Anchorage· Jamaica South Coast· Other Caribbean

Pigeon Island Anchorage (Portland Bight)

17° 48.2′ N · 77° 4.4′ W

The largest cay on Jamaica's south coast, horseshoe-shaped around a salt lagoon; Royal Jamaica Yacht Club members cruise here at weekends.

Belize Barrier Reef

Practical

Position is Virgintino's waypoint just east of Pigeon Island (17 48.17N, 077 04.43W). Very good holding in sand and turtle grass, reasonably protected in prevailing trades, but uncomfortable when the wind backs north at night early in the season (December-March). Give the reefs off the NE, NW and west ends a wide berth. Portland Bight is one of the best cruising areas in Jamaica; neighbouring Big Pelican (anchor at the west end in 10 ft) and Big Half Moon (NW side in 8 ft) Cays also work, and the Portland Cays (8 ft behind the reef by the westernmost cay; waypoint 17 41.84N, 077 07.45W) are handy after rounding Portland Point. Avoid Rocky Point/Carlisle Bay and Salt River on the mainland shore (security).

Best for

Weekend cay-hopping with Kingston sailors

Nearby