Harrismith Bay
Harrismith Beach anchorage · East coast Harrismith
13°05.16'N 59°28.98'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
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
105m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
105m
105m alarm — SE exposure to Atlantic swell. Reference/emergency only for visiting yachts. Day stop possible only in confirmed flat conditions. Harrismith Great House ruins on cliff are visible from the sea.
About This Anchorage
Harrismith Bay on the southeast coast of Barbados sits below the cliff-top ruins of the historic Harrismith Great House — one of the island's most romantically positioned plantation ruins, with spectacular views over the coast and sea. The bay is on the transition between the more manageable south coast and the dangerously exposed east coast. Atlantic swell from the southeast arrives directly and makes this anchorage unsuitable in normal conditions. However, in rare confirmed-flat periods, the bay offers a dramatic setting with the great house ruins silhouetted on the cliff and clear water over a sandy bottom. A long beach stretches below the cliff. The area is accessible from the coast road east of Oistins and is much better visited by car.
Protected From
W · NW
Exposed To
E · NE · SE · S
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- No anchoring fee
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Customs cleared at Bridgetown required. EXPOSED SOUTHEAST COAST — only approach in confirmed flat conditions. Reef and rock hazards on approach — chart essential.
Hazards
- !EXPOSED SOUTHEAST COAST — Atlantic swell in E, NE, SE direction; unsuitable in normal conditions
- !Cliff hazard above the beach — Harrismith Great House on cliff edge
- !Reef and rock hazards on approach — chart and local knowledge required
- !No rescue services nearby
Skipper's Tips
- →Harrismith Great House ruins are visible from the sea — a remarkable cliff-top plantation ruin worth seeing by car
- →The cliff view over the southeast coast from the great house is one of the most dramatic panoramas in Barbados
- →Visit the east coast by car, not by sea — the coastal road from Oistins east is spectacular
Facilities
No facilities. Visit by car from Bridgetown or Oistins.
Nearest provisions: Oistins (8nm W by sea) (8nm)
Best Months & Season
Mar, Apr
Reference/emergency only. Visit by car.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 105m
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.
Download Free for iOS