Montagu Bay
Montagu Bay anchorage · East Nassau Bay
25°04.38'N 77°18.30'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 tidal range requires anchoring at adequate depth — minimum 3m at low water recommended. Sand bottom provides reliable holding. Open to east/SE so monitor for any E-quadrant wind shift. A norther's northerly component is well-blocked by New Providence island mass.
About This Anchorage
Montagu Bay is the eastern anchorage area of Nassau Harbour — far quieter than the main harbour, free from cruise ship wake, and with reliable sand holding in a broad, shallow bay. The bay fronts Montagu Beach, one of Nassau's local beaches popular with Bahamians, and is close to the Montagu Foreshore area with its local restaurants and fish frys. Fort Montagu (18th century British fort, now a small historic park) overlooks the bay from the headland. The anchorage is favoured by longer-stay cruisers who want Nassau's provisioning access without the central harbour's commercial noise and traffic. Nassau Yacht Haven marina is 1.2nm west for fuel and water. The 0.8m tidal range is very apparent in the shallower water here — plan anchoring depths carefully.
Protected From
W · SW · NW · N
Exposed To
E · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required; do not anchor in the eastern channel approach to Nassau Harbour; stay clear of ferry routes; 0.8m tidal range — plan depths accordingly.
Hazards
- !Shallow draft required — less than 1.5m recommended; 0.8m tidal range means low-water depths can catch out deep-draft vessels
- !Eastern exposure — SE wind shift makes anchorage uncomfortable; monitor forecasts for easterly components
- !Ferry channel to the east — stay in the main anchorage area, not the eastern approach channel
- !No facilities at anchorage — fuel and water require a dinghy run or short sail to Nassau Yacht Haven
Skipper's Tips
- →Montagu Bay is the best choice for longer Nassau stays — much quieter than the main harbour, no cruise ship wake, and still close to downtown provisioning
- →Rent a scooter or take a taxi to Solomon's Fresh Market for provisioning — the best stocked supermarket in Nassau
- →Fort Montagu is a worthwhile 30-minute historical visit — free entry, good views over the anchorage
- →Montagu Foreshore restaurant row: excellent local Bahamian food (cracked conch, conch salad) at far lower prices than tourist Nassau
- →The 0.8m tidal range is very visible in Montagu Bay at low tide — check your swing radius with a tide table before going ashore
Facilities
Montagu Foreshore has local Bahamian restaurants and snack bars. Fort Montagu Park nearby. Best provisioning and fuel at Nassau Yacht Haven (1.2nm west) or downtown Nassau.
Nearest provisions: Nassau downtown via Nassau Yacht Haven (1.2nm W) (1.2nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. Good holding and reasonable shelter from prevailing W-NW conditions. SE wind shifts require anchor watch. Best for longer stays than the central harbour.
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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