Sustainable Sailing: A Guide to Responsible Cruising in the Caribbean

In a Nutshell...

Sustainable Caribbean sailing is all about enjoying the islands while making sure we don't wreck them in the process. This guide is your go-to for understanding the key eco-friendly practices you, as a skipper or crew member, need to know. By making smart choices about waste, where you drop your hook, and how you interact with marine life, you can help keep the Caribbean a pristine paradise for everyone who sails here now and in the future.

Why Responsible Cruising Matters
Getting to Grips with Waste & Pollution
Protecting the Seabed & Marine Life
Is Your Boat as Green as Your Intentions?
Contributing to the Local Community
Summing Up
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Responsible Cruising Matters

As sailors, we get a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking natural beauty on the planet. We glide over unbelievably clear water, watch dolphins leap from the waves, and snorkel over technicolour coral reefs. But with that incredible privilege comes a big responsibility to protect the very thing that draws us to these islands. The Caribbean's marine environment is a delicate ecosystem, and every single thing we do, no matter how small it seems, has an effect.

I’ve seen this firsthand, sadly on more than one occasion. One of our favourite anchorages in the Windward Islands is Sandy Island, off Cariacou. Although fairly shallow the seabed is healthy and alive with fish. The Carriacou Marine Park Authority has put down moorings in selected areas to protect the coral, for which they make a small daily charge. We had picked up one of the moorings and were snorkelling over a coral outcrop. But right next to it was a patch of dead coral, a big circular scar left by a boat that had clearly anchored illegally. It was a stark reminder that our choices on the water directly impact the place we love to be.

Sandy Island

Getting to Grips With Waste & Pollution

When you're out cruising, managing your waste is probably the most obvious way to show you care. The rule is simple: if you bring it aboard, it stays aboard until you can dispose of it properly on land.

Blackwater & Greywater

A lot of people think it’s fine to discharge blackwater (sewage) once you're a few miles offshore. But in the Caribbean, that's not always the case. Many areas, especially around popular anchorages and marinas, are designated as "No-Discharge Zones."

Blackwater: Your holding tank is there for a reason. Use it. Islands like Grenada & St Lucia have pump-out facilities, so make use of them. If you must discharge, it’s best to do it well offshore—at least three miles from land—and only where permitted. Even treated sewage can harm the fragile ecosystems in shallow water.

Greywater: This is the stuff from your sinks and showers. While not as regulated, it can still contain soaps, detergents & food bits that contribute to pollution. It’s a good idea to use biodegradable, phosphate-free cleaning products and, if you can, use shore-side facilities.

Garbage & Recycling

Plastic pollution is a massive problem for Caribbean marine life. Even one bottle or bag can spell disaster for a sea turtle or a bird.

Reduce: Think about your purchases before you even leave the dock. Try to buy things with minimal packaging, and skip single-use plastics entirely. Bring reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and food containers.

Store: Keep all your rubbish in a secure place on board, like a sealed bin or a mesh bag in a locker, to make sure nothing blows over the side.

Dispose: When you get to a marina, take the time to sort your waste properly. Look for recycling bins for plastics, glass, and aluminium. In more remote spots, you just have to hang onto your rubbish until you find a suitable place to get rid of it.

Protecting the Seabed & Marine Life

Our anchors and chains can do some serious damage to coral reefs & seagrass beds. Dropping a heavy anchor on a reef can wipe out a colony that’s taken decades to grow.

Anchoring Responsibly

Look for Sand: The number one rule is to drop your hook on a sandy bottom. The water here is often so clear that you can see the bottom. If you can’t, send someone forward to check it out. I’ve often seen fellow cruisers jump in with a mask and fins for a quick look before committing.

Use Mooring Buoys: If a mooring buoy is available, use it. They’re put there to protect the seabed and are usually a much safer bet. Just be sure to give the buoy and its lines a good once-over, as some in less-travelled spots might be a bit past their best.

Anchor Watch: After you've anchored, keep an eye on your chartplotter and a transit ashore to make sure you aren't dragging, especially if the wind or tide changes.

Reefs & Wildlife Encounters

Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Many sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone that are toxic to corals. Make sure you buy "reef-safe" sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Keep Your Distance: Whether you're snorkelling or just watching from the boat, give marine life plenty of space. Don't chase, touch, or feed any animals, including dolphins, turtles, or fish. Feeding them can mess with their natural behaviour and make them reliant on people.

