Tyrrel Bay, Carriacou
Tyrell Bay · Harvey Vale anchorage
12°26.6'N 61°29.1'W
Jurisdiction: Grenada (Carriacou)
Depth
4–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m in 4–8m on sand/mud. Excellent holding — set firmly and test with engine. Large bay with good swing room. In westerly squalls (wet season), ensure alarm is active — squalls can arrive at 25+ knots with little warning.
About This Anchorage
Tyrrel Bay is the principal cruising anchorage on Carriacou — a large, well-protected bay on the southwest coast with excellent holding, good facilities, and the most active cruising community in the Grenada Grenadines. The bay is backed by hills on three sides, with the large north-shore mangrove swamp providing additional shelter. Tyrell Bay Marina (Harvey Vale) at the south end of the bay is an official port of entry for Carriacou and has a 100-tonne travel lift — the largest in the southern Caribbean — making this a major haulout and maintenance facility. Harvey Vale chandlery stocks a good range of boat supplies. A fuel barge services the anchorage regularly. The Carriacou Cruisers Net broadcasts on VHF 66 at 0730. The Carriacou Regatta, held every August for over 40 years, is one of the Caribbean's great traditional boat racing events — Carriacou-built wooden sloops race in their traditional classes.
Protected From
N · NE · E · S · SE
Exposed To
W · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring; marina berth fees at Tyrrel Bay Marina
- Permit required
- No
- Mooring buoys
- Not available
Restrictions: Customs and Immigration clearance required at Harvey Vale (Tyrrel Bay Marina) or Hillsborough. If arriving from Grenada mainland: clear at Hillsborough or Harvey Vale. If arriving from SVG: SVG clearance required first, then Grenada clearance on return.
Hazards
- !Westerly squalls during wet season (June–November): sheltered from trade wind swell but exposed to W; squalls arrive rapidly
- !Reef approaches on approach from Hillsborough — follow the channel around the south end of Carriacou; current chart essential
- !Fuel barge schedule varies — call on VHF 16 to confirm availability
Skipper's Tips
- →Best anchorage on Carriacou for overnight — far better protection than Hillsborough Bay
- →Carriacou Regatta (August): one of the Caribbean's great traditional sailing events — Carriacou-built wooden sloops; plan a visit if the timing aligns
- →VHF 66 Cruisers Net 0730 daily — local information, weather, events for Carriacou and the Grenadines
- →Tyrell Bay Marina 100-tonne travel lift: the largest haulout facility in the southern Caribbean — excellent for bottom jobs
- →Dinghy to the mangrove swamp on the north shore — excellent bird watching and mangrove exploration
Facilities
Several small restaurants and rum shops at Harvey Vale. Tyrrel Bay Marina has facilities. Fuel barge services the anchorage. Harvey Vale chandlery for basic boat supplies.
Nearest provisions: Harvey Vale village (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Year-round anchorage. Busiest December–April. August: Carriacou Regatta — very busy; anchor space limited. Year-round comfortable with excellent holding.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
In the Grenadines, trade wind squalls and current shifts can drag anchors without warning. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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