Bathsheba Roadstead
Bathsheba anchorage · Soup Bowl anchorage
13°11.40'N 59°31.02'W
EXPOSED ATLANTIC COAST — Emergency Reference Entry
This anchorage is on the Atlantic windward coast of Barbados. It is NOT suitable for visiting yacht anchoring in normal conditions. Full Atlantic swell arrives directly — 1–3m swell common even in settled periods. This entry is for emergency reference and local knowledge documentation only. Visit by car from Bridgetown.
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
120m
Holding
Poor
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
120m
120m alarm — dangerous open Atlantic coast. Poor holding on sand/rock mix. This is an emergency reference entry only. Do not anchor here in normal conditions. Approach is hazardous due to the Soup Bowl reef and offshore rocks.
About This Anchorage
Bathsheba on the northeast coast is one of Barbados's most dramatic and celebrated landscapes — a coastline of giant mushroom-shaped coral rocks standing in the surf, backed by the green slopes of the Scotland District hills. The Soup Bowl surf break immediately offshore is one of the finest in the Caribbean, hosting professional surf competitions. The bay faces directly into the Atlantic trade wind swell — anchoring is not viable in any normal conditions. The village of Bathsheba has the atmospheric Roundhouse restaurant and a network of local surfer accommodation. This is a destination for surfers and hikers, not visiting yachts. Enjoy by rental car, not by sea.
Protected From
W · SW
Exposed To
E · NE · N · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- No anchoring fee
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Customs cleared at Bridgetown required. DANGEROUS ATLANTIC COAST. Surf break hazard — active surfing zone. Rock and reef hazards on approach. Local knowledge essential.
Hazards
- !OPEN ATLANTIC COAST — full Atlantic swell; anchoring not viable in normal conditions
- !Soup Bowl surf break — active surfing zone; large waves breaking on offshore reef
- !Giant mushroom rock formations create difficult approach navigation
- !No safe dinghy landing in surf conditions
Skipper's Tips
- →Bathsheba is best experienced by car from Bridgetown — drive the east coast road for one of the Caribbean's most spectacular scenic routes
- →The Roundhouse restaurant overlooks the coast and serves excellent local Bajan cuisine
- →The Soup Bowl surf competition (if scheduled during your visit) is spectacular to watch from the cliffside
Facilities
Roundhouse restaurant in Bathsheba village accessible by car. No dinghy landing possible in normal surf conditions.
Nearest provisions: Bridgetown (12nm by sea, or 45 min by car) (12nm)
Best Months & Season
Mar, Apr
Not suitable for anchoring. Visit by car.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 120m
On the Barbados south coast, south swell can build unexpectedly and drag an anchor toward the beach. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can enjoy the Oistins Fish Fry in peace.
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