The island has no sheltered anchorage options. You will be advised on the most suitable place to anchor depending on the conditions when you arrive.

On Arrival:

From approx. 10 miles out, call on VHF Channel 16 (call sign Pitcairn) during daylight hours for anchoring advice.  In addition to Bounty Bay there are three other potential anchorages; Tedside, Ginger Valley and Down Rope. Their suitability depends on wind and swell conditions. Bounty Bay is useable in conditions up to and including Force 4, but if the swell is from the South it can be extremely rolly.

Anchoring:

Anchoring in Bounty Bay should be just to seaward of a line between the tree on Adams Rock and Isaacs Rocks. This will put you on the sand in about 11 to 14m, 350m from the landing. If using chain, at least five times the depth is recommended. The Tourist Board website advise aiming to lie so that your anchoring circle is outside a line between 25o 03.853 S 130o 05.937 W and 25o 04.14 S 130o 05.544 W. 

Getting Ashore:

Unless conditions are flat calm, getting ashore at the landing area with your own dinghy is tricky. Visitors are welcome to use their own tender sat no additional cost, but it needs to be small and light enough to take out of the water by hand up the slip way. In most conditions it is not safe to leave your tender in the water tied to the Jetty in Bounty Bay. It is recommended calling on the VHF for locals to come and pick you up in a local launch (remember to drop fenders on the leeward side). See fees for details.

Services:

Adamstown village has a Post office, General Store, Museum, Public Hall, Seventh Day Adventist Church, The Government Treasur (where you can get cash on credit cards) and the Pitcairn Island Medical Center and Doctor. Generally all facilities are open in the morning on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Saturday is the sabbath and attending the local church for the interdenominational service is an ideal way to meet the locals.

In 2013 the islanders set up a Sailor’s Day Room at their temporary Cultural Centre at Bob’s Valley. It’s a great little space, with a shaded deck, arm chairs, local information and books available for exchange. You’ll find it’s a relaxing place to just chill out between meeting the locals and exploring the island.

See Shore Services for more details.

Other Anchorages:

HENDERSON ISLAND – A World Heritage Site

• Landing on Henderson Island is restricted to North Beach only
• Landing and excursions on East Beach are prohibited
• Landing and excursions on North-West Beach are prohibited

NOTE: Special provision is granted for visitors to land on North-West Beach ONLY if it is not possible to land on North Beach due to sea and weather conditions or emergency.

NOTE:  Henderson Island provides a protected Marine habitat for sharks. Caution is advised when swimming/diving.

https://www.visitpitcairn.pn/go_there/sail_to_pitcairn/index.html.

Last updated:  January 2023

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