Fishing Regulations: While fishing is a great way to top up the galley, you have to be mindful of local regulations. Every island has its own rules about protected species, fishing seasons, and catch limits. A quick look at a local cruising guide or the country's fisheries department website will tell you everything you need to know. For instance, lobsters are off-limits during certain seasons, and spearfishing is often strictly controlled.

Is Your Boat as Green as Your Intentions?

Your cruising habits are key, but your boat itself can be part of the solution. Sustainable sailing starts in the boatyard and extends to every day you spend on the water.

Eco-Friendly Maintenance & Operations

Anti-Fouling Paints: Traditional anti-fouling paints use heavy metals like copper that leach into the water and harm marine life. As a greener alternative, think about biocide-free coatings that rely on a slick, non-stick surface, like silicone paints, to keep marine growth at bay.

Engine & Fuel Management: A well-maintained engine is a cleaner engine. Regular servicing stops fuel and oil leaks that can pollute the water. Keep a bilge sock handy to absorb any oil or fuel that ends up in your bilge, and make sure you get rid of it properly ashore.

Reduce Energy Consumption: You can dramatically reduce how much you rely on your engine to charge your batteries by using renewable energy. LED lighting is a cheap and easy upgrade, while solar panels and wind generators can give you a steady supply of power for your nav instruments and other bits and bobs, meaning you don't have to run the engine as much.

Contributing to the Local Community

Being a responsible cruiser isn't just about the environment; it’s also about being a good guest. The Caribbean is home to vibrant cultures and communities that depend on the marine environment for their livelihoods.

Buy Local: When you're provisioning, make a point of buying fresh produce, fish, and other goods from local markets and vendors. It's a great way to support the local economy directly.

Support Small Businesses: Don't just stick to the big resorts. Take the time to visit local bars, restaurants, and craft shops. Engaging with the community enriches your own experience and helps to build positive relationships.

Marine Parks & Fees: Many popular anchorages and snorkelling spots are part of designated marine parks. The fees you pay to use moorings or enter these areas go directly toward conservation efforts and support local management. For example, in the British Virgin Islands, all visiting yachts need a national parks trust permit to use their moorings.

Sustainable sailing is an integral part of a broader journey to fully experience the Caribbean. For a more comprehensive guide to all aspects of cruising the region, including passage planning and provisions, consult our pillar page on Sailing in the Caribbean: Information for Skippers & Crew.

Summing Up

Responsible cruising isn't a chore; it's just part and parcel of the Caribbean sailing lifestyle. By adopting sustainable practices, we're not just protecting a beautiful environment; we're also guaranteeing that our own sailing adventures will be as healthy and enjoyable as possible. From picking the right anchorage to managing waste on board, every thoughtful action helps to preserve these islands for us and for future generations of sailors.

This article was written by Dick McClary, RYA Yachtmaster and author of 'Offshore Sailing' published by the Royal Yachting Association ( RYA) and member of The Yachting Journalists Association (YJA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a special license for sustainable sailing in the Caribbean?

A: No, there isn't a specific "sustainable sailing licence." However, having qualifications like the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore shows you've got the expertise and are committed to safe & responsible seamanship, which naturally includes a lot of these practices.

Q: What are the main rules for discharging sewage in the Caribbean?

A: The general rule is to never discharge treated or untreated sewage within three miles of shore. However, many areas are "No-Discharge Zones" where you have to use your holding tank and dispose of waste at a pump-out facility. Always double-check the local rules for the islands you're visiting.

Q: How can I find sandy anchorages to avoid damaging coral?

A: Use up-to-date charts and cruising guides, which often mark the type of seabed. Plus, the best way is to simply visually inspect the area before you anchor, either by motoring slowly over the spot or by sending a crew member in with a mask and snorkel.

Q: Where can I find pump-out facilities in the Caribbean?

A: A lot of the bigger marinas and boatyards, especially in major sailing hubs like Grenada, St. Lucia, Martinique and the British Virgin Islands, have pump-out facilities available. Check the pilot guides for the islands you plan to visit.

Q: Are there any specific local customs or cultural norms to be aware of?

A: Yes, showing respect for local culture is also part of responsible cruising. This includes dressing appropriately when you go ashore, supporting local businesses, and being mindful of noise, especially in quiet anchorages near villages.

Q: Are there additional cruising fees that support conservation?

A: Yes, many Caribbean nations, like the British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas, have national park fees or cruising permits that go directly into managing and protecting marine areas. These fees are a crucial part of supporting local conservation efforts.