Fresh Creek Anchorage

Approach and Entry

Enter Fresh Creek from the east, staying in the southern third of the channel entrance before hugging the Lighthouse Marina docks on the north side. The channel carries good depth but narrows quickly, and the ferry uses the main anchorage area as a turning basin, so keep a weather eye for traffic.

Consult Explorer Charts AN-3, AN-4, and AN-4A for detailed waypoints. Depths in the anchorage vary dramatically within short distances, so proceed cautiously and use a bow lookout. Favor slack tide for entry if possible to reduce the challenge of maneuvering against current.

Holding and Protection

The bottom at Fresh Creek has been scoured of sand by persistent tidal flow, leaving variable holding. A stern or side anchor is essential to keep vessels aligned and off the shoals to the south. Search for sandy patches northwest of the mooring balls where dropped anchors have better purchase.

Protection is excellent from north and south, with manageable conditions in easterlies up to 20 knots. A slight swell and chop develop when the outgoing tide opposes an east wind. The creek's current runs predominantly outbound and can move very quickly at flood, so set gear accordingly.

Moorings and Marinas

Three to four complimentary mooring balls lie within the anchorage, though only the northernmost ball is suitable for keelboats. Even on a mooring, deploy a stern or side anchor to prevent swinging onto nearby shoals. The ferry's turning maneuvers can crowd the anchorage, so position your vessel clear of her track.

Lighthouse Yacht Club and Marina and Kamalame Cay Marina in nearby Staniard Creek offer slips, fuel, water, and ice for those preferring dockside amenities. Both are popular with cruisers staging dives on the barrier reef or waiting out weather.

What's Ashore and Nearby

Andros Town lines the creek with small shops, restaurants, and the famous Androsia batik factory, where artisans hand-dye fabric in vibrant tropical patterns. Fresh produce, basics, and fuel are available, though selection is limited compared to Nassau.

The Tongue of the Ocean begins just offshore, dropping over 6,000 feet within sight of the reef crest. Dive operators at Small Hope Bay Lodge and elsewhere offer wall dives, blue hole explorations, and shark encounters. The AUTEC naval testing facility occupies the surrounding waters, so heed any restricted-area notices on charts.

Getting there

Fresh Creek lies on the east coast of Central Andros, approximately 30 nautical miles south of Morgan's Bluff. Cruisers arriving from Nassau cross the Tongue of the Ocean and approach from the east. Enter in good light, favor slack tide, and stay in the southern third of the channel before transitioning to the north side near Lighthouse Marina. Explorer Charts AN-3 and AN-4 provide essential waypoints. The Andros Town airport (ASD) receives flights from Nassau for crew changes.

Frequently asked questions

How strong is the current at Fresh Creek?

The current can be substantial, particularly on the outbound flood tide. Plan arrivals and departures around slack water when possible. Even at anchor, the current may cause boats to sail back and forth, so set a stern anchor for added control.

Are the mooring balls at Fresh Creek free?

Yes. Three to four complimentary mooring balls are available, but only the northernmost one accommodates keelboats. Regardless of which ball you pick, deploy a stern or side anchor to keep the boat off surrounding shoals.

What diving is accessible from Fresh Creek?

Fresh Creek provides access to the Andros Barrier Reef and the dramatic wall dives of the Tongue of the Ocean. Operators at Small Hope Bay Lodge and Lighthouse Yacht Club offer guided dives to coral gardens, blue holes, wrecks, and shark encounters.