Seasonal· Barbados· Windward Islands
Winter North Swells (West Coast)
13° 12.0′ N · 59° 39.0′ W · approximate
From November to April, groundswells generated by North Atlantic storms wrap around the north end, rolling into the open west-coast anchorages and pumping up the surf on the east coast.
Practical
Position is a point off the west coast (approx). Visit Barbados says Soup Bowl swells can reach over 15 ft between November and April with winter north swells and distant hurricanes. Noonsite says a rolling swell can come into Carlisle Bay even with no wind, and that the Speightstown, Holetown and Port St Charles anchorages are unprotected from swell. The OCC report warns the Maycock's Bank, north of the old cement plant, breaks well offshore in winter swells. Watch swell forecasts and land dinghies on the beaches with care.
Best for
Choosing when and where to anchor
Season
November to April