Christmas Cove
Christmas Cove Great St. James · Great St. James anchorage
18°18.96'N 64°51.18'W
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding on sand in 4–10m. Very popular anchorage — high boat density on weekends and holidays. Anchor clear of mooring buoys and other vessels. Snorkellers in the water throughout the day — slow speed always.
About This Anchorage
Christmas Cove on the northwest shore of Great St. James Island is one of the most beloved anchorages in the St. Thomas area — famous for excellent snorkelling, crystal-clear water, and the legendary Pizza Pi floating pizza boat that permanently moors here and serves wood-fired pizza to boats and dinghy visitors. The cove has good sand holding and reliable protection from the ENE trades. It is uninhabited (Great St. James Island is private/restricted) so the setting has a remote feel despite being just 1.5nm from Red Hook. The snorkelling off the rocky headlands is excellent with diverse reef fish, sea turtles, and healthy coral. A favourite day anchorage for both charter boats and local sailors. Weekends in season see high boat density — arrive early for a good spot.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · W
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand; mooring buoys if present — check ownership before using
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Anchor only in sand — no coral anchoring; snorkellers in water at all times — slow speed, no wake; Great St. James Island is private — do not land without permission.
Hazards
- !Snorkellers throughout the anchorage — maintain very slow speed and sharp lookout at all times
- !Weekend crowding — can hold 30+ boats on busy days; arrive before 10:00 for best position
- !Open to south and east — southerly swell from weather systems makes the anchorage uncomfortable
- !Coral heads on the outer approaches — use chart and visual lookout when entering
- !Private island — do not attempt to go ashore on Great St. James Island
Skipper's Tips
- →Pizza Pi (VHF 16 or dinghy up) serves excellent wood-fired pizza — order by VHF before arrival to avoid the queue; a genuinely unique Caribbean dining experience
- →Christmas Cove has some of the best snorkelling in the St. Thomas area — coral heads, sea turtles, and abundant reef fish directly off the anchor spot
- →Arrive before 10:00 on weekends to secure a good spot; the bay fills quickly on Saturday and Sunday mornings
- →The water is exceptionally clear here — bring a good mask and fins even if you usually don't snorkel
- →Christmas Cove to Little St. James Island (Epstein Island) is visible to the south — the island is now US government property and off limits
Facilities
Pizza Pi floating pizza restaurant permanently moored in the cove — wood-fired pizza ordered by VHF or dinghy. One of St. Thomas's most famous culinary institutions. No other facilities — nearest provisions at Red Hook (1.5nm).
Nearest provisions: Red Hook (1.5nm NW) (1.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April. Popular year-round with local St. Thomas sailors. Busiest December–April and on US public holidays. Avoid overnight in weather systems with southerly component.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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