Anchorages are great places to rest your boat and explore the surroundings, and they can be found all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a short-term family getaway or you’re planning to sail all around the world, choosing the right anchorages can greatly improve the quality of your journey – and introduce you to a host of new sights, new cultures, and new experiences.
So what are the best anchorages in the world to visit?
Port Washington (Long Island, New York)
Port Washington is a fantastic stopover for cruisers near the East River. Here, you’ll get protection from winds and current and enjoy an average depth of 12 feet. You can make use of a dinghy or a water taxi to visit the nearby town, which has a great selection of restaurants, a grocery store, multiple hardware stores, and even a laundromat. New York City is a relatively short drive away as well, so you can get out and explore land between your aquatic journeys.
Boddam Island (the Chagos Archipelago)
Located deep in the Indian Ocean, the Chagos Archipelago is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. You won’t find many other boaters heading out here, which is the whole point – it’s the perfect place to get away. Here, you’ll find sandy beaches, interesting plants and animals, and more coconut trees than you bargained for. Of course, to get there, you’ll have to dodge the many coral reefs that surround the island.
Williams Bay (the Bahamas)
Williams Bay in the Bahamas offers depths of between 5 and 12 feet, with minimal traffic and plenty of isolation. It’s known for having incredibly clear, blue waters – which makes it perfect for snorkelling and viewing wildlife. Here, you’ll find various marine animals, including rays and dolphins. And once ashore, you’ll have a wide variety of interesting places to discover, through hiking trails, beaches, and a small town that offers everything you’ll need to stock up.
Cumberland Sound (Georgia)
Cumberland Island in Georgia, in the United States, is a national seashore where you’ll find an amazing place to rest your boat. As part of the Intercoastal Waterway, Cumberland is a designated wilderness area – which means you’ll get to see plants, animals, and other forms of life in their natural habitat, completely untouched by human beings. It’s a great place for a family vacation, or as an individual place to “get away from it all.” Enjoy a depth of 9 to 22 feet and protection from the east. Once you’re docked, you’re just a short walk away from long stretches of beach – where you might catch a glimpse of wild horses in their natural habitat.
Culebrita Island (Puerto Rico)
At Culebrita, you’ll find ample room to anchor, with eight free mooring balls. There’s substantial protection here, though a North swell can make conditions a bit rough. Here, you’ll find amazing views of marine wildlife, including sea turtles, and the snorkelling is incredible. You can also navigate hiking trails on land and view a historic 19th Century lighthouse. The only real downside is that the beauty of this location makes it crowded – especially on the weekends.
Maupihaa (the Society Islands)
One of the last atolls in the Society Islands, which are found in the South Pacific Island, is Maupihaa. This tiny atoll is just 8 km in length, with a total surface area of 2.6 km. It has a population of just 10 people – and don’t worry, they’re all friendly. Here, you’ll find a peaceful, beautiful environment where you can fish, pick fruit, and relax on the water or the land.
Trikeri (Greece)
If you’re looking for something in the Mediterranean Sea, consider trying Trikeri in Greece. The town of Trikeri offers amazing sights, with cobblestone streets, old architecture (including churches from the 18th Century), and amazing restaurants where you can fill up after a long aquatic journey. The town itself is near the tip of the Pelion Peninsula, which gives you great access to the water. Here, the waters are 32 to 50 feet deep.
Puerto de Cabrera (Spain)
Isla Cabrera is one of Spain’s National Parks, and it’s located 30 miles southwest of Palma. At Puerto de Cabrera, you’ll have full access to it, enjoying its beautiful sights as well as its culturally and historically relevant architecture. You won’t be allowed to anchor in the surrounding waters, but you can moor at this bay using one of the 50 mooring balls that are available. Visit the land to see what the park is like – the scenery is largely unchanged over hundreds of years because it’s so protected. Or stay near the water and enjoy observing dozens of species of whales and dolphins. Diving is highly recommended (but you’ll need a permit first).
Seguin Island (Maine)
Seguin Island consists of only a single cove, which is protected well from the south (but is slightly vulnerable to the north and the east). You’ll have to rely on a Coast Guard mooring here, but once you’re moored, you’ll have access to multiple beautiful trails, a historic lighthouse, and a perfect balcony where you can overlook the Atlantic Ocean.
Chiaia di Luna (Italy)
Located near Ponza Island in Italy, Chiaia di Luna is a favourite destination spot of Italians and foreign visitors alike. Here, you’ll get beautiful scenery in the form of massive cliff formations and beautiful, crystal-clear waters. At the bottom is a sandy beach where your boat can find adequate protection. From there, you can walk through a rock tunnel and get to town, where you’ll find restaurants, stores, and everything else you need to regroup before seafaring journeys.
You can’t get the most out of your journey to a new anchorage unless you have the right boat to carry you on your journey. If you’re in the market for a new boat, be sure to check out our vast selection of new and used boats for sale today!