Bay of Five Pirates Anchorage

Approach and Entrance

Great Harbour Cay is the largest and most developed island in the Berry chain, located at the northern end approximately thirty miles northwest of Nassau. The Bay of Five Pirates lies on the western shore south of the private developments and north of Bullocks Harbour.

Approach from the bank side through the main Berry Islands passage. The anchorage is open and straightforward, with depths of eight to twelve feet throughout the bight. The marina and Bullocks Harbour settlement are visible to the south, providing easy orientation. Select an anchoring spot with room to swing and drag if your anchor struggles to set initially.

Holding and Protection

The Bay of Five Pirates provides good protection from northwest through north winds, making it valuable during cold front passages that bring these conditions. The surrounding land and the curve of the bight limit fetch and provide wind shadow.

Holding is the challenge. The soft sand bottom has a reputation for allowing anchors to drag, and many cruisers report needing to reset multiple times before achieving a secure hold. Back down firmly at cruise power for at least thirty seconds to ensure a proper set, and consider using extra scope. Monitor your position carefully during wind shifts or gusts.

What's Ashore

Bullocks Harbour lies a short distance south of the anchorage, providing the Berry Islands' most complete array of services for cruising sailors. The Great Harbour Cay Marina offers fuel, water, electricity, and slip dockage. A grocery store, restaurant, and basic provisioning are available in the settlement.

The beaches north of the anchorage along Great Harbour Cay's western shore offer excellent walking and shelling. The island stretches seven miles with opportunities for exploration, though private property dominates the northern sections. A rental car or golf cart from the marina opens up additional exploration options.

Weather Routing

Understanding when to use the Bay of Five Pirates is key to Berry Islands cruising. During settled easterly conditions, other anchorages throughout the chain may offer more comfortable stops. But when NOAA forecasts show frontal passages with northwest to north winds, this bight becomes the place to be.

Watch weather patterns carefully and relocate early rather than late. Once strong winds develop, the fetch across the bank side can make the passage to Bay of Five Pirates uncomfortable or dangerous. Experienced Berry Islands cruisers keep this anchorage in their planning toolkit and move proactively when forecasts shift.

Getting there

Great Harbour Cay lies at the northern end of the Berry Islands chain, approximately thirty nautical miles northwest of Nassau. The Bay of Five Pirates is on the western shore south of the private estates and north of Bullocks Harbour. Approach from the bank side through the main Berry Islands passage.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my anchor keep dragging in the Bay of Five Pirates?

The soft sand bottom allows anchors to drag until they find firmer patches. Back down at cruise power for at least thirty seconds to ensure a proper set. Use extra scope and monitor your position carefully. Many boats need to reset multiple times before achieving a secure hold.

When should I use the Bay of Five Pirates versus other anchorages?

Use this anchorage when forecasts show northwest to north winds, particularly during cold front passages. In settled easterly conditions, other anchorages throughout the Berry Islands may offer more comfortable stops. Move to Bay of Five Pirates proactively before strong winds develop.

What services are available at Bullocks Harbour?

Great Harbour Cay Marina offers fuel, water, electricity, and slip dockage. The settlement has a grocery store, restaurant, and basic provisioning. Rental cars and golf carts are available for exploring the island.