Windward Bay
Windward · Windward Tobago
11°10.1'N 60°31.9'W
Depth
4–9m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m for fair holding on sand 4–9m. FULLY WINDWARD — Atlantic trade wind swell impacts from east and southeast. Only approach in very settled conditions with reduced swell. Not suitable as a regular anchorage. Set larger alarm radius to account for surge movement.
About This Anchorage
Windward Bay on Tobago's southeast coast is a fully windward, Atlantic-exposed location that can only be used as an anchorage in genuinely settled conditions with significantly reduced trade wind swell. The area is sometimes visited by boats delivering supplies along the windward coast road or by fishing vessels using the village pier. The name is self-explanatory — this is the windward coast of Tobago par excellence, fully exposed to the Northeast Trade Winds and Atlantic Ocean fetch. The coast is dramatic and wild with Atlantic breakers on the reef and beach. Only experienced crews in settled conditions should attempt to anchor here, and it should be considered a daytime-only stop.
Protected From
W · NW · SW
Exposed To
E · SE · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Fully windward location — only approach in settled conditions with reduced swell; reef and shoal patches in approach — use chart carefully
Hazards
- !FULLY WINDWARD — Atlantic trade wind swell enters directly; only safe in genuinely settled reduced-swell conditions
- !Reef and shoal patches in approach — use chart and depth sounder carefully; polarized glasses essential
- !Strong trade wind acceleration on southeast Tobago coast
- !Only for experienced crews in settled conditions — not a regular anchorage
Skipper's Tips
- →Windward Bay is included for completeness — most cruisers should use the Caribbean (leeward) coast anchorages instead
- →If caught here in deteriorating conditions, make for Scarborough (14nm west) or Lambeau Bay rather than waiting it out
- →The windward coast is spectacular from the sea in settled conditions — dramatic Atlantic scenery and wild coast
Facilities
Windward village has very limited local food. No yacht services.
Nearest provisions: Scarborough (14nm) (14nm)
Best Months & Season
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Approach only in settled January–April dry season conditions with verified reduced swell. Not recommended as a regular anchorage. Most cruisers should stay on the Caribbean coast.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
On Tobago's wild Atlantic coast, swell can build and shift overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — giving you confidence to sleep in even the most remote windward anchorages.
Download Free for iOS