Anegada — Setting Point
Setting Point Anegada · Anegada anchorage
18°43.47'N 64°22.37'W
Depth
2.4–3.5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m for excellent holding in sand at 2.4–3.5m depth. The shallow water and confined approach channel require a precise anchor position — use 60m as standard. In easterly swell, the anchorage can be rolly as the east exposure allows some wave action. Monitor wind direction carefully overnight. The reef surrounding Anegada means drift in a drag scenario could be onto reef — anchor alarm is critical here.
About This Anchorage
Anegada is the most remote, most challenging, and — for many sailors — the most rewarding anchorage in the entire BVI. A flat coral atoll barely 8.5 metres (28 feet) at its highest point, invisible from sea until close approach, surrounded by the 18nm Horseshoe Reef: the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean, responsible for over 300 historic shipwrecks (including HMS Astraea 1808, many 19th-century trading vessels, and the steamship Paramatta 1859). The approach requires the buoyed channel — the inner green buoy at the channel entrance must be left to port. Depths at Setting Point average 8–10 feet (2.4–3m) — many charter companies prohibit bareboat charters to Anegada for this reason. The rewards for the careful navigator are exceptional: 11 miles of untouched pink-sand beaches, the finest lobster in the BVI (served at the famous beach restaurants — Cow Wreck Beach Bar, Pomato Point, Anegada Beach Club), the friendliest local community in the BVI, giant land tortoises, and a stillness impossible to find on the main circuit.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW
Exposed To
E · SE · S
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- NPS mooring buoys ~$30/night; anchoring in sand free
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- Horseshoe Reef protected fisheries zone — significant fines for fishing violations. BVI customs and immigration clearance required on arrival if this is first BVI stop.
Restrictions: HORSESHOE REEF is a protected fisheries zone: NO fishing (lobster, conch, fish) and NO anchoring on reef; approach ONLY via buoyed channel — never across the reef; GPS waypoints and current chart mandatory; no diving on Horseshoe Reef without certified guide.
Hazards
- !HORSESHOE REEF — approach via buoyed channel ONLY; never cross the reef; reef position shifts — use 2026 GPS waypoints from Doyle's Cruising Guide
- !SHALLOW DRAFT REQUIRED — 8–11ft (2.4–3.4m) at Setting Point; keel draft over 6ft (1.8m) requires careful positioning; shoal areas to southwest of Setting Point avoid
- !Inner green channel buoy — MUST be left to port (green to starboard) when entering from the south
- !Remote location — no fuel; nearest fuel at North Sound (Virgin Gorda) 14nm south; carry sufficient for round trip plus 30% reserve
- !Medical emergency — Anegada has no hospital; emergency evacuation by air or fast powerboat; sailing conservatively is essential
- !East exposure at Setting Point — easterly swell can enter; overnight comfort variable
Skipper's Tips
- →Reserve lobster at Cow Wreck Beach Bar at least 24 hours in advance by VHF 16 or phone — the lobster is caught fresh and takes time to prepare; it is the finest in the BVI
- →Download the 2026 GPS waypoints from Chris Doyle's Cruising Guide before departing North Sound — the buoyed channel position shifts with reef movement; do not rely on outdated data
- →Depart from North Sound early morning for the 2–3 hour passage north — arrive at Anegada channel in good light (solar angle ideal 09:00–14:00 for reef colour contrast)
- →Rent bicycles from Neptune's Treasure to explore the island — 11 miles of beaches, giant tortoises at the Flamingo Pond, and the flamingo colony on the eastern end
- →The return passage to North Sound or Tortola should be timed to clear the Horseshoe Reef channel before afternoon; by 14:00 the NE chop can make the approach more challenging
Facilities
Cow Wreck Beach Bar and Restaurant (north coast, famous lobster — reserve ahead), Pomato Point Restaurant, Anegada Beach Club. Limited provisions at the small village store. No fuel at Setting Point — bring sufficient for the return passage.
Nearest provisions: Anegada village store (basic) and Anegada Beach Club (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April only. Approach only in good visibility and settled sea conditions. Not recommended for inexperienced navigators or deep-draft vessels over 6ft (1.8m). Many charter companies prohibit this passage for bareboat charterers.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
In Anegada waters, the Horseshoe Reef leaves no margin for anchor drag. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — essential in these waters.
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