Paynes Bay Anchorage
Payne's Bay · Paynes Bay
13°09.96'N 59°38.70'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding on sand in 3–8m. Sea grass beds in shallower areas — anchor in sand only. Turtle protection area — stay 30m from feeding turtles when swimming. Open to west — occasional westerly swell in weather systems can make the anchorage temporarily uncomfortable.
About This Anchorage
Paynes Bay is one of the finest anchorages on Barbados's Platinum Coast — a wide, calm bay with excellent sand holding and the unique attraction of wild hawksbill sea turtles that feed in the sea grass beds here year-round. The turtles are habituated to snorkellers and can be observed (not touched or chased) at close range. Several turtle-snorkel tour operators work the bay — expect significant dinghy traffic on days with tours. The Platinum Coast hotels line the bay: the Tamarind, Treasure Beach, and others offer beach bars accessible from the water. The anchorage is well-protected from the ENE trades by the island mass and lies on calm, flat water — a dramatic contrast to the windward east coast. This is sailing in paradise conditions.
Protected From
E · NE · SE
Exposed To
W · NW · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- No anchoring fee (must clear customs at Bridgetown first)
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Customs must be cleared at Bridgetown before anchoring anywhere on the west coast. No anchoring on sea grass — sand only. Marine turtles fully protected under Barbados law — no touching, no chasing, maintain 3m distance when snorkelling.
Hazards
- !Sea turtle feeding area — snorkellers and tour boats present throughout the day; dinghy speed limit
- !Sea grass beds in shallow areas — anchor in clear sand only
- !Open to west — in weather system W/NW swell, anchorage can become temporarily uncomfortable
- !Shallow patches inshore — stay in the 3m+ depth zone
Skipper's Tips
- →Snorkelling with the hawksbill turtles at Paynes Bay is one of Barbados's signature experiences — they are year-round residents and often approach boats
- →Best turtle sightings: early morning before the tour boats arrive; take your dinghy to the sea grass beds at the south end of the bay
- →The Tamarind Beach Hotel beach bar is a great sundowner spot — accessible by dinghy
- →Paynes Bay is the quietest of the main Platinum Coast anchorages — fewer boats than Holetown and Sandy Lane
Facilities
Several hotel beach bars accessible from the anchorage: Tamarind Beach Hotel, Treasure Beach Hotel. Local restaurants along the coast road. No fuel or water at anchorage — provision in Bridgetown.
Nearest provisions: Holetown (5nm N) or Bridgetown (6nm S) (5nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April (peak season). Turtles present year-round. Calmest conditions December–April. Avoid hurricane season June–November.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
On the Platinum Coast, even calm west coast conditions can see anchor drag toward sea grass beds or shallow patches. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can watch the Barbados sunset in peace.
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