Anchorage· St Kitts· Leeward Islands
Basseterre Anchorage
17° 17.5′ N · 62° 43.7′ W
The open roadstead off the capital, west of the Port Zante breakwater - handy for clearance, the market and a day of errands, but rarely a quiet night. The Moorings rate it sheltered in northerly and easterly winds and uncomfortable in southeasterlies.
Practical
Depth shoals quickly from about 20 ft to 10 ft, which makes waves stack up; anchor in 20 ft or more if staying overnight (ActiveCaptain). No moorings. Fish pots in the bay - one is marked with a ball that looks like a mooring; do not pick it up. Keep well west of the ferry lane (Nevis ferries run all day and throw wakes) and watch for the outlying cruise-ship dolphins at night. noforeignland users rate it poorly (1.7/5): significant swell, very rolly, charges for dinghy access and rubbish - most sailors clear in and move to White House Bay or Ballast Bay. Dinghy into Port Zante (see marina entry for the submerged rock and US$5/24 h fee). Groceries within walking distance: Ram's, C&C opposite the ferry terminal, and a Chinese grocery opposite Ram's (ActiveCaptain). Paid hotspot Wi-Fi covers the bay.
Best for
A daytime stop for clearance and provisioning
Season
Tolerable in N-E trades; rolly in SE winds and any southerly swell