Bridgetown
From CruisersWiki
Bridgetown (Port of entry)
(Click links for more information) | |
| 13°06.5′N, 59°38.1′W |
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| Photo gallery |
| Local chartlet |
Satellite Image of Bridgetown - Click for larger view |
Charts
See Barbados.
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Weather
See Barbados.
Approaching Carlisle Bay, the large bay south of the main harbor presents no problems.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
Bridgetown is a port of entry to Barbados. You must clear in the Commercial Harbor.
For entering/exiting procedures see Barbados.
Berthing Options
The main harbor in Bridgetown is the Commercial Harbor where you will have to for clearing customs. The other harbor is the Fishing Harbor which is the only place where there is fuel. It is too small, however for a yacht. Yachts in Bridgetown go either to the protected Careenage or anchor off in Carlisle Bay.
Commercial Harbor
13°06.5′N, 59°38.1′W - Chartlet
You have to come here when clearing into Barbados. Before you do so, call Bridgetown Harbor Control on the VHF channel 16. They will direct in the harbor. The harbor officials are friendly, one of them even speaks Greek! Clearing-in procedures are friendly. You can talk the officials into allowing to clear-out without bringing the yacht into the harbor. Clearing-out procedures are longer.
Warning: The harbor has a very bad swell, the quays are very high, and the bollards far apart. This is a harbor for cruise ships and not for yachts.
Careenage
13°05.74′N, 59°37′W - Chartlet
The Careenage is a river inlet and the inner harbor of Bridgetown where all the large recreational fishing boats are berthed. It is maybe the most secure place for a yacht but it is noisy and crowded. You may not find a berth. I am not sure how much a berth costs.
Warning: Dinghy theft is endemic here. Lock your dinghy whenever you leave it unattended.
Fishing Harbor
13°05.71′N, 59°37.2′W - Chartlet
This is a small, and dirty, harbor used by commercial fishing boats. It is too small for a yacht. It has, however, two fuel stations, an Esso and a Texaco. You can easily come here with the dingy and fill your jerry-cans. Also, this is good place to come and then go to the Customs, a 10 minute walk, for clearing-out procedures.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
Carlisle Bay
13°05.4′N, 59°36.7′W - Chartlet
Carlisle Bay is a large bay where most of the visiting yachts anchor. When we were there it was comfortable but one can see that with a strong swell it may not be so. It is, however, quiet and lovely. Anchor anywhere in 5 m depth over sand. Good holding.
In the middle of the bay is the Boatyard, a bar/restaurant. They maintain a private pier where you can tie the dinghy. They want $20 BBD ($1 USD = $2 BBD) per day for the use of their pier and their other facilities i.e. cold shower but they do give you a number of chips which you can use for drinks or food (not particularly very good).
Another option is to drive the dingy about 1 M to Careenage where you can tie it and be right in the middle of Bridgetown.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
None. Only fishing equipment at Bridgetown.
Repairs/Yards
None. Only fishing equipment at Bridgetown.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- There are two fuel stations in the Fishing Harbor, an Esso and a Texaco. You can easily go there with the dingy and fill your jerry-cans.
- Water
- At the Careenage or at the Boatyard in Carlisle Bay (fill cans)
- Electricity
- N/A (Not Available)
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
Bridgetown is bustling place and it is fun to wander around its streets. The fish market, next to the Fishing Harbor is very interesting. The water in Carlisle Bay is clear and fun to swim and snorkel. You may even see a sea turtle.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Provision at supermarkets in Bridgetown. Make sure you purchase some of the famous Mount Gay Rum.
Eateries
Good food at Waterfront Café restaurant in the Careenage.
Internet/WiFi
N/A.
Laundry
In Bridgetown and at the the Boatyard in Carlisle Bay.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Garbage Disposal
There are bins around the harbors.
Transportation
There are flights to England and to the US.
Routes/Passages To/From
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
- Bridgetown - Wikipedia
- Bridgetown
References & Publications
See Barbados.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- February 2005 --Istioploos
Contributors to this page |
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Names: Lighthouse, Istioploos |
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| HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | North Atlantic | Caribbean | Barbados | Bridgetown | |