The Pitons Mooring Area
Pitons Mooring · Between the Pitons · Petit Piton Mooring
13°50.6'N 61°04.1'W
Mooring Only — Anchoring Prohibited
This anchorage is in the SMMA zone. Anchoring is strictly prohibited — use designated mooring buoys only (white/blue for yachts; never use red buoys). SMMA Coral Conservation Permit: EC$54 (US$20)/night. Hail SMMA Rangers on VHF 16 on arrival.
Depth
15–35m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
50m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
50m
50m on SMMA mooring buoy. Mooring only — no anchoring. Very deep water close to volcanic cliffs. Wind can be funnelled and accelerated between the Piton walls — stronger gusts than indicated by open-water conditions. Mooring buoys are SMMA-maintained and rated for yacht use.
About This Anchorage
The Pitons Mooring Area — directly between Gros Piton (798m) and Petit Piton (743m) — is the most spectacular overnight stop in the Caribbean. The twin volcanic plugs rise vertically from the water on both sides, so close that the walls dominate the view in every direction. The UNESCO World Heritage Site designation (Pitons Management Area, 2004) covers both peaks and the surrounding marine environment. Anchoring is absolutely prohibited — SMMA mooring buoys only. Check in with SMMA Rangers on arrival on VHF 16 — they will come alongside to collect the Coral Conservation Permit fee (EC$54/night). The water between the Pitons is extraordinarily clear. Snorkelling off the mooring reveals coral walls and exceptional fish life. Waking up directly below the twin volcanic towers at sunrise is an experience unlike any other in sailing.
Protected From
N · NE · NW
Exposed To
S · SE · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Anchoring PROHIBITED. SMMA Coral Conservation Permit: EC$54 (US$20)/night, EC$320 (US$120)/week.
- Maximum stay
- 7 days
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Hail SMMA Rangers on VHF 16 on arrival. White/blue buoys only (never red). Rangers collect fee and check vessel registration. UNESCO rules apply — no interference with the natural environment.
Restrictions: No anchoring. No swimming outside moored area without SMMA permission. No discharge. Wind acceleration between Pitons — gusts can be significantly stronger than forecast; be prepared.
Hazards
- !Anchoring strictly prohibited — fines applied by SMMA rangers
- !Wind acceleration between Piton walls — gusts can be 15–20kt stronger than open water; secure all gear
- !Very deep water between the Pitons — no room for anchor recovery if mooring fails
- !Open to south and SW — uncomfortable in southerly conditions; SMMA buoys may be untenable in strong S
- !Remote location — no services; nearest facilities Soufrière 2nm north
Skipper's Tips
- →Arrive early afternoon to secure the best mooring buoy position (closest to the base of the Pitons)
- →Hail SMMA Rangers on VHF 16 immediately on arrival — do not wait for them to find you
- →Wind between the Pitons can be significantly stronger than open-water conditions — batten down hatches
- →Snorkelling off the mooring at first light, before charter boats arrive, is exceptional — clarity is remarkable
- →Set the anchor alarm even on a mooring buoy — mooring lines can chafe; wake-up call if the boat moves
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Soufrière village (2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April. One of the most sought-after mooring spots in the Caribbean. Book with SMMA if possible (not always possible). Arrive before 1500 for best buoy selection.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 50m
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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