Bush Cay
Bush Cay anchorage · Central south Banks
21°28.80'N 71°41.88'W
Depth
1–3m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m for good holding on sand in 1–3m. The 0.6–0.9m Caicos Banks tidal range is the primary safety variable at Bush Cay — at low water on spring tides the shallowest areas can dry. Anchor alarm at 60m is essential. This anchorage requires complete commitment to tidal awareness and visual navigation.
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
Bush Cay is a remote, uninhabited low cay on the south-central Caicos Banks — surrounded by some of the most pristine and least-visited water in TCI. The cay is named for the thick low scrub vegetation covering it. Access to Bush Cay is only practical for shoal-draft vessels navigating the Banks, making it one of the most private and exclusive anchorages in the entire Caribbean in practical terms. The surrounding Banks are perfect — clear water, clean sand, scattered coral heads, and extraordinary bird and marine life. There is no reason to come to Bush Cay other than the pure experience of remote Caribbean sailing in perfect water. That is reason enough.
Protected From
E · SE · S
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Remote conservation area — no anchoring on coral; shoal draft only; DECR protection; no night navigation.
Hazards
- !EXTREMELY SHALLOW — 0.6–0.9m tidal range makes many areas dry at low water
- !Remote — 12nm to nearest limited services; total self-sufficiency mandatory
- !Northern and western exposure — frontal weather dangerous here
- !No night navigation possible — approach and depart in daylight only
Skipper's Tips
- →Bush Cay is for the committed Banks explorer — bring everything you need for 48 hours of self-sufficiency
- →The water here is as pristine as it gets in TCI — the remoteness protects it
- →Plan your Banks route carefully using waypoints from reliable cruising guides for this region
- →Tidal timing is everything — always leave any Banks cay on a rising tide to give maximum depth margin
Facilities
No facilities whatsoever. Nearest any services at South Caicos (12nm E).
Nearest provisions: South Caicos (12nm E) (12nm)
Best Months & Season
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
January–April only. Most remote anchorage in the Caicos Banks cluster — experienced crews with shoal-draft vessels only.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
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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