Attwood Harbour
A reef-protected cove on Lady Slipper Cay offering 300 degrees of shelter and turquoise waters lapping a pristine circular beach.
Attwood Harbour is not truly a harbour in the traditional sense, but rather a crescent-shaped bay tucked into Lady Slipper Cay, the small island nestled between Crooked Island and Acklins. What it lacks in commercial infrastructure it more than compensates for with natural protection: 300 degrees of shelter from land and reef create a remarkably calm anchorage in the heart of one of the Bahamas' most remote cruising grounds.
The shallow bay offers sandy deeper water in the middle, surrounded by a beautiful beach with water that glows in countless shades of turquoise. For cruisers seeking true solitude and pristine natural beauty, Attwood Harbour delivers an experience that has all but vanished from more frequented Bahamian destinations.
Approach and Navigation
The approach to Attwood Harbour requires careful piloting but rewards the effort. Enter from the northeast, steering almost due south while leaving Umbrella Rock and the white light on the headland to port. There is no particular leading mark, so navigate by eye in good visibility and favorable light.
Watch carefully for coral inside the harbour area as you approach. Once inside the curve of the anchorage, turn to port and select your anchoring spot. The deeper water lies in the center of the bay, with the bottom shoaling gradually toward the surrounding beach. Consult Explorer Charts for the Crooked-Acklins area for detailed approach information.
Holding and Protection
Attwood Harbour offers excellent protection thanks to its unique geography. Land and reef provide 300 degrees of shelter, creating calm conditions even when winds blow strongly across the open Bight of Acklins. Depths in the anchorage are approximately 10 feet in the deeper central area, with a sandy bottom that provides good holding.
The surrounding reef breaks ocean swells effectively, while the cay itself shields the anchorage from most wind directions. This makes Attwood Harbour one of the more secure overnight options in the Crooked-Acklins area, though as always, monitor forecasts and be prepared to relocate if conditions change significantly.
What's Ashore and Nearby
The beach surrounding Attwood Harbour is pristine and uninhabited, perfect for beachcombing, swimming, and simply enjoying the solitude. The turquoise water takes on stunning colors as light conditions change throughout the day, creating endless photographic opportunities.
From Attwood Harbour, you can land your dinghy and walk approximately two miles west to reach Chester, a small settlement on Acklins Island. The walk crosses Lady Slipper Cay and provides a chance to stretch your legs and perhaps meet some of the friendly residents who call this remote corner of the Bahamas home.
Cruising Considerations
Attwood Harbour has no facilities whatsoever, so arrive fully self-sufficient with food, water, fuel, and spares. The remote location means help is far away should problems arise, making thorough preparation essential.
The anchorage rewards cruisers with exceptional natural beauty and genuine solitude. Spend a night under brilliant stars unmarred by light pollution, swim in gin-clear water, and enjoy the peaceful isolation that draws adventurous sailors to these remote islands. The experience is worth the extra planning required.
Getting there
Attwood Harbour is located on Lady Slipper Cay, the small island between Crooked Island and Acklins Island in the southern Bahamas. Approach from the northeast, leaving Umbrella Rock and the white light on the headland to port, then steer almost due south into the bay. Navigate by eye in good visibility. The harbour lies approximately 15 nautical miles southeast of French Wells and is accessible only by private vessel.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Attwood Harbour a true harbour?
- No, Attwood Harbour is more accurately described as a crescent-shaped bay or reef-protected cove. The name is historical. The anchorage offers excellent natural protection but has no docks, marina facilities, or developed infrastructure.
- Can I walk to Chester from Attwood Harbour?
- Yes, you can land your dinghy on the beach and walk approximately two miles west across Lady Slipper Cay to reach Chester settlement on Acklins Island. Bring water and wear sturdy footwear for the walk.
- How protected is Attwood Harbour?
- Attwood Harbour offers approximately 300 degrees of protection from land and reef, making it one of the better-protected anchorages in the Crooked-Acklins area. Calm conditions prevail in most weather patterns, though always monitor forecasts for changing conditions.