Anchorage· Virgin Gorda· Virgin Islands (BVI, USVI and Spanish Virgins)
Savannah Bay Anchorage
18° 27.9′ N · 64° 25.2′ W · approximate
A long, reef-protected lagoon behind a mile of empty white beach on Virgin Gorda's west coast, entered through an unmarked gap in the reef; one of the most beautiful and least crowded anchorages in the BVI for those who can read the water.
Practical
Coordinate approximate: about 75 m off Savannah Bay beach (OpenStreetMap coastline); the reef itself is not mapped there. Entry is only through a gap at the SOUTHERN end of the reef; there are no marker buoys, and this has made it off-limits for most charter companies, so check your charter briefing. Enter only with the sun high in the sky, with polarised glasses, reading the water: deep blue or turquoise is navigable, brown is coral or rock. The 2015 log warns that a low sun, or a sun behind you, causes too much reflection and masks the colours. Cruisers anchor in the south part, or work north between the outer reef and an inner reef (navigable water over it for about half a mile) to a deeper pool off Pond Bay by Katitche Point. Good snorkeling on the inner side of the barrier reef. No services ashore; no buildings along the beach itself. Leave in good light too. See the Savannah Bay Reef Entrance and Savannah Bay to Pond Bay Inner Passage entries.
Best for
Experienced crews wanting a quiet overnight off a deserted beach
Season
Settled trade-wind weather; avoid in north or west swell and in poor light
Nearby
- Pond Bay Anchorage (Savannah Bay north)0.4 NM away
- Rosewood Little Dix Bay Restaurants (Sugar Mill, Pavilion, Reef House, Rum Room)0.6 NM away
- Little Dix Bay0.8 NM away
- Little Dix Bay Anchorage0.8 NM away
- Mahoe Bay Anchorage0.8 NM away
- Speedy's Island Tours & Taxis0.9 NM away
- Spanish Town Customs & Immigration (Virgin Gorda Port of Entry)1.2 NM away
- Spanish Town Ferry Dock1.2 NM away