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 for good holding on sand in 4–15m. Mustique Company enforces all anchorage rules — check in immediately on arrival via VHF 16. Mooring buoys preferred where available. Landing fee and customs clearance required.
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 mooring or anchorage fee applies; landing fee ~USD $20–30/person/day
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- SVG cruising permit required. Mustique Company landing fee payable at office. Customs clearance at Mustique Company office.
Restrictions: Check in with Mustique Company Harbour Master on VHF 16 immediately on arrival. Customs clearance required. 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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