Britannia Bay, Mustique
Mustique anchorage · Britannia Bay
12°53.28'N 61°11.04'W
Depth
4–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m on a Mustique Company mooring or, for yachts over 60 ft, anchored where the harbourmaster directs in 4–15m of sand. Call the harbourmaster on VHF 16/68 on approach and do not anchor without instruction.
About This Anchorage
Britannia Bay is the only anchorage on Mustique, the famous private island owned and managed by the Mustique Company — a long-established consortium whose villa owners have included Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Bryan Adams, Princess Margaret, and many other celebrities. The island has an extraordinary atmosphere — impeccably maintained tropical gardens, world-class villas hidden in the hillsides, and the famous Cotton House Hotel (redesigned by Oliver Messel, a byword for discreet Caribbean luxury). The anchorage itself is beautiful — clear water over white sand, well-sheltered from the NE trades. Visiting sailors must check in with the Mustique Company Harbour Master (VHF 16) on arrival, clear customs, and pay a landing fee (~USD $20–30/person/day). Ashore, Basil's Bar on the beach is the social heart of the island — Basil's Bar Blues Festival takes place every January and draws major international musicians. The Cotton House Hotel restaurant is open to visitors for dinners. Landing is restricted to designated public areas; privacy of villa owners is strictly respected.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE
Exposed To
W · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Mustique Company conservation fee for three consecutive nights, mooring included: EC$200 up to 70 ft, EC$450 to 100 ft, EC$550 to 150 ft, EC$1,000 above. About 35 moorings for yachts to 60 ft; longer yachts anchor outside them under the harbourmaster.
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Mustique is an SVG port of entry (customs at Britannia Bay). Conservation fee payable to the Mustique Company harbourmaster (VHF 16/68, office roughly 08:00–18:00). Regulations may change at any time — call the moorings office before arrival.
Restrictions: Britannia Bay is the only permitted anchorage on the island. Check in with the Mustique Company harbourmaster on VHF 16/68 on arrival; take a mooring (yachts to 60 ft) or anchor only where directed. Land ONLY at designated public areas — Britannia Bay beach and Basil's Bar. No photography of private villas or celebrity residents. No dinghy access to private beaches.
Hazards
- !Private island — strict rules on landing areas; Mustique Company enforces regulations firmly
- !Western exposure — westerly swell can enter; check forecast for overnight
- !Landing fee required — budget accordingly before visiting
Skipper's Tips
- →Basil's Bar Blues Festival (January) draws world-class musicians — advance planning required; the island is at its most atmospheric
- →Cotton House Hotel restaurant takes bookings for non-guests — dinner here is a memorable Caribbean experience
- →Macaroni Beach (north of Britannia Bay) is a public beach — dinghy accessible and one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean
- →Check in immediately on VHF 16 — the Mustique Company Harbour Master is efficient and very helpful
- →Mustique is one of those 'I was there' sailing experiences — even a single night in Britannia Bay is worth the landing fee
Facilities
Basil's Bar on the beach — world-famous, excellent cocktails and local food; Blues Festival in January. Cotton House Hotel restaurant for dinner. Mustique Company boutique. No fuel or water for boats at anchorage.
Nearest provisions: Port Elizabeth, Bequia (11nm N) (11nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. Mustique is at its busiest January–March during the celebrity winter season. Blues Festival in January. The island enforces a high-season atmosphere — it is a genuine once-in-a-cruising-lifetime experience.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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