A GUIDEBOOK WRITER'S FAVORITE EASTERN CARIBBEAN ANCHORAGES

Written by Lexi Fisher, Doyle Guides

I get asked all the time what my favorite anchorage is, but it’s a bit like choosing a favorite child; each has unique qualities that make it impossible to choose. More importantly, your enjoyment often hinges on what you’re looking for—fine dining, secluded beaches, vibrant marine life, or hikes to hidden waterfalls. So instead of ranking a top 10, here’s a list of my 10 favorite anchorages based on the best of what they have to offer.

Best for Snorkeling: South Coast of Barbuda

The south coast of Barbuda is a snorkeling paradise, especially for those with a draft of 6 feet or less that can sneak through shallow reef passages. The island’s secluded, shallow sandy bays and vibrant reef life are just a short hop from the bustling anchorages of Antigua. Coral Group Bay, Gravenor Bay, and White Bay are particularly exceptional spots for underwater exploration.

Best Off-the-Beaten-Path: Saba

Saba, resembling a giant boulder in the ocean, is a true hidden gem. The island is incredibly steep-to and fairly exposed, making mooring maintenance difficult and a long, wet dinghy ride to the only shore access. However, adventurous visitors will find reward in hiking Mt. Scenery and exploring the quaint, mist-shrouded villages. Visiting Saba can truly feel like you’ve stepped through the clouds and into another world. 

Best for Hiking and Waterfalls: Dominica

The Kalinago appropriately named Dominica Waitukubuli, which translates to "tall is her body." The island's dramatic landscape is crowded with steep peaks, lush rainforests, and an abundance of waterfalls. Features like the Boiling Lake, thermal springs, and sulfur- and iron-stained waterfalls speak to its volcanic origins more than any of the other Eastern Caribbean islands. 

Best for Fine Dining: Nevis

Nevis offers a selection of excellent restaurants, especially in the Gingerland area. Some of the best, like Montpellier, Hermitage, and Golden Rock, are set in buildings that date back to the early 1800’s. The island's quieter atmosphere, compared to larger Caribbean destinations, lends a rustic charm to these fine dining experiences.

Best for Secluded Beaches: Carriacou

Despite the recent impact of Hurricane Beryl, Carriacou’s scenic white sand beaches remain stunning. Paradise Beach has been cleaned up, and other more secluded spots like Anse la Roche and Petite Carenage are worthwhile visits for those looking for remote corners. The beaches of the offshore islands—Sandy Island, White Island, and Saline Island—are also worth exploring.

Best for Shopping: St. Maarten

Duty-free shopping is a highlight in St. Maarten, where the entire island offers tax-free deals. The hustle and bustle of downtown Philipsburg is known for its variety of jewelry, electronics, and local souvenirs. For a more laid-back experience, visit the local market in Marigot, open every morning except Sunday, with the biggest days on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

Best for Nightlife: St. Maarten and Antigua

For vibrant nightlife, Simpson Bay Lagoon in St. Maarten, and Antigua, especially during the Heineken or Antigua Classics regattas, are top picks. Regattas usually entail a week of parties, live entertainment, and ample rum, while Simpson Bay Lagoon boasts year-round options with its array of bars, restaurants, and a casino or two.

Best for History Buffs: English Harbour, Antigua

English Harbour is steeped in history and home to Nelson’s Dockyard, which was built in the 1740s and 1750’s and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the cobblestone streets, old stone buildings, and original sail loft pillars alongside nearby historical attractions like Shirley Heights and Fort Berkeley. Keep an eye on where you drop your anchor though, as a few 18th-century anchors and chains still lay across the bottom of the anchorage.

Best Scenery: Soufriere, St. Lucia, and the Tobago Cays

Both Soufriere and the Tobago Cays offer breathtaking scenery, but for completely different reasons. The Tobago Cays, famous as a filming location for the original Pirates of the Caribbean, feature idyllic sandy islands encircled by a fringing reef. In contrast, Soufriere’s majestic Pitons (another UNESCO world heritage site) shoot skyward for a dramatic backdrop that is truly awe-inspiring.

Best for Beach Bars and Socializing: Bequia

Admiralty Bay in Bequia is known for its vibrant and social yachting community. It’s a great place to make new friends or meet up with old ones, enjoy live music almost nightly, strolling along the restaurant-lined waterfront boardwalk, have a beach barbecue, or meet for sundowners at the floating bar in the bay.