Southside Bay Anchorage

Anchorage Layout

Southside Bay offers anchorage across a wide area, with depths ranging from 4-8 feet depending on position and tide. The best holding lies in sandy patches mixed with grass, allowing anchors to set well if placed correctly. Cruisers can work in as close to shore as draft permits, with those seeking maximum protection from easterlies moving toward the Ragged Island shore. The trade-off involves distance to Duncan Town, with closer positions requiring longer dinghy rides across the flats. Tidal range affects both depth and current, requiring attention during anchor watch.

Duncan Town Access

The bay's primary appeal lies in providing the closest practical anchorage to Duncan Town, home to roughly 80 residents who represent the entire permanent population of the Ragged Island District. A dinghy ride across the flats reaches the government dock and small settlement, where cruisers encounter genuine Bahamian hospitality largely unchanged by tourism. Maxine's grocery offers minimal provisions; most residents order goods for mail boat delivery and have little reason to stock supplies. The experience of visiting this community makes the journey worthwhile, even without practical resupply opportunities.

Weather Considerations

Southside Bay works well in typical trade wind conditions, with Ragged Island providing good protection from east through northeast. The bay becomes increasingly uncomfortable as winds clock south, and strong southerly weather can make conditions dangerous. Unlike some Jumentos anchorages, there is no alternative bight to shift to when conditions deteriorate from the south. Weather routing and realistic departure planning are essential, with cruisers prepared to move north to better-protected Jumentos anchorages when forecasts turn unfavorable.

Little Ragged Island

The southern boundary of Southside Bay is formed by Little Ragged Island, a low uninhabited cay accessible by dinghy exploration. Beaches along its shores offer solitary beachcombing, and the shallow waters between the islands provide interesting snorkeling and wading. The channel between Ragged Island and Little Ragged Island experiences tidal flow that can be useful or challenging depending on dinghy timing. Patient explorers find this area rich in birdlife, shells, and the profound silence of genuine remoteness.

Getting there

Southside Bay lies between Ragged Island and Little Ragged Island at the southern terminus of the Jumentos chain. Approach from the west or north depending on previous anchorage, using good light for navigation around scattered shoal areas. Many cruisers stage at Hog Cay before moving to Southside Bay for the Duncan Town visit. The approach is straightforward but requires attention to depth as the bay shoals significantly in places.

Frequently asked questions

What services are available in Duncan Town?

Extremely limited. Maxine operates a small grocery with minimal stock. Internet and cell service are available near the settlement. There is no fuel dock, chandlery, or marine services. The mail boat makes three monthly runs to Nassau, allowing residents to order provisions.

Is Southside Bay suitable for riding out bad weather?

Not in southerly conditions. The bay is exposed to the south and becomes uncomfortable or dangerous in strong southerly weather. Plan departure before forecasted southerly winds and have Hog Cay or northern Jumentos anchorages as alternatives.

How shallow does Southside Bay get?

Depths vary from about 8 feet in deeper areas to 4 feet or less closer to shore and over grass patches. Tidal range affects depth significantly. Approach during rising tide if uncertain about your vessel's draft, and verify swinging room includes adequate depth at all tide stages.