Pigeon Island Causeway
Pigeon Point · Fort Rodney anchorage
14°05.7'N 60°57.8'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m on clean sand in 2–5m. Excellent holding — sets quickly. Shallow end of range near causeway; approach carefully. Very sheltered anchorage — alarm radius at lower end reflecting calm conditions. In fresh NE trades, slight swell may enter from east.
About This Anchorage
Pigeon Island National Landmark is one of St. Lucia's most historically significant sites — a former French and British fortification connected to the mainland by a man-made causeway since 1972. Fort Rodney at the summit (Signal Peak, 110m) served as Admiral Rodney's signal station for spotting the French fleet before the Battle of the Saintes in 1782. The anchorage on the south side of the causeway is one of the most sheltered on the north coast, with excellent sand holding in 2–5m. The National Trust charges an admission fee (EC$20) for island access — well worth it for the fort ruins, cannon emplacements, and panoramic views. The bay is a popular weekend destination for local boats from Castries and Rodney Bay.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW · S
Exposed To
E · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring. EC$20 National Trust admission to Pigeon Island ashore. EC$25 additional permit for non-port-of-entry anchorages.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: National Park rules apply ashore — stay on marked paths; no camping on island; National Trust admission required. Respect local boat traffic on weekends.
Hazards
- !Shallow sandy patches near causeway — approach from south, check chart carefully
- !Busy with local powerboats and day boats on weekends — noise and wash
- !Causeway restricts northward exit — must exit south back into main Rodney Bay
- !NE trades create swell along east side of causeway — stay south side
Skipper's Tips
- →Climb Fort Rodney to Signal Peak for the best panoramic view of the north coast, Martinique to the north, and the Pitons in the south
- →Jambe de Bois restaurant on the island is excellent for lunch — dinghy to the beach below the fort
- →Causeway walkable at low water — walk across to the National Trust information boards
- →Arrive early on weekends to secure the best spot before the local day boat fleet arrives
- →The swimming on the east side of the causeway (calm, clear water) is some of the best in the north
Facilities
Jambe de Bois restaurant and bar on Pigeon Island (National Trust area). Weekend cafe open. No fuel or water on anchorage.
Nearest provisions: Rodney Bay Marina (2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. Excellent shelter year-round on south side of causeway. Can be busy weekends with local traffic. Hurricane season (June–November): causeway provides useful shelter but island is not a recognised hurricane hole.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
Trade wind gusts and ARC fleet traffic in Rodney Bay can cause anchor drag overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — wake up before you are aground.
Download Free for iOS