Saline Bay, Mayreau
Saline Bay anchorage · Mayreau south anchorage
12°38.70'N 61°23.58'W
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding on sand in 4–12m. The bay is comfortable in NE trades. In any southerly or westerly swell, conditions deteriorate. The bay is within dinghy range of the Tobago Cays (1.5nm NE) — a good overnight alternative when the marine park moorings are full.
About This Anchorage
Saline Bay is the principal anchorage on the south side of Mayreau — a tiny island of approximately 250 people with no paved roads, no hospital, and one of the most charming Roman Catholic churches in the Caribbean perched on the hill with a panoramic view over the Tobago Cays. The anchorage is frequently used as overflow when the Tobago Cays mooring field is full in peak season — it is only 1.5nm from the horseshoe reef and easily accessible by dinghy. The bay provides good shelter from the NE trades and excellent holding in clean sand. The village of Mayreau is accessible by a steep path from the beach — the church at the top of the hill is worth the 20-minute climb for the extraordinary view over the Tobago Cays. A few small rum shops and local informal restaurants serve the community and visiting sailors.
Protected From
N · NE · E
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Cruising permit required for SVG. Anchor clear of the beach and local fishing boat areas. The Tobago Cays Marine Park begins at the NE end of the bay — do not anchor over coral inside the park boundary.
Hazards
- !Southerly and westerly exposure — can become uncomfortable in swell; check forecast
- !Tobago Cays marine park boundary at the NE end — do not anchor inside the park
- !Steep path to Mayreau village — slippery when wet; wear suitable footwear
Skipper's Tips
- →The Roman Catholic church on the hill above Mayreau has the most spectacular view in the Grenadines — the Tobago Cays laid out below; worth every step of the climb
- →Use Saline Bay as your overnight anchorage when the Tobago Cays are full — dinghy to the reef at dawn for the best snorkelling
- →Dennis's Hideaway serves excellent local food and cold Hairoun beer — ring ahead on VHF 16
- →The village of Mayreau is tiny and completely charming — 250 people, no cars, one road; a visit feels like stepping back 50 years
Facilities
Small local rum shops and informal restaurants in Mayreau village (20-minute walk uphill from the beach). Dennis's Hideaway restaurant serves local food. Boat vendors from the Tobago Cays sometimes sell lobster and fish here.
Nearest provisions: Mayreau village shops (20-min walk) or Clifton Harbour, Union Island (5nm S) (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. Excellent alternative to Tobago Cays mooring field when full. The view from Mayreau church is one of the iconic images of the Grenadines.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In the Tobago Cays, even mooring balls can drag or become unclipped in strong trades. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can snorkel with the turtles in total confidence.
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