Balmoral Island Anchorage
Balmoral Island · North Nassau beach anchorage
25°05.76'N 77°21.42'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding on sand in 2–5m. The 0.8m Nassau tidal range requires anchoring in adequate depth at high water. Sand bottom provides reliable holding when anchor is properly set. Day-trippers from cruise ships depart by late afternoon — peaceful evenings.
About This Anchorage
Balmoral Island is a small privately-operated beach resort north of Nassau — the classic Bahamian private island experience. The south anchorage provides excellent NE trade wind protection with beautiful turquoise water and sand holding. Cruise ship day-trippers visit the beach by tender during the day, creating activity and noise until late afternoon, after which the anchorage becomes quiet. The 0.8m tidal range creates a noticeable current around the island as the tide runs. Nassau Harbour is 1.5nm to the south for provisioning and fuel. This anchorage offers the quintessential Nassau compromise — within reach of urban facilities but with a genuine Bahamian out-island feel. The north Bahamian bank here is clear and shallow — excellent snorkelling in settled conditions.
Protected From
N · NE · NW
Exposed To
S · SE · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in the public waters around the island
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required; Balmoral Island beach is a private resort — landing may require a fee or be restricted to guests; respect private beach boundaries; cruise ship tenders have priority at the island dock during the day.
Hazards
- !Cruise ship tender traffic during the day — high-speed tenders from anchored cruise ships operate throughout the day; maintain clear passage
- !0.8m tidal range — anchor in adequate depth; tidal current runs around the island
- !Southern exposure — any S or SW wind makes the anchorage uncomfortable
- !Shallow bank approaches — use colour of water to judge depth on approach; stay in the sandy channel
Skipper's Tips
- →Arrive after 17:00 when the cruise ship tenders have departed — you will often have the anchorage entirely to yourself
- →The snorkelling off the rocky ends of Balmoral Island is excellent — clear Bahamian bank water with good reef fish populations
- →The 0.8m tidal change is very visible here against the white sand — watch the anchor chain angle change as the tide turns
- →Nassau is close enough for a morning dinghy run for provisions or fuel at Nassau Yacht Haven before the cruise ships arrive
Facilities
Balmoral Island resort has beach bar and restaurant (accessible to day visitors possibly for a fee). Nearest full facilities at Nassau Yacht Haven (1.5nm S).
Nearest provisions: Nassau Yacht Haven (1.5nm S) (1.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. A pleasant anchorage combining Nassau access with out-island feel. Best mornings and evenings when cruise ship traffic subsides.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
Nassau's 0.8m tidal range and cruise ship wake mean conditions change continuously. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position through every tide cycle — so you can explore Nassau with complete peace of mind.
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