For full details on clearing into and out of the country see Turks & Caicos Formalities.
Clearance formalities can be completed at South Dock (for Sapodilla Bay anchorage), South Side Marina, Southbank Marina and Boatyard, Caicos Marina and Shipyard, Turtle Cove Marina and the Turks and Caicos Yacht Club (Leeward).
South Dock (for Sapodilla Bay anchorage):
The traditional anchorage for clearance in and out of TCI for transient vessels is Sapodilla Bay, a moderately well-protected bay, except the south. Sapodilla Bay 021-44.54N 072-17.30W can be approached from the west by the Sandbore Channel or from the south via the Caicos Banks.
To clear customs involves a dinghy ride to the beach and a stiff walk over the hill to the commercial dock at South Dock. In recent years, however, there has been a great deal of development on Sapodilla Beach, in particular in the southern part. Getting ashore with your dinghy can be problematic as there are many "private property" signs.
The alternative is to take your dinghy around the point to the South Dock (can be a wet ride against the trade winds), or use clearance services at one of the marinas.
Customs and Immigration clearance can be arranged in advance through Al Services (649-941-3267).
Last updated: September 2020
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February 2019 — we entered Grace Bay through Stubbs Cut. Pretty straightforward and just followed our charts. We anchored off the Seven Stars resort and used their derelict dinghy dock (bring a long chain!!!)
Watch out for mooring balls when entering the cut!!!
We also decided to stay a couple of nights at the Turtle Cove Marina. To enter Sellars Cut, you definitely need a pilot boat unless you are familiar with the entry. We also needed the pilot boat for exiting the cut.
Delivered a boat to Southside Marina. Great spot, well run and well protected from most winds. If it is blowing the wrong way to go to the VI’s, then this is the right spot to hold up. Been to Provo several times, the food and beverage here are the best value I’ve found
Karl Leebelt says:
Just a quick update on clearing in at Sapodilla Bay. The customs office at the South Dock is not accessible by boat or dinghy as it is located in a working dockyard. You can however beach your dinghy at the access path between resort properties and walk to the main road and take a right and a right again to get to the yard. You will be given hardhat and vest and directed to office. Clearance was very easy otherwise. Note that the office does not have any idea what Sailclear is at this point, nor do they take credit cards. Optionally, they suggested that it may be easier for cruisers to head to South Side Marina to check in and then find anchorage once cleared. Sapodilla Bay is not within walking distance to any amenities or services but the holding was good in 10 feet of water with protection from North and East.
In the wake of Hurricane Irma and Maria, IGY Blue Haven Resort & Marina is currently under repair but is partially open/operational.
Diesel and Gas are available.
Yacht concierge open.
No slips available over 40 feet.
Aims to be open for either February 2018 or May/June 2018.
There has been real estate resort development at the southern end of Sopadilla Beach. A new pier over the old one has also been built. Both this pier and the beach beneath the resort has a lot of “Private Property” signs. One can probably beach between the resort and the residential area, where there is an access path.
We used the old pier, which seems like it soon might fall apart, but this meant we had to use the backside area of the resort to get to the road.