Middleton Cay
Middleton Cay anchorage · Central Caicos Banks
21°36.00'N 71°51.00'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. Middleton Cay on the central Caicos Banks requires the most rigorous tidal awareness of any anchorage in this guide — the 0.6–0.9m tidal range in water that is only 1–3m deep means the margin for error is measured in centimetres. Anchor alarm at 60m is your first line of safety. Monitor depth readings at anchor throughout your stay. Depart at rising or high water only.
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
Middleton Cay sits near the geographic centre of the Caicos Banks — approximately equidistant between Providenciales and South Caicos, one of the most remote positions accessible to a small boat in TCI. The surrounding water is 1–3m deep, extraordinarily clear, and pristine. No human activity occurs in this area. The bonefishing on the flats surrounding Middleton Cay is spectacular — undisturbed bonefish schools of 20–50 fish visible from the boat. The cay itself is small, low scrub, and uninhabited. Anchoring here is the full Banks experience — total isolation, stunning beauty, and absolute dependence on your own seamanship and tidal awareness. This anchorage should only be attempted by experienced crews in shoal-draft vessels with complete self-sufficiency.
Protected From
S · SE
Exposed To
N · NW · W · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Remote Caicos Banks — anchor in sand only; no night navigation; shoal draft only (max 1.2m at low water); DECR protection; complete self-sufficiency required.
Hazards
- !MOST REMOTE Banks anchorage — 22nm to nearest limited services; 5+ hours in emergency
- !CRITICALLY SHALLOW — 0.6–0.9m tidal range in 1–3m water; anchor alarm essential
- !No shelter from N/NW/W — cold front conditions dangerous; excellent weather window mandatory
- !No night navigation — approach and depart in daylight with sun high and behind you
- !No cell signal — download all charts, weather, communications before departing civilisation
Skipper's Tips
- →Middleton Cay is the ultimate Caicos Banks experience — 22nm from the nearest services in water that is 2m deep and perfectly clear
- →The bonefish schools on the flats around the cay are extraordinary — easily the best bonefishing available from an anchored vessel in TCI
- →Plan a 3-day Banks circuit: Leeward → Pine Cay → Six Hills → Middleton → Fish Cays → South Caicos
- →An Iridium satellite communicator or SSB radio is not optional for this anchorage — it is a safety requirement
- →The Banks at Middleton in morning light is one of the most beautiful places you will ever anchor a boat
Facilities
No facilities. Nearest any services at South Caicos (22nm SE) or Leeward Marina, Provo (40nm W).
Nearest provisions: South Caicos (22nm SE) (22nm)
Best Months & Season
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
January–April only in excellent settled conditions. The most remote anchorage on the Caicos Banks — experienced crews with full self-sufficiency and 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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