Carlisle Bay Main Anchorage
Carlisle Bay · Bridgetown anchorage
13°04.38'N 59°37.44'W
Depth
4–14m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m for good holding on sand in 4–14m. Carlisle Bay is crowded in ARC season (Nov–Jan) — tighter swinging circles required; consider 70m if neighbours are close. Five shipwrecks on the bay floor — position carefully to avoid anchoring over dive sites. In W–SW swell (weather systems), anchorage becomes rolly.
About This Anchorage
Carlisle Bay is the premier anchorage in Barbados — the wide, westward-facing bay immediately south of Bridgetown that shelters visiting yachts from the relentless ENE trade winds. This is where every Caribbean-bound ocean passage-maker fetches up after the Atlantic crossing, and during ARC+ season (November–January) the bay can hold 200+ boats. The bay floor is home to five historic shipwrecks — the Stavronikita (Greek freighter, 1978), Berwyn, Bajan Queen, and others — all accessible to divers from the anchorage. The Boatyard beach bar on the north shore is a Barbados institution. Bridgetown offers full provisioning (Massy Stores, SuperCentre), chandleries, fuel, water, and the historic Carenage inner harbour. The UNESCO World Heritage Historic Garrison is a short walk inland. Custom clearance at Bridgetown Port Authority is mandatory on arrival.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- No anchoring fee; marine park designation in bay
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Standard customs entry — passports and vessel documentation required. Health declaration if arriving internationally.
Restrictions: Customs and immigration mandatory at Bridgetown Port Authority (Carenage) on arrival from any non-Barbados port. Q flag mandatory until cleared. No anchoring on coral — sand only. Do not anchor directly over shipwrecks (active dive sites). VHF 16 for Port Authority.
Hazards
- !ARC season crowding (Nov–Jan) — 200+ boats in the bay; arrive early for good position
- !Five shipwrecks on bay floor — check chart positions and avoid anchoring over dive sites; diver-down flags throughout the bay
- !Coral patches between sand areas — look before dropping the anchor; sand only
- !SW swell in weather systems — anchorage can become rolly; Windguru/PredictWind essential
- !Dinghy theft reported — lock dinghy and outboard at The Boatyard dock when ashore
Skipper's Tips
- →Clear customs first — the Port Authority building is at the Carenage inner harbour; bring all crew passports, vessel documentation, and health declarations
- →The Boatyard on the north beach is the social hub of the ARC finish — free use of the beach and facilities for boats anchored in Carlisle Bay
- →Anchor in sand, not over the wrecks — the Stavronikita is clearly marked on charts and by dive buoys; excellent diving directly from the anchorage by dinghy
- →Massy Stores in Bridgetown is the best supermarket for provisioning — open daily including Sundays (check hours for public holidays)
- →BBD exchange rate is fixed at 2:1 USD — USD are widely accepted; no need to exchange if carrying US dollars
Facilities
The Boatyard beach bar and restaurant on north shore of Carlisle Bay — legendary ARC finish party venue. Numerous restaurants in Bridgetown. Massy Stores and SuperCentre for full provisioning. Chandleries in Bridgetown for spares.
Nearest provisions: Bridgetown (Massy Stores, SuperCentre) (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April (dry season, steady ENE trades). ARC+ season November–January brings maximum crowds. Hurricane season June–November — Barbados is south of the hurricane belt but vessels should leave by June. Best quiet months: February–April after the ARC rush.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
In Carlisle Bay, anchor drag toward the historic wrecks or coral patches can cause serious damage. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can celebrate your Atlantic crossing with confidence.
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