Cane Garden Bay
Cane Garden Bay anchorage · CGB
18°26.00'N 64°40.00'W
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m for good holding on sand in 4–12m. The bay is open to the north — set a larger alarm radius if north swell is running as boats can surge on mooring or drag on anchor. In flat conditions with no swell, 70m is sufficient. Monitor swell height on PredictWind or Windguru before overnight.
About This Anchorage
Cane Garden Bay is Tortola's most famous and most beautiful anchorage — a sweeping crescent of white sand on the island's north coast, flanked by green hills rising steeply to the BVI's highest peak (Sage Mountain, 521m). The beach is lined with beach bars and restaurants: Quito's Gazebo (where local musician Quito Rymer has played for decades), Stanley's Welcome Bar, and several others. The sand bottom gives reliable holding and the bay is well-sheltered from the trade winds, but the northern exposure means Atlantic ground swell can arrive without warning and make the anchorage severely rolly. This is one of the most enjoyable daytime destinations in the BVI; for overnight stays, check the swell forecast carefully. Mooring buoys are available throughout the bay.
Protected From
E · SE · S · SW · W
Exposed To
N · NW · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand; mooring buoys ~$30/night (NPS managed)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral or seagrass — anchor only in the sand middle of the bay; stay clear of the swim area immediately adjacent to the beach (marked by buoys); water sports craft operate throughout the bay.
Hazards
- !North swell — Atlantic ground swell can make the bay severely rolly overnight; monitor swell forecasts on PredictWind
- !Open northern exposure — in northerly conditions above 15kt, the bay becomes uncomfortable and potentially dangerous
- !Swimmers and water sports craft throughout the bay — maintain slow speed and vigilant watch
- !Coral heads on the approaches to the eastern and western ends of the bay — stay in the centre
- !Peak season crowding — bay can hold 50+ boats; mooring buoys fill by mid-afternoon in February/March
Skipper's Tips
- →Check swell forecasts before committing to an overnight stay — even a 0.5m north swell rolling into this bay makes sleep impossible
- →Quito's Gazebo hosts live music most evenings during the season — one of the most authentic local music experiences in the BVI
- →Arrive before noon on weekends in peak season (Dec–Mar) to secure a mooring buoy
- →The bay is a perfect morning stop on a passage from Soper's Hole northbound toward Jost Van Dyke — 4nm north
- →The hike to Sage Mountain National Park (521m) starts from the road behind the bay — outstanding views over the BVI and USVI
Facilities
Quito's Gazebo (famous for live music), Stanley's Welcome Bar, and several beach bars along the strand. No fuel or water available at the anchorage — provision at Road Town or Nanny Cay.
Nearest provisions: Road Town (6nm SE) (6nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April for overnight stays (lowest swell probability). Day visits year-round. Avoid overnight in any period when north swell is forecast above 0.5m.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
In BVI waters, anchor drag toward coral reef can cause serious damage — to the reef and your vessel. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can enjoy the beach bars with confidence.
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