Barbados is a popular first landfall for many sailors after crossing the Atlantic.
For James Graham-White, arriving at Port St Charles after his first crossing made a lasting impression. He describes it as, "Still one of the nicest places I have ever anchored, even after 5 months in the Caribbean!"
Recommended as a good check-in port to Barbados, Port St Charles is also a perfect spot to relax and recharge. In CAptain’s Mate James reports a hassle-free arrival in December 2024, saying, "I e-mailed the dock master in advance for permission to anchor off and dinghy ashore for clearing in. Very helpful and gave links to eAPI form. Health, customs and immigration are all in one room. Very friendly, quick and efficient. Weren't interested in Sailclear, eAPI, crew lists etc... just boat documents and passport. In and out in 20 minutes!"
The approach is uncomplicated in daylight, but caution is advised after dark. He adds, "Arriving at night I would anchor further out to be safe."
"Holding is good in sand – avoid the rock/coral spots – it is mostly clear though. I anchored on the 5m contour. Water is crystal clear," James reports. Although it can be a bit rolly in the anchorage with a north-easterly.
Once anchored, heading ashore is simple via the dinghy dock, attached to the Pier One bar and restaurant. "Good bar and great food if you don't mind paying a bit more than in town. They also do breakfast," comments James.
There is berthing alongside at the port for fuel and water. For supplies or a dose of local life, Speightstown is a 20-minute walk or short bus ride away, and offers bars, restaurants, shops and three supermarkets. James notes that while the town pier has a small boat dock, it is best avoided in swell.
The facilities of the 'Yacht Club' at Port St Charles are available to visiting yachtsmen. They include Wi-Fi, dinghy dock, sun-bathing deck, small swimming pool, bar and restaurant.
Looking for more in Barbados? CA members can also discover Bridgetown and Carlisle Bay on CAptain’s Mate.
About CAptain’s Mate
CAptain’s Mate was voted as the 'Equipment Innovation of the Year' at the 2022 British Yachting Awards. Available on iOS, Android and web, the exclusive to members app provides an unrivalled breadth of information and cruising reports covering 8,000+ locations in 100+ countries around the world. It features up to date, accurate and trusted location data on anchorages, marinas, ports, harbours, boatyards along with their facilities and amenities.
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CAptain’s Mate of the Month locations
Each month we feature a CAptain’s Mate location to inspire your cruising adventures and display the vast depth of information on the app. We kicked off 2025 with:
- January - Palmeira, Ilha do Sal, Cape Verde
- February- Christiansø, Denmark
- March - Muxia, Spain
- March - Rab, Croatia
24 April 2025