Ambergris Cays
Ambergris Cay anchorage · South Caicos Banks
21°23.52'N 71°38.88'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for good holding on sand in 2–5m. The 0.6–0.9m Caicos Banks tidal range means the 2m minimum anchorage depth can fall to 1.1–1.4m at low water. Monitor depth continuously. Set 65m alarm; the western exposure means any westerly weather system requires immediate departure. This is a southerly Banks anchorage — exposed to frontal weather from the west.
Caicos Banks Tidal Warning
Tidal range 0.6–0.9m. Maximum draft 1.2m at low water. Navigate in good light only. Anchor alarm is essential — set immediately on anchoring and monitor depth readings continuously.
About This Anchorage
Ambergris Cays consists of Little Ambergris Cay and Big Ambergris Cay on the southern Caicos Banks — a remote area approximately 10nm south-southwest of South Caicos. Big Ambergris Cay has been developed as an exclusive private island resort (Ambergris Cay Resort), accessible only by private aircraft or boat; the surrounding waters are open to cruising vessels. The setting is extraordinary — the south Banks here have some of the clearest and most pristine water in TCI, ringed by healthy reef and with the characteristic turquoise colour of the Banks extending to the horizon. The bonefishing on the flats surrounding the cays is world-class. Little Ambergris Cay is uninhabited and wild. Visiting sailors can anchor in the surrounding waters and explore by dinghy.
Protected From
E · SE · N · NE
Exposed To
W · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in surrounding waters
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Ambergris Cay Resort — private island; landing restricted to resort guests; anchor in surrounding waters only; no anchoring on coral; shoal draft required; DECR protection applies.
Hazards
- !Shallow Banks — 0.6–0.9m tidal range; shoal draft only (max 1.2m at low water)
- !Western exposure — cold front weather from W/SW can arrive rapidly; monitor forecasts
- !Coral heads on approach — visual navigation in good light essential; no night approach
- !Remote — 10nm from South Caicos; nearest emergency assistance hours away
Skipper's Tips
- →The Ambergris Cays area is extraordinarily beautiful — private, pristine south Banks with world-class bonefishing and snorkelling
- →Explore Little Ambergris Cay by dinghy — the uninhabited cay has a perfect small beach and excellent snorkelling
- →Approach from South Caicos in the morning — the light is perfect for visual navigation on the Banks early in the day
- →The bonefishing here is among the best on the Banks — hire a local South Caicos guide for the full flat-water experience
Facilities
No facilities for visiting vessels. Nearest services at South Caicos (10nm NE).
Nearest provisions: South Caicos (10nm NE) (10nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April. Remote south Banks destination. Shoal-draft vessels with experienced crews only.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
On the Caicos Banks, in 1–4m of water with a 0.6–0.9m tidal range, the anchor alarm is not optional — it is your primary safety tool. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously, night and day.
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