Monos Island Anchorage

About This Anchorage

Monos Island lies at the heart of the Bocas del Drago (Dragon's Mouth) — the dramatic series of passages between Trinidad's northwest peninsula and the Venezuelan coast just 11km away. The island is forested and privately owned, with a handful of estate houses and guesthouses. The anchorages on the south shore provide excellent shelter from the northeast with beautiful jungle-clad surroundings. Monos is notable for its unique position straddling the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Paria — currents through the Bocas can reach 2–4kt on the tidal cycle. A stunning and wild anchorage with Venezuela visible across the water to the west (though entry into Venezuelan waters is absolutely prohibited — piracy risk). Leatherback turtles nest on some nearby beaches (Apr–Jul).

Hazards

• !Bocas del Drago current 2–4kt — time passage to avoid peak tidal flow; check current tables
• !Venezuela border 11km west — absolutely do not cross into Venezuelan waters — piracy risk is real and documented
• !Leatherback turtle nesting season Apr–Jul — do not disturb beach or approach nesting females
• !Remote location — no facilities and limited VHF contact; carry full spares and safety equipment
• !Tidal range 0.9–1.5m applies in the Gulf of Paria — set scope for full tidal variation

Skipper's Tips

• →Time passage through the Bocas del Drago with a favourable tidal current — check T&T tidal tables
• →Leatherback turtle watching (Apr–Jul) at nearby beaches is one of the world's great wildlife experiences — respect nesting protocols
• →The view from Monos toward Venezuela at sunset is breathtaking — keep Venezuela firmly on the horizon and do not approach
• →Bring your own provisions and water — Monos is a wilderness anchorage requiring complete self-sufficiency
• →Bird life on the island is outstanding — many endemic and migratory species pass through; bring binoculars

Nearby Anchorages