Scotland Bay

About This Anchorage

Scotland Bay is one of the most dramatic anchorages in the southern Caribbean — a near-fjord-like enclosed bay cut into the Chaguaramas National Park peninsula, flanked by steep jungle hillsides alive with birds, howler monkeys, and lush vegetation. The name reportedly dates from a Scots-owned estate in the colonial era. The bay is accessed through a narrow entrance from the northwest and opens into a deep, calm, enclosed body of water. Holding in Gulf of Paria mud is excellent. There are no facilities here whatsoever — the attraction is complete isolation, wildlife watching (red howler monkeys are often audible), and swimming in clear water away from the busy Chaguaramas boatyard scene just 3nm east. A favourite weekend retreat for TTSA members and well-kept-secret for offshore passage-makers.

Hazards

• !Narrow entrance from the northwest — take care in the passage; use chart and depth sounder
• !No facilities and no nearby help — self-sufficient only
• !Howler monkeys audible at dawn — spectacular wildlife but can be alarming if unexpected
• !Gulf of Paria tidal range 0.9–1.5m applies — set scope for tidal variation

Skipper's Tips

• →Scotland Bay is one of the Caribbean's great hidden anchorages — completely sheltered, stunning jungle scenery, and total silence at night
• →Arrive by dinghy from Chaguaramas for a day trip if the overnight commitment seems too remote
• →Red howler monkeys in the hills are most vocal at dawn and dusk — a genuinely remarkable experience
• →The bay is excellent for swimming — clear water, no swell, and the sense of complete wilderness despite being 3nm from a world-class boatyard
• →Check in at TTSA before heading to Scotland Bay — they'll have current local knowledge on the passage

Nearby Anchorages