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Secluded Spring Break: Our Top 7 Hidden Anchorages To Escape The Crowds
For anyone planning their spring break getaway out on the water, it undoubtedly conjures up the same chaotic images: Packed beach bars, crowded marinas, and charter boats all chasing the same popular anchorages and that elusive last mooring ball.
And for some, that type of energy is exactly part of the fun of a sailing holiday. But for others, the real appeal of sailing is in the freedom to leave the crowds and tourist traps far behind.
As a Moorings Yacht owner, one of the greatest advantages is that every one of our global bases opens the door to far more than just the obvious tourist traps. A slight change of course from the tourist hotspots and common milk run anchorages often leads to quieter islands and overlooked bays where the crowds never quite arrive.
From hidden anchorages in the ever-popular BVI’s to entirely overlooked islands in the Exumas chain and incredible snorkeling far from the rest of the crowds in the Grenadines, with The Moorings, you can still enjoy Spring Break in your favorite global destinations without the crowds.
Here is our list of the top hidden anchorages in our most popular spring sailing destinations to help you avoid the crowds this spring break.
1. Lee Bay, Great Camanoe, British Virgin Islands
Most yachts sailing through the British Virgin Islands follow the familiar milk run between Tortola and Virgin Gorda. But tucked quietly between those two islands sits Great Camanoe, a stop that many boats pass without a second glance on their way to the Baths or lobster dinners in Anegada.
And the best-kept secret on Great Camanoe is undoubtedly Lee Bay. Situated along the island’s southern shoreline and forming a wide, sheltered anchorage backed by green hills, this anchorage is about as close to complete tropical island desolation as you can get in the entire BVI. With no large resorts, busy beach bars, or even any mooring balls, this bay tends to stay quiet and serene even during peak travel periods.
The water here is clear and calm, ideal for swimming straight from the stern or exploring the rocky edges of the bay with a mask and fins. And if you are anxious to leave the crowds behind as soon as you set sail from The Moorings base in Tortola, Lee Bay makes the perfect easy first night stop.
2. Chatham Bay, Union Island, St Vincent And The Grenadines
More often than not, Union Island is just a dot on a map that must be sailed past to reach the Tobago Cays from Grenada. But if you are looking to avoid the crowds and truly relax in Grenada and The Grenadines this spring, that little dot is exactly where you should be.
Forming part of the most southern islands in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the hidden gem of Chatham Bay is actually more easily accessible from the Moorings base in Grenada. About a 2 ½ hour sail north, your first stop on Union Island, unfortunately, has to be the bustling harbor of Clifton in order to clear into St. Vincent customs. And this is the only view that most visitors to Union Island ever get. But once the paperwork is done, quickly zip around the southern corner of the island and head west to hide away from the crowds in Chatham Bay.
The large crescent beach of Chatham Bay is spacious enough that the few boats that do venture here can spread out comfortably, ensuring the atmosphere remains relaxed and isolated even during busy sailing weeks.
Dotted along the large sandy beach, you will find a couple of small restaurants beneath the palm trees, serving freshly caught fish and simple island dishes along with ice-cold beer, adding to the authentic and relaxed atmosphere of this hidden piece of paradise.
3. Koh Phanak, Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
A short sail north from The Moorings base in Phuket, you will soon find yourself sailing away from the chaotic tourist traps that Thailand can be all too synonymous with and find yourself between the dramatic limestone islands scattered across Phang Nga Bay.
Serene, sheltered waters, spectacular snorkeling, and dramatic towering landscapes are the hallmark of this lesser-explored cruising ground. And one of the most spectacular and underrated islands in this region is Koh Phanak.
Rewarding those who choose adventure over the milk run, the straight towering cliffs of Koh Phanak open up to reveal an exquisite labyrinth of water-filled cave passages, perfect for exploring by kayak or paddleboard. Navigate through narrow, stalactite-filled tunnels into enclosed lagoons to spot monkeys and hornbills amongst the mangrove forests.
Ko Phanak is also a great spot to settle in for a night or two, with sheltered anchorages available year-round. Shift around the island depending on the season, and you will always find protection from the prevailing winds and solid holding in mud or sand.
4. Hallovers Bay, Cooper Island, British Virgin Islands
Cooper Island is a hotspot on the usual run-of-the-mill sail around the British Virgin Islands. With a rum bar serving locally made rum and a restaurant offering some of the best meals in the BVI, it’s understandable why the tiny mooring field in Manchioneel Bay fills up early and is often the scene of some spectacular stand-offs over the last mooring balls.
But just a short sail away on the western side of Cooper Island, you will find the tiny anchorage of Hallovers Bay. With no beach and no amenities, and with just about enough space for 2 or 3 boats to anchor, you will most likely find yourself the only boat in this secluded bay just out of sight from the usual BVI milk run.
