Limetree Bay
Limetree Bay St. Croix · South St. Croix anchorage
17°41.82'N 64°45.72'W
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for fair holding in 5–12m sand/mud. Industrial area — maintain clear passage from all pier and terminal operations. Fair holding — engine test essential. Open to south. Not recommended for recreational overnight stays if other options are available.
About This Anchorage
Limetree Bay on St. Croix's south coast is primarily an industrial anchorage adjacent to the former HOVENSA oil refinery complex (now operating as Limetree Bay Terminals) — one of the largest oil storage and transshipment facilities in the Caribbean. The anchorage is functional rather than scenic, providing protection from the ENE trades with fair holding in sand and mud. The south coast location places it near Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, making it useful for crew changes. The bay is used by commercial vessels servicing the terminal and is not a first choice for recreational sailors. However, it provides a useful emergency anchorage and transit stop on St. Croix's south coast. Monitor all terminal activity and maintain safe clearance from all industrial pier operations.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · E · W
Exposed To
S · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Maintain absolute clear passage from all industrial terminal operations; do not approach any commercial piers or terminal infrastructure; VHF 16 for any communication with terminal operations; anchor only in sand/mud.
Hazards
- !Industrial terminal operations — large commercial vessels servicing the oil terminal; maintain extreme clearance from all terminal infrastructure
- !Open to south and southwest — southerly conditions expose the anchorage significantly
- !Fair holding — weed and mixed bottom; engine test mandatory; re-anchor if needed
- !Not recommended for extended recreational stays — limited appeal and industrial environment; consider Christiansted or Frederiksted instead
Skipper's Tips
- →Limetree Bay is best used as a functional transit stop or emergency anchorage — not a recreational destination
- →The proximity to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (2nm) makes this useful for crew changes requiring airport access
- →Maintain VHF 16 monitoring at all times in Limetree Bay — terminal operations use VHF and may require clear communications
- →If weather deteriorates with a southerly component, depart immediately — the southern exposure is significant
- →Better anchorage options exist at Christiansted and Frederiksted — consider Limetree Bay only when those are impractical
Facilities
No facilities at the anchorage. Henry E. Rohlsen Airport area has limited services. Frederiksted (5nm W) or Christiansted (10nm E) for full services.
Nearest provisions: Frederiksted (5nm W) (5nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April. A functional rather than recreational anchorage. Best suited for brief transit stops. Industrial environment limits appeal for extended stays.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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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