Anchorage· Virgin Gorda· Virgin Islands (BVI, USVI and Spanish Virgins)
Western Roads Anchorage (Virgin Gorda)
18° 28.4′ N · 64° 26.6′ W · approximate
The broad, deep roadstead off Virgin Gorda's west coast between the island and the Dogs, which the US Coast Pilot calls two excellent anchorages for vessels of any draft.
Practical
Coordinate approximate: placed midway between Great Dog and Virgin Gorda, where the Coast Pilot advises anchoring in winter. Coast Pilot 5 (Chapter 14): the north anchorage lies in the bight between Mountain and Colison Points, partially protected to the northwest by the Dog Islets; it seldom blows hard from west of north, and the thing to prepare for is winter ground swell, when it is better to anchor in about 13 fathoms (78 ft) midway between Great Dog and Virgin Gorda with good ground tackle and a long scope of chain. The south anchorage, in 13 fathoms between Colison Point and Fallen Jerusalem, is preferred by sailing vessels because they can weigh and run out to the west more easily. Holding is good at both and the water usually smooth. Hazards: a 4¼-fathom patch 0.4 mile west of Colison Point; Burrow Rock (1½ fathoms) 1 mile south of Colison Point; Tow Rock (2½ fathoms) 1.2 miles west-northwest of West Dog. These are big-ship depths; most cruising yachts will prefer the shallower bays (Little Dix, Savannah, Pond, Mahoe) or the marina.
Best for
Deep-water roadstead and ground-swell fallback off the west coast
Season
Year-round; winter ground swell from the north
Nearby
- Coral Gardens & Sharkplaneo (Great Dog)0.8 NM away
- Great Dog Anchorage0.9 NM away
- Little Dix Bay0.9 NM away
- Little Dix Bay Anchorage0.9 NM away
- Rosewood Little Dix Bay Restaurants (Sugar Mill, Pavilion, Reef House, Rum Room)1.1 NM away
- The Chimney (Great Dog)1.2 NM away
- Humpback Whale Season (Virgin Gorda & the Dogs)1.3 NM away
- Spanish Town Customs & Immigration (Virgin Gorda Port of Entry)1.3 NM away