- →If conditions are unsuitable for Whale Cay Passage and you must get north urgently, attempt the Don't Rock Passage with Explorer Chart waypoints and someone on the bow watching for coral heads
- →The 0.6–0.8m tidal range means the staging anchorage depth changes predictably — anchor in 5m at high tide to maintain 4.2m at low water
Facilities
No facilities at the staging anchorage. Green Turtle Cay is 4nm to the north (after the passage). Treasure Cay marina is 5nm north.
Nearest provisions: Green Turtle Cay (4nm N after passage) or Treasure Cay (5nm N) (4nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. A functional staging anchorage rather than a destination — used when waiting for Whale Cay Passage weather window. Can involve 24–48 hour waits in strong NE trade conditions.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
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