Cid Harbour
Sailing Guide for Yachts
Cid Harbour Sailing Guide. Cid Harbour is one of the most secure and weather‑proof anchorages in the Whitsundays, offering deep, protected water, excellent holding and complete shelter from all wind directions. The harbour lies between Whitsunday Island and Cid Island and forms a broad, calm basin with steep, forested slopes and a gently shelving shoreline. For skippers moving between Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island, Hook Island and the southern island group, Cid Harbour is a natural waypoint and one of the most dependable overnight anchorages in the region.
Although Cid Harbour is extremely sheltered, the skipper must remain alert to its depth profile, steep sides and the need for adequate scope in deep water. The harbour is large enough that vessels lie mostly to the breeze rather than the tide, and gusts can funnel down the slopes in strong south‑easterlies. The seabed is mostly mud with strong holding, but the shoreline shelves gradually, and the skipper must avoid edging too close to the mangroves. Cid Harbour is not a difficult anchorage, but it rewards a deliberate approach and an understanding of its deep‑water anchoring requirements.
Cid Harbour Sailing Guide - Location
Cid Harbour lies on the western side of Whitsunday Island, opening into the Whitsunday Passage and forming one of the most protected anchorages in the region. The harbour is framed by Cid Island to the west and the steep slopes of Whitsunday Island to the east, creating a natural wind break and eliminating fetch in all directions. Approximate position: 20°15.0’S 148°56.0’E
Cid Harbour Sailing Guide - Approach
The approach to Cid Harbour is clear, with 20–40 m of water in the Whitsunday Passage and a wide, unobstructed line toward the entrance. The skipper can shape a direct approach from Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island, Nara Inlet, Macona Inlet or the southern island group, with depths remaining consistent at 15–25 m until nearing the harbour. In strong south‑easterlies, the western side of Whitsunday Island provides good shelter, and the sea state remains manageable. The entrance is easy to identify in good visibility, with Cid Island forming a distinctive silhouette.
Cid Harbour Sailing Guide - Navigation
Hazards
The primary hazards in Cid Harbour are the steep sides, deep water and the need for adequate scope. The shoreline shelves gradually, and the skipper must avoid anchoring too close to the mangroves. There are no significant underwater obstructions, and navigation is straightforward in good visibility. The harbour is large enough that vessels must maintain situational awareness when sharing the anchorage with other yachts.
Cid Harbour Sailing Guide - Inside
Inside the harbour, the water shallows to 10–20 m, and the basin opens into a wide, calm anchorage with strong holding over mud. The shoreline shelves gradually, and the skipper must anchor well clear of the mangroves to maintain adequate depth. The harbour remains comfortable in south‑easterlies, with the surrounding slopes reducing gusts and eliminating fetch. The basin is large enough to accommodate multiple vessels without crowding, and the anchorage remains predictable in all conditions.
Cid Harbour Sailing Guide - Anchorage
Cid Harbour offers 10–20 m of depth over mud, with excellent holding and generous room to anchor. The anchorage is comfortable in south‑easterlies, with the mainland providing reliable shelter and keeping the sea state calm. The harbour is wide enough that vessels lie mostly to the breeze rather than the tide, and swing is moderate. In northerly winds, the harbour remains protected, and the sea state stays flat. The anchorage is suitable for both overnight and extended stays in all conditions.
Cid Harbour Sailing Guide - Wind,
Weather and Tides
Cid Harbour is one of the most sheltered anchorages in the Whitsundays. The harbour remains calm in all wind directions, and the surrounding slopes eliminate fetch entirely. Tidal flow is minimal, and the vessel will lie mostly to the breeze rather than the tide. The harbour is unaffected by swell, and the sea state remains flat even when the sea outside is steep. Weather selection is rarely critical once inside, but the skipper must remain aware of exposure in the Whitsunday Passage during strong northerlies.
Mechanical and Electrical Repairs
Resource
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Cid Harbour Sailing Guide Provisioning, Fuel and Water
Cid Harbour has no facilities of any kind, and the skipper must arrive fully self‑sufficient with all provisions, fuel, water and spares already onboard. There are no shops, fuel points, water access, marinas or landing services anywhere in the harbour. All resupply must be done at Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour or Hamilton Island before entering the Whitsunday Island anchorages.
Cid Harbour Sailing Guide Summary
Cid Harbour is one of the most secure and sheltered anchorages in the Whitsundays, offering deep, protected water, excellent holding and complete protection from all wind directions. The approach is straightforward, the anchorage is generous and the harbour provides a calm, predictable refuge in all conditions. For skippers transiting the Whitsunday Passage, Cid Harbour is an essential stop and one of the most reliable overnight anchorages in the region. Cid Harbour Sailing Guide is here to help.