Chateaubelair - Docking
It’s highly likely on your approach to the bay a boat boy will paddle out to meet you (day or night) to offer help with anchoring and other services (Clearance, tours etc.). It is customary to give him something for his troubles.
This is a good anchorage, especially in the eastern half of the bay, however northerly swells in the winter months can cause difficulties and security can be a problem here.
There is a couple of restaurants and a bar on the beach front, and in town is a gas station, mini-market and bakery.
Security
Whilst this bay was avoided for several years by cruising yachts due to a number of armed boardings and robberies in the past, no crime against yachts was reported between 2009 and 2015 and the situation appeared to be improving. However in May 2015 a charter yacht anchored alone suffered an armed boarding and robbery, as did another yacht in October 2016, this time the captain being attacked with a machete (see Piracy & Security reports for details).
Cruisers report that locals are friendly and helpful and are keen to see more cruising boats return to the bay. The Coastguard does random patrols here to make sure no one is being harassed, however as with everywhere now it’s best to take basic safety precautions and lock all hatches before going out as well as at night. Keep anything of value out of sight. Always lift and securely lock your dinghy when at anchor or on a mooring. The dinghy dock in Cumberland Bay is a target for thieves so always ensure you use some form of security/locking device when going ashore and leaving your dinghy for a period of time.
During January and February 2023, there were four reported thefts from yachts anchored in Cumberland Bay.
It is recommended that the anchorage here is only used during the day to briefly clear in, but then move on.
Last updated: February 2024
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Related to following destinations: Chateaubelair, St. Vincent, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Port Navigation
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HI, is it considered safe (with precautions) to Anchorage over night? We´ve seen fellow cruisers recommend this bay recently. Best regards Beate & Colin
Please see our recommendationsn for overnighting in this bay based on past history – https://www.noonsite.com/place/st-vincent-the-grenadines/st-vincent/chateaubelair/view/docking/. To get a feel for how the current land lies, why not visit for the day and talk to other cruisers anchored there. Based on their feedback you can decide if you feel comfortable anchoring there overnight. Please do post feedback here so that those following in your wake can better understand the current situation in Chateaubelair. Thankyou.
Please confirm if this is still a port of entry or exit. A review on Navionics says this office is closed.
Hi John and Karen, last cruising season it was open. As it’s now “off Season” it may be that it’s closed. I’ve emailed to find out the latest details. Will post here when we get an answer.
Yes, Customs and Immigration were closed for renovation in Chateaubelair – offices re-opened on the 21st November 2023.