West Harbour Bluff

About This Anchorage

West Harbour Bluff is a seldom-visited anchorage at the extreme southwest tip of Providenciales — a wild, undeveloped stretch of coastline that marks the boundary between the north Atlantic approach to Provo and the beginning of the Caicos Banks. The bluff provides modest shelter from the prevailing easterlies. The surrounding land is undeveloped scrub and low bush — the authentic, unpopulated side of Provo that lies beyond the resort strip of Grace Bay. The anchorage provides a useful overnight stop for vessels heading north toward the northwest point dive sites or south toward the Banks and Sapodilla Bay. There are no facilities. The area around the bluff has good snorkelling on the rocky outcrops. Views west at sunset can be spectacular.

Hazards

• !Western and NW exposure — cold front northers can bring strong westerly component; monitor forecasts Jan–Mar
• !Coral heads on approach — approach in good light, bow watch essential
• !Tidal range 0.6–0.9m — inshore areas shoal at low water; maintain depth margin
• !Remote location — no VHF monitoring, no marina services, no assistance available
• !Difficult dinghy landing on rocky shore in any swell

Skipper's Tips

• →This anchorage is for self-sufficient cruisers who want to explore the remote southwest tip of Provo away from the resort crowd
• →Snorkelling around the rocky bluff outcrops is rewarding — good coral and fish life away from the heavily dived Grace Bay reef
• →Plan departure timing around the tide — approaching and leaving in higher water avoids the shoalest patches near the headland
• →Sunset looking west from this anchorage can be outstanding — distant bank cays on the horizon
• →Cell signal is poor here — download charts and weather before departing Turtle Cove

Nearby Anchorages