JC,
The simple answer to your question is yes, yah, you betcha. In fact, the only time you would ever incur a charge even in one of the Park bays is if you grab a mooring ball, I've never had anybody attempt to charge me to just anchor.

Regarding the bays you mentioned, Great Cruz Bay (where the Westin is) is essentially full of boats on private moorings, with not much additional room to anchor. I've seen it done, but you'll have more room at Chocolate Hole (some boats moored) or Rendezvous where you'll probably have the entire bay to yourself (the bottom is grassy, but there are sandy patches under Ditliff point where you can find good holding ground).

Regan: You should check the National Park rules as one is not allowed to anchor when there are moorings available and if they are all taken, you may only anchor behind the mooring field.

jc: You need to check with DP&R (main # 340-774-3320) about how long you may anchor before you apply for a mooring permit, and the process in order to do so. I have a feeling that the folks of Chocolate Hole and Rendezvous Bay have a neighborhood watch to prevent just what you are suggesting.

If you anchor you can only stay for, I think it's three days . Then you must pull anchor and move to another spot. This is to stop the boats from never moving and ending up like the lagoon in STT.

Good morning,
DPNR regulations state that you may stay on anchor in one spot for fourteen days then must move. It is best to move to another bay at that point to prohibit squabbling with the enforcement people. And you cannot anchor overnight in the parks if a mooring is available. Moorings are $15.00 a night. There is also a limit to the number of days you can legally stay overnight in the park annually. If you have any further concerns, feel free to contact me.
Pamela Wilson
General Manager
VI Charteryacht League

East Ender,
I stand corrected (and not an unusual way for me to stand either, just ask my wife). As I think about it, the only time I have anchored is indeed when all of the balls have been full, so there you see the source of my confusion.

Thanks for the definitive word Pamela, good to know the facts.

Regan,
Sorry if it sounded strident - one of those mornings, you know! I am checking to see about limits in the National Park. My charterboats can only spend 30 days a year in there but I don't know about private vessels. Again, accept my apologies if I sounded cross. 🙂
Pamela.

Pamela,
No need to appologize, I was genuinely appreciative! I had chimed in based on my experiences without checking the actual rules, which inevitably ends up with my having to remove my... foot from my mouth. ; )