Silver Sands Bay
Silver Sands anchorage · Silver Rock anchorage
13°03.60'N 59°31.98'W
Depth
2–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding on sand in 2–7m. Strong ENE trade wind funnel at this south coast position — expect choppy conditions. South swell exposure. Windsurfer traffic throughout the day — maintain clearance from windsurfing activity. Shallow close inshore — approach carefully.
About This Anchorage
Silver Sands and Silver Rock Beach are internationally renowned as one of the finest windsurfing venues in the Caribbean — hosting World Cup events and drawing professional windsurfers from around the world. The consistent ENE trade wind funnels powerfully along the south coast here, providing textbook windsurfing conditions. The anchorage is primarily of interest to yachts with crew who windsurf or want to watch the spectacle. The bay itself is more exposed than Carlisle Bay — a combination of south swell and trade wind chop makes it an active anchorage rather than a restful one. The Silver Sands resort and several windsurfing centres operate on the beach.
Protected From
N · NE · E
Exposed To
S · SW · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- No anchoring fee
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Customs cleared at Bridgetown required. Windsurfing and kiteboarding operations throughout the bay — maintain clearance from windsurfer zones. Shallow close inshore.
Hazards
- !Strong ENE trade wind funnel — significantly choppier than west coast anchorages; not a comfortable overnight
- !Windsurfing and kiteboarding activity throughout the bay — high-speed windsurfers; maintain wide clearance
- !South swell exposure — check conditions before overnight stay
- !Shallow close inshore — approach carefully, verify depths
Skipper's Tips
- →Silver Sands is the best place in the Caribbean to watch professional-level windsurfing — world-class riders in spectacular conditions
- →If crew windsurf: board rental is available from the beach centres — ideal for the experienced surfer
- →Carlisle Bay (7nm W) is the far superior overnight anchorage — use Silver Sands as a day stop
- →The south coast trade wind is significantly stronger than the west coast calm — instructive to experience for a few hours
Facilities
Silver Sands Resort bar and restaurant. Windsurfing centre on beach. Oistins (2nm E) for provisioning and Fish Fry.
Nearest provisions: Oistins (2nm E) (2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April for strongest, most consistent trade winds (windsurfing season). Not recommended for overnight anchoring — too exposed.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
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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