Tucked into the south end of Portland Island within Princess Margaret Marine Park, Princess Bay is one of the most popular anchorages in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, roomy, mud-bottomed, and laced with shoreside trails.
Princess Bay (once called Tortoise Bay) lies on the south shore of Portland Island, the centerpiece of Princess Margaret Marine Park within Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. The bay has room for a large fleet, and on summer weekends it fills with cruisers drawn by the easy holding and the network of hiking trails that begin right at the seasonal dinghy dock on the bay's northwest shore.
Once ashore, a roughly 6.5-km shoreline circuit loops the island, and a shorter cross-island path leads over to Royal Cove. Old orchards from the 1880s homestead, shell-midden beaches, and arbutus bluffs make it a rewarding stretch-the-legs stop, and there are backcountry campsites and outhouses near the bay.
Because the anchorage can pack in tightly, boaters are encouraged to stern-tie to the metal rings set into the rocky shoreline when it is crowded, both to limit swing and to fit more boats in comfortably.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
The favored approach is to enter north of the Tortoise Islets and the larger unnamed (cabin-topped) island that guards the entrance; knowledgeable skippers also use the south entrance between the Tortoise Islets and Hood Island, but it is tighter and demands attention to the rocks and islets there. Stay clear of the Tortoise Islets and the reefs and drying rocks at the mouth.
The best water lies west of the unnamed island in about 2-3 m (chart datum), giving the most protection. The head of the bay shoals quickly and the bottom there is thick with sea growth, so set the hook in the deeper western pocket. Expect occasional wash from ferries passing south of Portland Island.
Wind protection summary and tide planning at a glance. Full per-direction and 7-day detail with Plus.
Live readings from the nearest OpenWeather station and WorldTides; refreshed every few minutes.
Source: OpenWeather One Call API + WorldTides.
A curated photo + map walkthrough showing approach, mooring options, and points of interest.
A guided walkthrough of Princess Bay with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Member-uploaded images of this anchorage.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
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Cruising-distance picks near this anchorage.