A marginal, fair-weather anchorage tucked among the coves of Anthony Island, the only way to reach SGang Gwaay Llnagaay - the UNESCO World Heritage Haida village whose standing totem poles face the open Pacific.
SGang Gwaay (Anthony Island) sits in the wild, exposed southwest corner of Gwaii Haanas, off the northwest side of Kunghit Island and about three miles west of Rose Harbour. The draw is SGang Gwaay Llnagaay (Nan Sdins, historically called Ninstints), a former Haida village that holds the world's largest in-situ collection of original Haida mortuary and memorial poles, still standing where they were raised. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant cultural places on the Northwest Coast.
There is no true protected anchorage here. Boats use a tight, rock-encumbered nook on the north side of the island, a small cove on the northwest corner, or lie exposed off the Watchmen cabin. Anchoring directly off the village and totem park is prohibited. Haida Watchmen are stationed on the island through the summer season and must be contacted before anyone goes ashore.
This is a calm-weather-only stop. In the right conditions it is unforgettable; in any swell or wind it becomes untenable quickly, and many cruisers prefer to visit by dinghy from a more sheltered base or by hitching a ride on a fast tour boat out of Rose Harbour.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
The approach is along the fully exposed outer Pacific coast of southern Haida Gwaii, with no protection from ocean swell. The coves on the north and northwest side of Anthony Island are encumbered by rocks and kelp patches and are open to the northwest, so they offer fair-weather holding at best. Careful eyeball pilotage in good light is essential; the surrounding waters are foul with reefs and drying rocks.
Anchorage is marginal with reportedly poor holding and is exposed to swell, so settled weather (light winds, low swell) is effectively mandatory before committing. If anchored in the northwest cove, look for bright orange fishing floats on the beach marking the boardwalk trail to the Watchmen cabin. Call the Watchmen on VHF 06 before approaching or landing.
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 SGang Gwaay with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
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Cruising-distance picks near this anchorage.
