Northwest Point
Northwest Point Marine National Park · NW Point Provo
21°49.74'N 72°21.48'W
Depth
3–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding on sand in 3–12m. Northwest Point faces the open Atlantic — this is the most exposed anchorage on Providenciales. The 0.6–0.9m tidal range is less of a concern here than at the shallow Bank anchorages, but the northern exposure in trade conditions creates short steep chop. Use dive moorings where available. In any northerly forecast, do not stay overnight — return to Turtle Cove.
About This Anchorage
Northwest Point Marine National Park on the northwestern tip of Providenciales is one of the premier dive destinations in the entire Caribbean — a dramatic wall starting in 15m and plunging to 600m+ just offshore, draped in pristine black corals, sponges, and deep-water fan corals. The area is a DECR-protected national park. The anchorage in the lee of the point allows easy access to the dive site moorings. This is one of the least developed parts of Provo — the Northwest Point Resort (on the adjacent beach) is the only facility for miles. The beach on the north side of the point is long, wild, and beautiful. The wall diving here is comparable to Grand Turk — Atlantic pelagics, eagle rays, and occasional whale sharks patrol the deep blue beyond the wall edge. Day trip by sea from Turtle Cove (10nm) or anchor overnight in settled weather.
Protected From
E · SE · S
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Dive moorings — fees may apply; anchoring free in sand outside mooring zone
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: DECR National Park — no anchoring on reef or coral; use dive moorings where available; no fishing in marine park; no coral collection.
Hazards
- !Full northern Atlantic exposure — cold front northers can arrive with 30–40kt within hours; NO overnight in northerly forecast
- !The wall drops abruptly from 15m — maintain careful depth watch when approaching; do not go north of the point
- !Dive boat traffic — dive operators from Provo run trips here; maintain clear lines
- !Remote from services — nearest fuel and provisions 10nm east at Turtle Cove
- !Tidal current around the point can be strong — anchor on the sheltered east side only
Skipper's Tips
- →Northwest Point wall diving is world-class — one of the top ten dive sites in the Caribbean; hire a local dive operator from Turtle Cove for guided wall dives
- →Use dive moorings on the point rather than anchoring — they protect the reef and hold securely
- →Day trip from Turtle Cove in settled morning conditions — leave early, dive two sessions, return before afternoon builds
- →The wild beach on the north side of the point (facing the Atlantic) is spectacular — long, empty, and accessible by dinghy
- →Watch for whale sharks from November–April — the deep water off the point is on their migration route
Facilities
Northwest Point Resort has a restaurant — accessible from the anchorage. No fuel or provisioning available at the point.
Nearest provisions: Turtle Cove Marina (10nm SE) (10nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May in settled conditions only. Day anchorage strongly recommended over overnight. Best diving December–April in clear trade wind conditions with good visibility.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In TCI waters, the 0.6–0.9m tidal range means your depth at anchor changes significantly overnight. Drag toward coral reef can cause serious damage. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can sleep with confidence.
Download Free for iOS