Anchorage· Antigua· Leeward Islands
Nonsuch Bay Anchorage
17° 4.7′ N · 61° 41.4′ W · approximate
A large bay on the east coast protected from the Atlantic swell by a windward reef, with Green Island at its mouth: steady trade-wind breeze, flat water and room to spread out. One of the favourite 'get away from it all' cruising grounds in the Leewards.
Practical
Pin is placed in the middle of the bay (checked to be in water against OSM coastline). Plenty of room; the reef breaks the sea but not the wind (AMG, ABYMA). Yachting Monthly (2021) anchored in thick mud in about 10 m some way off the Nonsuch Bay Resort. Enter from the south past York Island and Submarine Rock in good light (see passages). The 5-knot limit applies in the channel (Yachting Monthly). Ayres Creek is a mangrove-lined inlet; Ledcoff Cove is 'Antigua's best hurricane hole' (AMG); the reefs leading to Fanny Cove offer excellent snorkelling. Inside the NEMMA marine reserve: anchor in sand or mud, not on coral. No services except the resort; provision before arriving.
Best for
Wind-cooled, swell-free cruising and kitesurfing on the east coast
Season
Best Dec to Jul in normal trades; approach difficult in big easterly swell
