Let's Hear Everyones Favorite Place to Drop the Hook in the Caribbean

[Vasco]

Conception is one of the worst anchorages in the Bahamas, absolutely no shelter when a front comes through. Tobago Cays aren't bad but I hear they're charging to anchor there now. Picture is of a proper yacht anchored in Conception. You can see how wide open it is.

[Cheechako]

Well... I would say that yacht is anchored OUT of Conception, I dont remember that much open space in the anchorage! It was lovely when I was there. Great snorkeling, lobstering etc. Spent a week. Then again, some people's concept of "best" anchorage is most secure. Mine is more along the line of "most fun". I could see hwere it would be rolly with wind from the wrong direction, even with the reef fringing...

[Vasco]

The problem with Conception is you never know when you have to get out of there fast! I go there every year but I'm always uneasy. Here's what it looks like. I have to admit it's a nice spot but not one of my favourites as far as anchorages go. The anchorage is in the top left, that big open bight.
http://www.peterloud.co.uk/bahamas/conception.gif

[Cheechako]

yea, that looks pretty exposed up there, but close to those huge coral heads the other side of the bight for snorkeling! We went through the hole in the reef at the lower end and anchored up inside (North ?) of Wedge Point. Wish I was going every year! You're a lucky man.

[Sandero]

Who is going to advertise their fav place in paradise and "ruin" the neighborhood? There are many lovely places to drop the hook... for lunch, for the evening, or for an extended stay - where lots of people/boats are.

In the last category, I'd say: Gustavia, Il de Saints, Bequia, Marigot Bay, English Harbor... and so on and so on...

[Caribsailors]

Beautiful! If you look on the shore in front of the church, it's the evening ladies sea bath club.Dominica.jpg Views: 232 Size: 54.2 KB ID: 5761" style="margin: 2px" />

[BanyanBabe]

Sorry, can't say we had the pleasure of turtle company, the only time one came anywhere near us my husband was so excited he zoomed the camara right in and all we have is a photo of something brown and badly out of focus! Barry managed to keep us out of the water most of the time though! He was very 'friendly'!

Does anyone have any tips for swimming with/finding turtles? Are there particular environments they prefer? We're going to Placencia in May - anyone know if we are likely to see turtles up close?

[amytom]

I second Marigo Bay, also True Blue Bay Grenada. I haven't sailed to either of these but I have flown there on business and hope to do it right next time.

[ColdEH]

Been to Marigo bay. Great spot! I think as you look out through the passage from the harbour you see one of the most photographed spots in all the islands. They also filmed Dr Do little there, back in the 60s .

As for turtles, I have found they just seem to appear when you least expect them , I haven't really found any favorite spots they like , they just seem to roam around a lot , The must have sailors blood in there veins.

Regards John.

[BanyanBabe]

'Sailors blood in their veins' hey - so that's why I love them so much! I hear that jelly fish are their favorite food. If that's true I love them even more - there had to be at least 1 good use for the monstrous creatures

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by defjef

Who is going to advertise their fav place in paradise and "ruin" the neighborhood? .

I don't think posting a few pictures on this site will start a mad rush to the various anchorages. Most of these anchorages are already well known to those that frequent these parts. Another nice spot, Hurricane Hole, Key Biscayne.

[ColdEH]

I Agree Rick.

The sailing community is is a small percentage of the population, and the people that are reading this forum are even smaller. Plus I wouldn't mind anchoring beside the people that are on this forum. We all seem to be quite the dedicated bunch.

Regards John.

[Southern Star]

Thanks Tao, too generous. And I look forward to meeting you as well. For those who still have concerns about Margarita Island, I commend the Margarita- Cruising to Calm blog indexed in the thread heading catamaran (or multihull) blogs. Just found it this morning and they have some rather positive things to say about the island.

Brad

[GordMay]

I also agree with Rick, John, & Brad.
Of course, as some kind of socialist, how could I endorse the official capitalist motto, otherwise known as the "FYIGM"* doctrine.

* Forget [sic] You I've Got Mine

[schoonerdog]

Cuba, Cuba, Cuba

More crystal white deserted beaches than the bahamas and a people with a far better attitude.
Zero violent crime.
Winding mountain roads going through beautiful lush rainforests like hawaii.
Amazing old latin american cities.
Scuba diving into a virtual hurricane of tropical fish, not over fished unlike many many other places. Many places in the Caribbean have only one purpose it seems, catering to tourists, there isn't anything else there but sandwich shops, bars or casinos, or row after row of tourist housing. It feels somehow hollow going to those places, like visiting Europe through disneyland, but in Cuba you are in a place with its own character and sense of purpose. Far more varied people, history, geography. It's size is the rest of the caribbean islands combined.