Spend the afternoon snorkeling along the reef that curves around the bay, or paddle along the coastline in complete isolation, and if the weather is calm and the mood strikes, there’s nothing stopping you from taking your dinghy and quickly popping over to the civilized side of Cooper Island for a quick reality check.
5. White Island, Grenada,
Setting sail from Grenada, most yachts head straight north for the well-known anchorages of the Grenadines and St. Vincent without a second thought. But if you follow the crowds and the guidebooks, you are sure to miss out on the unassuming little atoll of White Island along the southern coast of Grenada.
This beach-covered, uninhabited island lies just off the mainland of Carriacou, and more often than not, it feels completely untouched, with long stretches of time where you will likely be the only boat in sight.
Although the anchorage is protected and generally offers calm conditions, perfect to spend the night, the Atlantic current can rip through here between 0.5 and 1.5 knots, so caution is advised when swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear turquoise waters.
The best holding is in the sand to the north of the island, and you will want to take a moment to position yourself carefully, keeping clear of the submerged rock plate that runs through parts of the bay and the surrounding corals.
And if conditions shift or you feel like moving on, nearby Saline Island offers a similar sense of isolation just a short sail away. But on a calm day, White Island delivers exactly what many who seek out the course less sailed crave, a quiet anchorage, clear water, and just enough distance from the usual Spring Break crowds. White Island is an easy reminder that you do not always have to sail far to leave the crowds behind.
6. Money Bay, Norman Island, British Virgin Islands
Norman Island has never been described as quiet. Home to the infamous Willy T’s and some of the best snorkeling in the BVI’s, including The Caves and The Indians, it is a must-see on everyone’s itinerary to the BVI, especially during the rowdy spring break season.
The main anchorage of The Bight is Norman Island’s hub of activity and fills in quickly with music, floating toys, and a rowdy bunch of dinghies coming and going well into the evening.
But just around the corner on the island’s southern side lies Money Bay, a spot that feels completely disconnected from the chaotic energy just a short distance away. And with just enough space for one or two boats, this anchorage delivers complete peace and isolation.
Money Bay gets its name from the island’s rich pirate history and the lore of pirate treasures still buried on the island. So, if your perfect hideaway in the BVI is a mix of desolation and possible pirate treasure, make sure to drop your anchor here. Just keep in mind that this anchorage is not protected from Atlantic swells, and if there is any southerly wind, it’s best to stay clear of this hidden gem. Anchoring here can also be tricky, as the seabed consists of a mix of sand and grass.
And if you feel like venturing into the buzz of The Bight, Money Bay is connected to the rest of the island via hiking trails. Just be advised that the hiking trails from Money Bay can be overgrown, as few ever venture here. But most who anchor in Money Bay tend to stay put and enjoy a quieter side of Norman Island that many never take the time to find.
7. Bitter Guana Cay, Exumas, Bahamas
Every single boat setting sail from Nassau to head down the Exumas chain will inevitably end up in Staniel Cay. And rightfully so, as this is the biggest piece of civilization in the northern Exumas, and a welcome chance for most to reprovision and mingle at the bar and restaurant.
But for those who just need a quick provisioning stop and would still like to avoid civilization as much as possible, just to the south, Bitter Guana Cay feels worlds away from the activity around the Staniel Cay Yacht Club and the famous swimming pigs.
The island itself is completely wild and uninhabited, except for the large population of Bahamian rock iguanas that wander freely along the beach. Dinghy ashore and you will be enthusiastically greeted by the curious locals looking for a feast of lettuce, peppers, and healthy kitchen scraps.
Moving past the droves of locals, the island is crossed with hiking trails amongst the whitewash cliffs and offers spectacular views over to the Atlantic and the surrounding islands.
Despite its popularity as a quick day stop, the surrounding waters remain surprisingly peaceful once the day boats depart. And by late afternoon, you are sure to have this anchorage mostly to yourself.
Book Your Last-Minute Spring Break Escape Today
Spring Break does not have to mean crowded anchorages and bustling beaches. One of the great privileges of yacht ownership with The Moorings is the ability to sail beyond the obvious and find places that feel a little more like your own.
Across the global network of destinations offered by The Moorings, those quieter corners are never far away. Sometimes they sit just beyond the next island, waiting for those willing to steer slightly off the well-beaten path; other times, they take a bit more effort and skill to reach, but they are always worth it.
This spring, take the opportunity to change your course. Skip the packed mooring fields, leave the busy harbors behind, and set your sights on the places most boats sail past in The Moorings’ global network of destinations. Use your short-notice owners’ points to book your last-minute escape from the ordinary today.
Hanrie Bosch
Guest blogger, Hanrie Bosch, is a professional yacht chef. Based in the Caribbean and Bahamas, since 2013, she has worked on boats ranging from 48 ft Leopards to 160 ft superyachts.
