Water Cay
Water Cay anchorage · East Caicos approach
21°52.80'N 72°02.82'W
Depth
1–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m for good holding on sand in 1–4m. CRITICAL TIDAL AWARENESS — at low water on spring tides, depth at the anchor can fall to 0.3–1m in some areas around Water Cay. The TCI tidal range of 0.6–0.9m is the defining factor in this extremely shallow environment. Set alarm at 60m; monitor depth continuously. Do not attempt in anything but the best settled weather with reliable forecasts.
About This Anchorage
Water Cay at the far eastern end of the northeast Caicos cays chain is one of the most remote and pristine anchorages accessible from Providenciales — a tiny uninhabited island surrounded by crystalline shallow water, healthy reef, and absolute solitude. This is gunkholing territory in its purest form — accessible only to shoal-draft vessels comfortable in 1–3m of water with active tidal awareness. The island is uninhabited and pristine; the surrounding waters are among the clearest and least disturbed in TCI. Fish life is exceptional — the absence of human activity means the reef around Water Cay has been relatively undisturbed. A drone shot from Water Cay reveals an abstract painting of turquoise, aquamarine, and sand-white patterns that is unlike anything else in the Caribbean. Fully self-sufficient; no facilities, no services, no other boats.
Protected From
N · NE · NW · E · W
Exposed To
S · SE · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Remote area — fully self-sufficient; no anchoring on coral; tidal awareness critical; no facilities; approach in good visibility and settled weather only.
Hazards
- !EXTREMELY SHALLOW — 1–4m at high water; some areas dry at low water; shoal-draft only (1.2m max at low water)
- !Tidal range 0.6–0.9m — anchor alarm is your primary safety tool; monitor depth throughout stay
- !Coral and reef surrounds the cay — approach in good light only; no night approach
- !Most remote accessible anchorage from Provo — emergency assistance is hours away; self-sufficient only
- !No cell signal — download all charts, weather, and communications before departing Turtle Cove
Skipper's Tips
- →Water Cay is a genuine off-the-grid experience — total solitude, pristine reef, and extraordinary colour; worth the effort of the shallow-water approach
- →Bring a kayak or paddleboard — the shallow lagoon areas around the cay are paradise for human-powered exploration
- →The light in the early morning at Water Cay is extraordinary — the colours of the shallow reef change constantly as the sun angle shifts
- →Plan a two-day layover — one day exploring Water Cay and the next moving back along the chain through Pine Cay to Leeward
- →Download tide tables for this precise area before departing — tidal timing is everything in TCI's shallow outer cays
Facilities
No facilities whatsoever. Nearest services at Leeward Marina (7nm SW) or Turtle Cove Marina (12nm SW).
Nearest provisions: Leeward Marina (7nm SW) (7nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April in settled weather only. Most remote anchorage in this guide — requires shoal draft, full self-sufficiency, and excellent seamanship in shallow tidal waters.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
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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