Silver Cay Anchorage
Silver Cay · North Nassau anchorage
25°04.62'N 77°21.12'W
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for fair holding on sand in 2–4m. The 0.8m tidal range means anchoring depth is critical in this shallow area — high tide entry recommended. Weed patches can reduce holding — set anchor with engine test and verify before leaving unattended. Tighten alarm to 60m in settled conditions.
About This Anchorage
Silver Cay is a small manmade island on Nassau's north shore, originally developed as a resort facility. The anchorage in the lee of Silver Cay offers convenient proximity to Nassau Harbour facilities while providing some protection from northerly winds. The holding is fair due to weed patches on the sandy bottom — the anchor should be set with care and tested before leaving the boat. The 0.8m tidal range is critical in these shallow waters. The anchorage is open to the northeast — in the prevailing NE trade winds, some chop enters. Best used in settled conditions or when NW-W winds prevail (often behind cold fronts). Close to Nassau Yacht Haven for fuel, water, and provisioning. Not the most comfortable anchorage but useful for short-term stays near Nassau.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW
Exposed To
E · NE · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required; respect any private cay boundary markers; 0.8m tidal range requires careful depth monitoring.
Hazards
- !Fair holding with weed patches — always test anchor with engine; increase scope to 7:1 in any wind above 15kt
- !0.8m tidal range in shallow water — anchor in maximum available depth at high tide; recheck at low water
- !NE trade wind exposure — the prevailing trade direction sends chop into this anchorage; not ideal for comfortable overnight
- !Nassau Harbour approach traffic nearby — monitor VHF 16 for harbour movements
Skipper's Tips
- →Silver Cay anchorage is best as a daytime stop while visiting Nassau rather than an overnight anchorage — the NE trade exposure makes overnight uncomfortable
- →For overnight in Nassau, Nassau Yacht Haven marina or Montagu Bay are far more comfortable
- →If you must anchor overnight here, use maximum scope (7:1) and test the anchor thoroughly — weed patches are common
- →The 0.8m tidal range causes a significant drop from high to low water in this shallow area — adjust alarm radius at low tide
Facilities
No facilities at anchorage. Nassau Yacht Haven (0.8nm E) has full facilities — fuel, water, restaurant, provisions.
Nearest provisions: Nassau Yacht Haven (0.8nm E) (0.8nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. Best as a short-stay anchorage when Nassau Yacht Haven is full. Daytime use preferred over overnight. Monitor NE trade wind conditions.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
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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