best "unknown" anchorages in the BVI

[bruceket]

I'm chartering a boat in the BVI's in 4 weeks. I have chartered many times there but always taken the standard charter routes. I'd like to try to find some out of the way places this time. In particular I've looked at Eustatis Sound to Oil Nut Bay. How doable is this with a 6 ft. draft? I'd be interested in other suggestions as well. Many thanks.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, brucet.

[svBeBe]

I humbly suggest that you stick to the anchorages approved by your charter company. They usually have a reason for each anchorage they prohibit their boats from anchoring in. Exploration into unknown areas is fine as long as it is your own boat.

Judy

[gbanker]

We have anchored may times in Eustatis Sound, mostly in the long cove shown near the top of this photo.
Plenty of water and safe if you can read the water depths.

Also suggest Benures or Soldiers Bays, Norman Island, Key Cay on the south side of Peter Island, Salt Island off the "village" if the wind is in the southeast, Sandy Spit/Green Cay area east of Jost Van Dyke.

Other anchorages that are recommended day stops often clear out in the afternoon and can be fine overnight spots if the weather is moderate and/or you are on a catamaran.

Just remember that there are no "unknown" anchorages in the BVIs but its not necessary to anchor on top of other boats every night.

Enjoy!

[nautical62]

I second every place gbanker above mentioned and will add the bay north of Lee Bay on Great Camanoe - Almost always have that to myself - Pelicans diving, big fish, lots of minnows, and wild goats on the hill side. Great Sea cave to explore on the point between that bay and Lee Bay.

The middle of the bay is all coral, but there's lots of sand in the SE corner.

It used to be almost nobody ever stayed behind Sandy Spit at night, I think because one of the cruising guides refers to it as a day anchorage. Unfortunately people are figuring out the anchor holds just as well at night.

[gbanker]

yes nautical62 to bay north of Lee Bay, Lee Bay can be good also when a north swell is not running.