Anchoring at Ascension

Anchoring is only permitted in Clarence Bay.  Yachts must anchor in the area to the north of the pier head in Clarence Bay between the floating pipeline and the boats and barges moored in the Bay.

Be aware of the floating hose line that is secured in this area, the hose is connected at each end to moorings however the middle can and does move quite significantly and also has vertical metal posts intermittently along its length, so be sure to leave sufficient space.

Yachts must use their own anchor and cannot tie on to any buoy or mooring in Clarence Bay (all moorings are privately owned and maintained).

Take care not to obstruct the arrival and departure of ships or cargo operations.

The depth is 10-12 meters on a sandy bottom, with good holding. Anchoring too close to the beach should be avoided as the bottom is fine sand over rock and there is a lot of chain debris.

The anchorage is a little rolly, but you will likely see turtles around your boat along with schools of fish.

Be aware that much of the anchorage is foul ground, so take care when setting your anchor. Anchoring in depths >15m both reduces the effect of the swell and the chances of fouling your anchor.

Getting Ashore

Landing is only permitted at the pierhead steps and must not be attempted on the beaches.

Dinghies must be tied to one of the moorings adjacent to the landing steps and not to the landing steps themselves. Take care to secure your dinghy so it is held away from the steps.

Get into the yellow wooden span boat that is moored there and pull yourself ashore.

If there is a ship in port, then a ferry shuttle may be available (call on VHF Channel 08).

The port office is located on the pier head.

Swell is occasionally a problem making a landing at the pierhead a challenge. The landing may be impossible for several days if the rollers are from a northerly direction (rare).

Under such circumstances, permission may be requested from Ascension Port Control to land crew at Comfortless Cove (7S 54.6 14W 24.1), a small sheltered sandy bay. This is, however, a 2.5km walk from Georgetown and is impractical unless the need to go ashore is urgent.

There is a facilities building with toilet, showers and washing machine and also a (metered) water tap close to the pier head.

For advice on anchoring and formalities, contact the assistance harbour master Kitty at kitty.george@ascension.gov.ac

Services

• Diesel & drinking water can be arranged and paid for at the port office.
• Cooking gas is not available on the Island.

Warning:

• Landing of animals is strictly prohibited.
•  Please do not swim in Clarence Bay.  It is dangerous to do so due to the presence of sharks and rip currents.
• Authorisation from the port office must be sought before flying drones.

Last updated:  April 2025

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