Anse Cochon
Cochon Bay · Pig Bay
13°56.3'N 61°02.7'W
Depth
4–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m on black volcanic sand in 4–6m. Good holding on sand between reef patches. Avoid anchoring on coral — use sand areas only. Set firmly before snorkelling — reef bottom can make dragging harder to detect.
About This Anchorage
Anse Cochon (Pig Bay) is a secluded volcanic black sand bay 2nm south of Marigot Bay, offering excellent snorkelling in crystal-clear Caribbean water. The bay has a dramatic coral reef system directly accessible from the anchorage, with good fish life and underwater topography typical of St. Lucia's volcanic coastline. The Ti Kaye resort occupies the cliffside above the bay, accessible by dramatically steep steps cut into the rock. Anchoring in 4–6m on volcanic black sand between coral patches offers good holding if anchored clear of the reef. The bay is seldom crowded — a perfect quiet alternative to the busier Marigot Bay just 2nm north.
Protected From
N · NW · W · NE
Exposed To
S · SE · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring. EC$25 additional permit for non-port-of-entry anchorages — state on Customs clearance.
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Do NOT anchor on coral — sand areas only. Reef protection rules apply. Ti Kaye resort beach area — respect resort swim zone.
Hazards
- !Coral reef patches — anchor in sand only; reef damage is an offence
- !Open to south and SW — uncomfortable in southerly conditions; day anchorage only in fresh S wind
- !Ti Kaye resort cliff stairs are extremely steep — use care if visiting resort
- !Snorkelling near reef — boat traffic from charter day boats; maintain watch
Skipper's Tips
- →Best snorkelling 50–100m offshore on the reef to the north side of the bay — excellent coral and fish life
- →Anchor on sand — the black volcanic sand contrasts beautifully with the turquoise water overhead
- →Ti Kaye resort cliff restaurant is worth the climb — some of the best food on the island
- →Visit early morning before charter snorkelling boats arrive — the bay is at its quietest and clearest
Facilities
Ti Kaye resort restaurant above bay (cliff stairs — long climb). Book ahead. No fuel or water at anchorage.
Nearest provisions: Marigot Bay Marina (2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. Day anchorage preferred in fresh conditions (open to south). Good snorkelling year-round but water clearest in dry season.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
Even on SMMA mooring buoys, chafe and current can cause movement overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — critical when moored close to Piton cliff faces in the dark.
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