Anchorage· Roatán· Other Caribbean

French Cay Harbour Anchorage (Roatán)

16° 21.3′ N · 86° 26.6′ W

The cruisers' hub of the Bay Islands: a large, reef-ringed anchorage between Fantasy Island, Big French Key and the Roatán shore, with the island's best provisioning a short walk from the dinghy docks. Sheltered from the north by hills and from the sea by the barrier reef.

Belize Barrier Reef

Practical

Anchor in about 20 ft (some spots 30 ft+) with good holding; Spirit of Argo's recommended spot is this coordinate (N16°21.260' W86°26.636'). Enter only in good light using the French Cay Harbour entrance waypoints (see passage); expect no less than about 13 ft inside but sand bars shoal quickly either side. Two shoal patches in the bay are sometimes marked by white buoys. The whole harbour is a Roatán Marine Park reserve: taking ANY marine life is prohibited, and RMP dive buoys (white with black RMP logo) are not for yachts. Dinghy access: the private 'Shrimp Dock' (owner allows cruisers; gate locked and dogs released at 4:00 pm; no water or trash), the Roatan Yacht Club dock, or Fantasy Island for a small daily fee. Marinas and cruisers monitor VHF 71/72; morning cruiser net VHF 74 (see Roatán Cruiser Net). In March 2026 a major fire destroyed Fantasy Island's lobby, restaurant, hotel and palapa; marina boats moved into the anchorage. Security: burglaries and dinghy thefts are reported — lock everything, lift the dinghy at night. In 2012 a municipal fee notice for Santos Guardiola (French Harbour east) was withdrawn; check for any new municipal fee.

Best for

Secure base for provisioning, repairs and the cruiser social scene

Season

Year-round; the go-to shelter when a norther threatens West End

Nearby