Hurricane Hole
Hurricane Hole mangroves · Coral Bay Hurricane Hole
18°20.52'N 64°41.82'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
50m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
50m
50m for excellent holding in thick mud in 3–8m. All-round protection from mangroves makes this one of the most secure anchorages in the Caribbean. Reduce to 35m in the innermost arms. NPS national park — no motorised vessels in inner arms. Draft limitations apply; check chart carefully for the mangrove passages.
About This Anchorage
Hurricane Hole is the ultimate storm refuge in the USVI — a series of interconnected mangrove-lined arms branching off the northeast corner of Coral Bay that provide near-total protection from wind and wave in any direction. The soft mud bottom gives excellent anchor holding and the mangrove canopy overhead absorbs wind completely. Used by St. John live-aboards as their primary hurricane refuge, vessels have ridden out Category 4 and 5 storms here (though Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused significant mangrove damage). The area is designated Virgin Islands National Park — the inner mangrove arms are accessible to non-motorised vessels only (sail, paddle, or dinghy). Nurse sharks rest under the mangrove roots in the shallow areas, and the birdlife is exceptional. One of the most extraordinary natural environments in the entire USVI sailing area.
Protected From
N · NE · NW · E · SE · S · SW · W
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: NPS national park — no motorised vessels in the inner mangrove arms (sail or dinghy only for inner access); no cutting or damaging mangroves; nurse sharks in the shallows — do not approach or disturb; maximum stay limits may apply during hurricane season (check current NPS regulations).
Hazards
- !Draft limitations — the passages between mangrove arms have shallow areas; consult chart and approach slowly with depth sounder active
- !Motorised vessels prohibited in inner arms — sailing or dinghy entry only; enforce this for other boaters as well
- !Mangrove roots — extending below water surface; approach slowly and keep all props clear of roots
- !Hurricanes — while Hurricane Hole provides extraordinary protection, Category 5 storms (Irma 2017) can still cause significant damage; know when to evacuate to land
Skipper's Tips
- →Hurricane Hole is extraordinary even without storm conditions — dinghy into the inner arms and experience the complete silence under the mangrove canopy
- →Nurse sharks rest on the sandy bottom under the mangrove roots — approach slowly and quietly by dinghy for close encounters
- →Snorkelling the entrance to Hurricane Hole reveals excellent reef fish and juvenile tarpon schooling in the clear shallows
- →Coral Bay live-aboards consider Hurricane Hole the only truly safe place on the island during a major hurricane — monitor NPS guidance for storm season regulations
- →The passage into the inner arms is most comfortable at half-tide — not too shallow (low) and not obscuring the bottom (high)
Facilities
No facilities in Hurricane Hole. Coral Bay village (1nm SW) has basic services — Skinny Legs Bar, small grocery, fuel dock.
Nearest provisions: Coral Bay village (1nm SW) (1nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April for recreational sailing. Year-round use by live-aboard community. Hurricane season (June–November) is when this anchorage provides its most critical function as storm refuge.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 50m
In the Virgin Islands National Park, anchor drag toward coral reef carries environmental and legal consequences. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can enjoy St. John's stunning beaches with confidence.
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