Anchorage· Cayos Holandeses· Other Caribbean
West Holandes Anchorage (Miriadup–Wichubuala Cays)
9° 35.4′ N · 78° 45.2′ W
A less-visited anchorage in the western Holandes off a long powdery beach backed by palms, with schools of fish in the reef cut to the west and mola makers on Miriadiadup.
Practical
Position 09°35.434'N 078°45.165'W (Spirit of Argo 2016): steep slope down to 20 m with coral on the top of the slope; look for sandy spots on the top to drop the anchor, use lots of scope. Better sandy flats either side fill up first. Nearby at 09°35.473'N 078°45.415'W they found 9 m of good deep sand off the reef of Wichubuala Cay, reached through a few shallow sandy passages out of the reef. Not a good anchorage in summer when winds swing round; fine in winter's consistent trades. Great snorkelling off the bow; even better in the reef cut to the west, where a buoy has been tied to the reef for dinghies, but the current through the cut can be very strong. A big ship wreck lies on the outer reef. Noforeignland lists a 'Whirlpool Anchorage' in the central Holandes approached through reefs and shallows. No-see-ums ashore on Wichubuala in some conditions.
Best for
Snorkelling straight off the boat away from the crowds
Season
Dec–Apr steady trades only
Nearby
- Mola Vendors & Guna CraftsRight here
- Holandes Outer Reef & Wreck Reef0.5 NM away
- Waisaladup Anchorage (West Holandes)1.2 NM away
- Hot Tub Anchorage (East Holandes)3.6 NM away
- Holandes Inner Reefs Snorkel (Nap Garden & BBQ Island bommies)3.7 NM away
- Ogoppiriadup Cay Beach (East Holandes)3.8 NM away
- American Crocodiles, Nurse Sharks & Rays4.2 NM away
- Banedup Anchorage (East Holandes)4.2 NM away