Anguilla Yacht Cruising Guide

Anguilla Yacht Cruising Guide. Anguilla lies north of St Martin and functions as a low‑infrastructure, low‑rise island with multiple open‑roadstead anchorages on the southern and northern coasts. It has deepwater approaches, predictable seabed contours, and straightforward navigation in settled trade‑wind conditions. The island is used primarily as a quiet anchorage destination or staging point for yachts moving between St Martin, St Barts, and the northern Leewards.

The sailing environment is shaped by the northeast trades, typically 15–22 kn, with moderate seas offshore and variable shelter depending on anchorage orientation. The northern coast is exposed to Atlantic swell, with depths dropping rapidly from 30–40 m to 5–10 m over sand and coral shelves. The southern coast offers more consistent shelter, with wide bays and sandy bottoms. Marine infrastructure is minimal, and all major services are taken in St Martin.

Anguilla Yacht Cruising Guide - Approaches

Approaches from the south and southwest are clear, with depths above 40–80 m until close to the island, shoaling to 10–20 m over sand before entering Road Bay or Rendezvous Bay. Approaches from the north, northeast, and east are exposed to Atlantic swell, with depths dropping from 30–40 m to 5–10 m near the reef line; these sectors require daylight and visual navigation and are not used for routine entry. Tidal range is small at 0.3–0.6 m, and currents are weak, with minor set between Anguilla and St Martin during fresh trades.

Anguilla Yacht Cruising Guide - Anchorage

• Road Bay. Road Bay on the northern coast is the island’s primary anchorage, with depths of 5–10 m over sand and generally reliable holding. The bay is wide and accessible, offering moderate shelter from the prevailing trades. Swell can enter during northerly systems, but conditions remain manageable in typical weather. Dinghy access is straightforward via the main dock.
• Rendezvous Bay. Rendezvous Bay on the southern coast provides 5–10 m over sand with good shelter from the prevailing trades. The bay is open but calm in settled conditions, with predictable depth gradients and reliable holding. Dinghy access is via the beach.
• Crocus Bay and Shoal Bay. Crocus Bay and Shoal Bay on the northern coast offer 10–15 m over sand with moderate shelter. Both bays are exposed to swell during northerly systems and are suitable only in settled conditions. Dinghy access is via the beach.
• Windward Coast. The eastern and northeastern coasts offer no viable anchorage due to reefs, shoaling to 5–10 m, and full exposure to Atlantic swell.

Anguilla Yacht Cruising Guide - Marina Facilities

Anguilla has no marinas and no haul‑out capability. The island provides dinghy docks in Road Bay and limited shore access in other bays. Fuel, water, and chandlery access are minimal. All major operational support is taken in St Martin, which offers full‑service marinas, haul‑out yards, and technical facilities.

Anguilla Yacht Cruising Guide - Local Weather

Weather follows the northern Leeward Islands pattern, with northeast trades between 15–22 kn and moderate seas offshore. Road Bay is calm in settled conditions but becomes uncomfortable during northerly swell events. Rendezvous Bay offers more consistent shelter. Rainfall is seasonal, with passing showers common. The island offers no cyclone‑grade shelter and is not suitable for hurricane‑season lay‑up.

Anguilla Yacht Cruising Guide - Provisioning

There are provisioning options and best options are just across in St Martin. It is an upmarket tourist destination.

Supermarkets. There is J.W. Proctors Supermarket which has fruit and vegetables. There is Alberts Lake grocery store. There are three Best Buy outlets on the island, and Ashley’s MiniMart and Foods Ninety-Five. The weekly container ship arrives every Wednesday so best shop Thursday afternoon and Friday mornings to get the best fresh produce.

Markets. The Merchants Market has a big range and supplies local restaurants. The Peoples Market has fresh imported and local fruit, vegetables and seafood.  There are street stalls selling produce and these can be quite economical. The island has some good bakeries.

Seafood Markets. The Fish Depot is close to the main market and has fresh seafood. You can get fish straight from the boats around 15:00-16:00 daily in Island Harbor. 

Anguilla Yacht Cruising Guide - Local Cuisine

The national dish is Pigeon Peas and Rice. Local cuisine is based on seafood and island staples. Grilled fish, stewed saltfish, and lobster are common, served with rice, plantains, or ground provisions. Seasoning is mild to moderate, using thyme, onion, garlic, and local herbs. Dining options are concentrated near Road Bay and the southern beaches but are not operationally relevant for provisioning.

Anguilla Yacht Cruising Guide - Fuel Supplies

Fuel is not reliably available on Anguilla. All refuelling is done in St Martin, where diesel and petrol can be taken by jerry can or directly at marina fuel docks.

Anguilla Yacht Cruising Guide - Water Supplies

Water is limited and generally taken by jerry can in Road Bay. There are no dockside hose connections for yachts. Water makers reduce reliance on shore supply but are not essential for short stays.

Mechanical and Electrical Repairs Resource

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Anguilla Yacht Cruising Guide - Marine Services

Marine services are minimal. The island provides basic assistance only. All mechanical, electrical, rigging, and sail‑repair work is handled in St Martin, which serves as the region’s primary yacht‑service hub.

Anguilla Yacht Cruising Guide - Local Customs

Local behaviour is courteous and low‑key. Respect for private property, controlled dinghy speeds near shore, and proper waste disposal are expected. Noise should be kept low near residential areas. Interactions with local residents are straightforward and conducted in plain language.

Anguilla Yacht Cruising Guide - Summary

Anguilla provides deepwater approaches, multiple open‑roadstead anchorages with 5–15 m depth profiles, and minimal provisioning and services. Road Bay serves as the operational centre, while Rendezvous Bay offers consistent shelter. Navigation is straightforward in settled conditions, and operational demands are modest for a self‑sufficient yacht. Anguilla Yacht Cruising Guide for all you need to know.