Frederiksted Roadstead
Frederiksted anchorage · West St. Croix Frederiksted
17°42.78'N 64°53.22'W
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m for fair holding in 5–15m sand. Full western exposure makes this a roadstead rather than a sheltered anchorage — comfortable only in settled ENE trade conditions with no westerly or northwesterly swell. Engine test essential. In any forecast of westerly component, do not stay overnight. Monitor weather continuously.
About This Anchorage
Frederiksted is St. Croix's second town — a charming, low-key community on the island's western coast with a beautifully preserved 19th-century Victorian waterfront (largely rebuilt after the Fireburn labour revolt of 1878). Fort Frederik (1752) guards the entrance to the small harbour. The town has a quiet, genuine Caribbean atmosphere with good restaurants and a small commercial district. The anchorage is a roadstead — protected from the east by the island mass but exposed to the west and northwest. The ENE trades normally keep conditions calm at the anchorage, but any westerly swell or wind makes it untenable. The Frederiksted pier is one of the most celebrated night dive sites in the Caribbean — seahorses, batfish, frogfish, and extraordinary macro marine life inhabit the pier pilings. Dive operators from Christiansted run regular pier night dives.
Protected From
E · NE · SE · N · S
Exposed To
W · NW · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Roadstead — full western exposure; overnight only in settled weather with confirmed ENE trade conditions; stay clear of the pier and cruise ship berth when in use; anchor only in sand.
Hazards
- !Full western exposure — westerly or northwesterly swell or wind makes this anchorage dangerous; continuous weather monitoring required
- !Fair holding only — sand bottom with some areas of grass; engine test essential; re-anchor if anchor does not bite cleanly
- !Cruise ship berth — large cruise ships occasionally call at Frederiksted; maintain clear passage and anticipate wash when ships manoeuvre
- !Remote from main services — Christiansted (18nm east by road or sea) is the main service centre
Skipper's Tips
- →The Frederiksted pier night dive is one of the Caribbean's finest diving experiences — contact St. Croix dive operators for guided night dives from the pier
- →Fort Frederik at the harbour entrance is a historic Danish fort (1752) — free NPS admission; the town has remarkable Victorian architecture from post-1878 rebuild
- →Frederiksted is one of the least-visited towns in the USVI — genuinely local atmosphere with none of the tourist infrastructure of Christiansted or Cruz Bay
- →Rainbow Beach immediately north of Frederiksted has calm, shallow water excellent for snorkelling — dinghy north from the anchorage
- →Monitor weather forecasts carefully — depart if any westerly swell is forecast; the roadstead exposure is significant overnight
Facilities
Frederiksted has several restaurants and cafes in the town center — Polly's at the Pier, Rhythms at Rainbow Beach, and others. Basic grocery provisions available. No fuel at the anchorage.
Nearest provisions: Frederiksted town center (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April in settled ENE trade conditions. Day stop ideal — overnight requires careful weather monitoring. Best for experienced sailors comfortable with roadstead conditions.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
In St. Croix, Christiansted Harbour's barrier reef and ENE trade winds make secure anchoring essential. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can explore the Danish colonial town and Buck Island with confidence.
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