Rose Island Anchorage
Rose Island · East of Nassau anchorage
25°05.16'N 77°14.04'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m for good holding on sand in 2–5m. The 0.8m Bahamian tidal range requires anchoring with adequate depth margin. Sand bottom gives reliable holding when properly set. Set anchor with engine test before going ashore. Southern exposure means monitoring weather for any S-component wind shift.
About This Anchorage
Rose Island is a small, largely uninhabited island 6nm east of Nassau offering a dramatic contrast to the capital's commercial bustle — brilliant turquoise water, white sand, excellent snorkelling on the shallow reefs, and the first taste of the classic Bahamian out-island experience without going all the way to the Exumas. The south side anchorage is well-protected from the prevailing NE trades and northers. The island has a small beach club that is occasionally active. The Bahamian water clarity here is extraordinary — the anchor chain is visible in 4m of water. The tidal range of 0.8m causes a noticeable colour change in the shallows as the tide falls. Rose Island is a popular day-trip from Nassau for local powerboats — arrive on a weekday for maximum solitude.
Protected From
N · NW · NE
Exposed To
S · SE · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required; anchor only in sand — the reefs surrounding the island are a marine life sanctuary; no spear fishing or collecting; any beach club operating on the island may charge a beach landing fee.
Hazards
- !Southern exposure — any S or SE wind makes anchorage uncomfortable and potentially untenable; monitor forecasts
- !Reef hazards on northern approach — use visual navigation and charts carefully; turquoise/dark blue colour difference indicates depth
- !0.8m tidal range — anchor in adequate depth at high water; spectacular colour change as water shallows on falling tide
- !Weekends in season — Nassau day-trip powerboats arrive in numbers; anchorage can become crowded with wash
- !No facilities — carry all provisions; Nassau is 6nm for any emergency needs
Skipper's Tips
- →Rose Island is the ideal first night out of Nassau — close enough for safety, far enough for the Bahamian out-island experience
- →The water clarity is stunning — drop your anchor and watch it go down through 4m of perfect visibility; adjust alarm to account for the 0.8m tide drop
- →Snorkelling the shallow reef on the north side of the island (by dinghy, approach carefully) reveals juvenile reef fish and coral in excellent condition
- →Arrive on a Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid Nassau day-trip powerboat crowds on weekends
- →Watch the colour of the water very carefully on approach — the transition from deep blue to light blue to white indicates the sandy shallows perfect for anchoring
Facilities
No permanent facilities. The occasional Rose Island beach club may provide bar service when operating. Carry all provisions from Nassau.
Nearest provisions: Nassau Yacht Haven (6nm W) (6nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. Excellent in prevailing NE trades. Vacate immediately on any S or SE wind forecast. Best mid-week to avoid Nassau powerboat day-trippers.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
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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