Layou Bay

About This Anchorage

Layou Bay lies adjacent to the mouth of the Layou River, St. Vincent's largest river, which drains the volcanic interior of the island through lush tropical farmland. The village of Layou is one of the more significant communities on the west coast — it has a small medical clinic, shops, and a local market. The bay provides reasonable shelter from the NE trades and good holding in sand and mud, but the Layou River mouth creates some practical considerations: after heavy rainfall, river runoff can reduce water clarity and surface conditions can be confused. The west coast exposure means westerly swell is possible. Layou is primarily used as a transit stop on the west coast circuit — the petroglyph site at the river mouth (Carib rock carvings, one of the finest collections in the Lesser Antilles) is a strong reason to stop and explore by dinghy.

Hazards

• !Layou River outflow after heavy rain — river debris, reduced visibility, and confused surface conditions
• !Westerly exposure — swell can enter; check forecast for overnight stays
• !River mouth area — avoid anchoring directly in the river channel entrance

Skipper's Tips

• →The Layou Petroglyphs (pre-Columbian Carib rock carvings) are accessible by dinghy up the river — one of the finest collections in the Lesser Antilles
• →Layou village market is surprisingly well-stocked for fresh local produce — good provisioning stop
• →West coast passage timing: leave Kingstown at 07:00 to reach Layou at 08:00, Questelles at 09:00, Cumberland at 10:30, Wallilabou at 11:30
• →The Layou River kayaking trip into the rainforest interior is possible from here — local guides available in the village

Nearby Anchorages