Pine Cay
Pine Cay anchorage · Meridian Club approach
21°51.96'N 72°05.82'W
Depth
2–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for good holding on sand in 2–6m. TCI tidal range 0.6–0.9m — the shallow approaches around Pine Cay require careful tidal awareness. Set the alarm at 70m to catch any dragging before you reach the reef surrounding the cay. South exposure means southerly conditions (rare but possible in weather systems) can make this anchorage uncomfortable.
About This Anchorage
Pine Cay is a small, exclusively private island in the Caicos Cays chain northeast of Providenciales — the location of the legendary Meridian Club resort, one of the Caribbean's most exclusive hideaways where guests are deliberately isolated from the outside world (no phones, no internet, no television). The island is surrounded by some of the most pristine reef and sand in TCI. Cruising vessels can anchor in the surrounding waters but landing on the island itself is restricted to resort guests. The snorkelling and diving around Pine Cay is extraordinary — healthy reef systems, excellent fish life, and the crystal-clear water that characterises the TCI. The nearby iguana sanctuary on Little Water Cay (accessible from Leeward Going Through to the southwest) adds another wildlife attraction to this northeast Caicos chain. A quiet, remote anchorage for self-sufficient vessels.
Protected From
N · NE · NW
Exposed To
S · SE · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in surrounding waters
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Private island — landing on Pine Cay restricted to Meridian Club resort guests; no trespassing on the island; anchor in sand only — coral reefs surround the cay; no fishing in reef areas.
Hazards
- !Private island — no landing allowed; respect resort guests' privacy
- !Coral reef surrounds the cay — approach carefully in good light with bow watch
- !Tidal range 0.6–0.9m — shallow approaches reduce significantly at low water
- !Remote from services — self-sufficient vessels only; limited VHF assistance available
- !Southern exposure — weather systems from the south can make anchorage uncomfortable
Skipper's Tips
- →The snorkelling around Pine Cay is among the best in TCI — pristine reef with minimal boat traffic
- →This is the quietest section of the Caicos Cays chain — far fewer boats than the main Provo anchorages
- →Transit Leeward Going Through at slack water and continue northeast to Pine Cay for an excellent day's sail from Turtle Cove
- →The chain of cays northeast of Provo — Pine Cay, Fort George Cay, Water Cay — makes a wonderful multi-day gunkholing exploration in a shoal-draft vessel
- →Approach Pine Cay from the west/south with sun behind you and a good tide — the reef heads are clearly visible in the clear water
Facilities
No facilities for visiting vessels — private resort island. Nearest provisions at Turtle Cove Marina (8nm SW) or Leeward Marina (5nm SW).
Nearest provisions: Leeward Marina (5nm SW) (5nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. Remote and peaceful. Best for self-sufficient shoal-draft vessels gunkholing the northeast Caicos chain.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
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.
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