Red Shanks

• Location: Exumas
• Lat / Lon: N 23° 28.910' / W 075° 44.110'
• Depth: 4'-8'
• Tide: 2.5'-3.0'
• Description:

  *** Anchoring is no longer permitted in Red Shanks *** please use the BNT moorings if you want shelter inside Red Shanks

  The Red Shanks anchorage is a very popular spot within Elizabeth Harbour to ride out a cold front because it is one of the few places that offers nearly 360° protection. Named after a line of small rocks called the Red Shank Cays, the anchorage is essentially the area of protected water between the south side of Crab Cay and the mainland of Great Exuma.

  The challenge with this anchorage is that the approach is circuitous and there are several areas that are draft restricted to high tide entry/exit only for any vessel drawing more than 4.0'. Nevertheless it is not uncommon to find dozens of boats in the anchorage when a strong cold front is announced.

  The anchorage begins on the SE end of Crab Cay and becomes progressively shallower as one moves westward. Vessels drawing over 4.5' will have to wait until high tide to access the extreme western end of the anchorage.

  Once you are in the anchorage it is possible to take your dinghy into town by going under the Crab Cay bridge, an ornate brick structure reminiscent of Venice, and following the shoreline past February point. Often the dinghy ride into town is drier and faster than a similar ride into town from one of the Stocking Island Anchorages.

  DISCLAIMER: Before committing to an anchorage, you should confirm that the location is not governed by a regulation that may conflict with your plans. An increasing number of states and municipalities are enacting laws that define where and how long you may anchor.