St. John Anchorages: Best Spots for Charter Boats and Sailing

St. John's Best Anchorages for Charter Boats and Sailing

St. John is surrounded by some of the finest anchorages in the Caribbean. Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park on two-thirds of its shoreline, many of these bays and coves have remained unspoiled for decades — offering charter boats and sailing vessels crystal-clear water, excellent holding ground, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you're on a day charter or a multi-day sailing adventure, knowing the best anchorages transforms your experience.

Primary Harbors

Cruz Bay Harbor

The main port of St. John and starting point for most charter excursions. Cruz Bay offers excellent protection from trade winds and swells, with easy access to the town's restaurants, shops, and provisioning.

• Protection: Excellent — sheltered from east and southeast swells
• Depth: 15-30 feet in the anchorage area
• Bottom: Sand and mud — good holding
• Amenities: Fuel, water, restaurants, grocery, ferry terminal
• Best for: Charter departures, provisioning, dinner ashore
• Note: Can be busy with ferry traffic. Stay clear of the ferry channel.

Coral Bay

The large, well-protected harbor on St. John's east end. Coral Bay has a completely different vibe from Cruz Bay — quieter, more laid-back, and popular with long-term cruisers and liveaboards.

• Protection: Excellent — one of the most protected harbors in the USVI
• Depth: 10-25 feet
• Bottom: Mud — excellent holding
• Amenities: Skinny Legs, Aqua Bistro, small marina, basic provisioning
• Best for: Overnight anchoring, accessing Lime Out, east end exploration
• Note: Great jumping-off point for Lime Out floating taco bar (nearby)

North Shore Anchorages

Caneel Bay

The former resort bay offers pristine waters and a beautiful setting. Since the resort closed, Caneel Bay has become one of the most peaceful anchorages on the island.

• Protection: Good from south and east — exposed to northerly swells
• Depth: 15-25 feet
• Bottom: Sand — fair to good holding
• Highlights: Beautiful beach, snorkeling on both sides of the bay, Caneel Bay ruins exploration
• Best for: Day anchoring, snorkeling, beach time

Hawksnest Bay

The closest National Park beach to Cruz Bay, Hawksnest is a popular stop for charter boats starting a north shore tour.

• Protection: Moderate — sheltered in normal trade wind conditions
• Depth: 15-20 feet
• Highlights: Good snorkeling on rocky sides, picnic facilities ashore, shade trees
• Best for: Quick morning stop, families, snorkeling

Francis Bay

One of the most protected anchorages on the north shore, Francis Bay is a favorite for overnight stays and evening anchoring.

• Protection: Excellent — protected from trade winds and most swells
• Depth: 12-20 feet
• Bottom: Sand — good holding
• Highlights: Quiet, nature trail, bird watching, beautiful sunset views
• Best for: Overnight anchoring, sunset viewing, nature lovers
• Note: National Park mooring balls available (first come, first served)

Maho Bay

Famous for sea turtle sightings, Maho Bay offers a shallow, protected anchorage perfect for families and snorkelers.

• Protection: Good in normal conditions
• Depth: 8-15 feet (shallow — watch your draft)
• Highlights: Guaranteed sea turtles, shallow calm water, beautiful beach
• Best for: Families, snorkeling, turtle watching
• Caution: Shallow — larger vessels should anchor further out

Leinster Bay / Waterlemon Cay

A remote anchorage on the northeast coast providing access to the island's best snorkeling at Waterlemon Cay.

• Protection: Fair — sheltered from south and west
• Depth: 15-25 feet
• Highlights: World-class snorkeling at Waterlemon Cay, Annaberg plantation ruins nearby, remote and peaceful
• Best for: Serious snorkelers, nature lovers, charter day stops

South Shore Anchorages

Salt Pond Bay

A southern exposure anchorage with excellent snorkeling and access to hiking trails.

• Protection: Moderate — exposed to southerly swells
• Depth: 15-25 feet
• Highlights: Great snorkeling, Ram Head trail access, Drunk Bay hike
• Best for: Calm weather days, adventure seekers, combined snorkeling and hiking

Little Lameshur Bay

One of the most secluded and peaceful anchorages on St. John. Rarely crowded, with beautiful clear water.

• Protection: Good from north and east
• Depth: 12-20 feet
• Highlights: Solitude, hiking trails, historical ruins, untouched nature
• Best for: Overnight anchoring, solitude seekers, kayaking

Anchorage Comparison Chart

Anchorage	Protection	Crowds	Snorkeling	Overnight	Best Feature
Cruz Bay	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	High	⭐⭐	Yes	Town access
Coral Bay	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Low	⭐⭐	Yes	Peace and quiet
Caneel Bay	⭐⭐⭐	Low	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Fair	Beautiful setting
Francis Bay	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Low	⭐⭐⭐	Excellent	Sunsets, nature
Maho Bay	⭐⭐⭐	Moderate	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Fair	Sea turtles
Waterlemon	⭐⭐⭐	Very Low	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Fair	Best reef
Salt Pond	⭐⭐	Low	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Weather dep.	Hiking access
Little Lameshur	⭐⭐⭐	Very Low	⭐⭐⭐	Good	Total solitude

Anchoring Tips for St. John

• National Park mooring balls are available at several bays (first come, first served). Use them when available to protect the seagrass beds.
• Anchor in sand, never on coral or seagrass — It's the law, and it protects the ecosystem your snorkeling experience depends on.
• Check the weather — North shore anchorages are exposed to northerly ground swells. South shore anchorages are exposed to southerly weather. Your captain will choose accordingly.
• Trade winds blow east to west — Most anchorages are protected from the prevailing trades, but conditions can shift.
• Arrive early for popular spots — Francis Bay and Maho Bay mooring balls go fast in peak season.

Experience the best of St. John's waters — browse our charter excursions and let an experienced captain show you the island's finest anchorages.

Related Guides

• Charter Cost Calculator — Find out how much a charter costs for your group size
• Cruz Bay National Park Dock — Most charter boats depart from this pier in Cruz Bay
• USVI Passport Requirements — What ID you need for USVI vs. BVI destinations
• Charter Pricing Guide — Compare private vs. shared charter costs