Prickly Bay (L'Anse aux Épines)
L'Anse aux Épines · Prickly Bay anchorage
12°00.1'N 61°45.7'W
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in the central bay on firm sand in 3–6m. In persistent SE swell reduce to 60m as swell can cause erratic swinging. SE roll is the main issue — consider mooring bow-to-swell if uncomfortable.
About This Anchorage
Prickly Bay (L'Anse aux Épines) is Grenada's busiest and most popular cruising anchorage, packed with yachts from December through April during peak season. The bay is well-sheltered from north through west, with excellent holding in 3–6m of clean sand. Spice Island Marine Services on the north shore provides a dinghy dock, fuel, chandlery, and marine services. Budget Marine — Grenada's duty-free chandlery — has its own dinghy dock directly in front of the store, making it the most convenient boatyard stop on the island. Bring your boat registration and customs clearance papers for duty-free purchases. The anchorage can become uncomfortable in fresh SE trades as swell wraps around Prickly Point. Customs and Immigration are available at Prickly Bay — one of Grenada's official ports of entry. The VHF Cruisers Net broadcasts daily on Channel 66 at 0730. Free Saturday bus pickup from nearby locations to Budget Marine chandlery.
Protected From
N · NW · W · NE
Exposed To
S · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- No
- Mooring buoys
- Not available
Restrictions: No GCMA moorings in main Prickly Bay. Q flag and customs/immigration clearance mandatory on first arrival in Grenada. Do not block the Spice Island Marine or Budget Marine dinghy docks.
Hazards
- !SE swell wraps around Prickly Point — anchorage becomes rolly in fresh SE trades; consider moving to Morne Rouge or Mount Hartman Bay
- !Very crowded December–April — anchoring space limited during peak season; arrive early to secure a spot
- !Dinghy dock traffic — heavy use at Spice Island Marine and Budget Marine docks; approach slowly
- !No anchoring within restricted zone of marina slips — check current buoy marks on arrival
Skipper's Tips
- →Budget Marine duty-free chandlery: bring vessel registration and customs clearance — significant savings on spares and gear
- →Spice Island Marine VHF 16 — call ahead for fuel dock reservation in busy season
- →VHF Channel 66 Cruisers Net 0730 daily (Mon–Sat) — essential daily information, weather, swap/sell
- →For a quiet night, move 1nm W to Morne Rouge or 2nm W to Mount Hartman Bay when SE swell rolls in
- →Free Saturday bus from Prickly Bay to Budget Marine — ask at Spice Island Marine for pickup schedule
Facilities
Multiple restaurants and beach bars around the bay including Prickly Bay Marina restaurant. Spice Island Marine has fuel dock. Budget Marine duty-free chandlery.
Nearest provisions: Budget Marine / Prickly Bay area (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Year-round sailing destination. Peak season December–April brings maximum boat numbers and best trade winds. May–November is quieter; check insurance restrictions for hurricane season (June–November).
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In Grenada's trade wind anchorages, SE swell and squalls can drag anchors at night. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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