Big Sand Cay
Big Sand Cay anchorage · South Turks Islands
21°12.60'N 71°14.58'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding on sand in 3–8m. Big Sand Cay is the most exposed and remote anchorage in this guide — 8nm south of Salt Cay in the open Caribbean. The 0.6–0.9m tidal range and significant Turks Island Passage tidal current create substantial boat movement. Set 80m alarm; monitor weather obsessively. Only attempt this anchorage with absolute confidence in weather windows and full vessel self-sufficiency.
About This Anchorage
Big Sand Cay sits at the southern extreme of the Turks Islands — a remote, uninhabited sand cay ringed by reef in some of the clearest water in TCI. It is one of the most isolated anchorages in the entire Caribbean accessible to a cruising yacht. The cay has a long sand beach and extraordinary bird life (frigatebirds, boobies, and migratory shorebirds rest here). The water around Big Sand Cay has visibility of 30–40m and a pristine reef in near-perfect condition due to virtually zero human disturbance. During January–April, humpback whales are frequently sighted in the deep water channel immediately west — the same Turks Island Passage route that takes them past Salt Cay and Grand Turk. This is an expedition destination — only for experienced crews in confirmed excellent conditions.
Protected From
S · SE · E
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes
Restrictions: Remote conservation area — no coral anchoring; no disturbing bird nesting areas; DECR protection applies; no fishing on reef; self-sufficiency mandatory.
Hazards
- !Most exposed and remote anchorage in the Turks group — northers and westerlies make this anchorage extremely dangerous
- !8nm from nearest (limited) services at Salt Cay — emergency assistance is hours away by vessel
- !Reef surrounds the cay — night approach impossible; approach in good afternoon light only
- !Tidal range 0.6–0.9m plus Turks Island Passage current — significant boat movement on anchor
- !No cell or satellite communication coverage — HF radio or Iridium essential
Skipper's Tips
- →Big Sand Cay is one of the Caribbean's great expedition destinations — few yachts ever make it here
- →Whale watching from a boat anchored off Big Sand Cay in February is a bucket-list experience — the whales pass close to the cay
- →The reef here is in perfect condition — some of the best diving and snorkelling in TCI; barely touched
- →The bird life on and around the cay is exceptional — frigatebirds circle overhead constantly
- →Only attempt this anchorage with a multi-day settled weather window confirmed on multiple sources
Facilities
No facilities. Nearest any services at Salt Cay 8nm north.
Nearest provisions: Salt Cay (8nm N) (8nm)
Best Months & Season
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
January–April only (whale season and most settled weather). Expedition anchorage — only for experienced crews with full self-sufficiency. Not recommended outside peak settled trade wind conditions.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In the Turks Islands, open roadstead anchorages with 0.6–0.9m tidal range and strong Turks Island Passage current mean careful monitoring is essential. Safety Anchor Alarm keeps watch while you sleep.
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