Sapodilla Bay
Sapodilla Hill anchorage · Southwest Provo
21°43.80'N 72°18.96'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for excellent holding on sand in 2–5m. Sapodilla Bay has some of the best natural protection on the south coast of Provo — the easterly trades are blocked by the island. The 0.6–0.9m tidal range is manageable here. 65m radius is appropriate in normal trade conditions; reduce to 50m in settled conditions when comfortable with the depth and holding. In WNW cold front conditions, the bay becomes exposed — depart early if norther forecast.
About This Anchorage
Sapodilla Bay on the southwest corner of Providenciales is one of the most popular and comfortable anchorages in the Caicos Islands — a tranquil, protected bay with excellent sand holding, calm water in prevailing easterly trades, and the historical curiosity of Sapodilla Hill. The hill is covered in inscriptions carved by mariners and castaways over the centuries — some dating to the 1800s — recording ships' names and dates. A short dinghy ride and 10-minute hike to the top gives sweeping views over the Caicos Banks to the south and northwest. The bay is shallow enough to require a dinghy for beach access in the inner shallows. A small beach club operates seasonally. The anchorage is a natural overnight stop for vessels departing for or arriving from the Caicos Banks or South Caicos, as it lies at the SW tip of Provo near the main bank entry routes.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · SW · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral — sand only; Sapodilla Hill carvings are protected heritage — look but do not add to or damage the inscriptions; tidal awareness required in the shallower inner bay.
Hazards
- !Isolated coral heads throughout the bay — approach with bow watch in clear conditions; anchor only in sand
- !Western exposure to cold front northers — in WNW conditions, bay becomes exposed; monitor weather closely in Jan–Mar
- !Very shallow inner bay — draft limit approximately 1.5m in the anchorage proper; 1.0m near the beach at low water
- !Tidal range 0.6–0.9m — depth at low water is 0.6–0.9m less than charted depths
- !Remote from marina services — no fuel, water, or mechanical help nearby
Skipper's Tips
- →Sapodilla Hill is one of the most interesting historical sites in TCI — the mariner inscriptions dating to the 1800s are remarkable and well worth the 10-minute hike
- →This bay is the ideal overnight staging anchorage before an early-morning departure for the Caicos Banks — southeast of here the water quickly shoals to 1–3m
- →The sunset from Sapodilla Bay looking west over the Caicos Banks is exceptional — one of the finest sunset views on Provo
- →Check the tide tables for departure toward the Banks — leave at high water to maximize depth in the first miles of the transit
- →The bay has excellent sand holding — dig the anchor in well and you can leave with confidence
Facilities
Seasonal beach bar/club at Sapodilla Bay. Nearest full provisions and fuel at Turtle Cove Marina (7nm NE by sea or taxi).
Nearest provisions: Turtle Cove Marina (7nm NE) (7nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. Excellent natural protection from prevailing easterlies. Avoid in cold front norther conditions (Jan–Mar). A perfect overnight anchorage for south coast Provo exploration and Banks departures.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
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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