Best Anchorages in Grenada
“The Isle of Spice” — 12°N south of the main hurricane belt, year-round sailing, and 20% of the world's nutmeg production. From the lively Prickly Bay cruiser scene and Port Louis Marina to Hog Island's beach bar, Carriacou's crystal-clear waters, and Mayreau's iconic double-beach Saltwhistle Bay. Kick ‘em Jenny submarine volcano lies 8km north — check before every northbound passage.
12°N
South of hurricane belt
8km
Kick 'em Jenny volcano (N)
Year-round
Sailing season
20%
World's nutmeg production
Grenada — Critical Safety & Regulatory Notes
Kick ‘em Jenny submarine volcano: An active underwater volcano 8km north of Grenada has a mandatory 1.5km exclusion zone (expanding to 5km during heightened seismic activity). Gas bubble release reduces seawater buoyancy — vessels can lose flotation. Check UWI Seismic Research Centre (uwiseismic.com) before every northbound passage to Carriacou. Year-round sailing but check insurance: Grenada sits south of the main hurricane belt at 12°N — one of the Caribbean's most sought-after hurricane-season shelters. However, check your insurance policy for restrictions during June–November if applicable. Carriacou/SVG Grenadines — separate jurisdictions: Carriacou is Grenada (clearance required when arriving from mainland Grenada or from SVG). Union Island, Mayreau, and Tobago Cays are St. Vincent & the Grenadines — a different country; SVG Customs clearance required on entry. Entry — Grenada: Q flag, Customs and Immigration mandatory at Prickly Bay (L'Anse aux Épines) or Port Louis Marina, St. George's. SailClear (sailclear.com) pre-arrival registration recommended.
Sailing Regions
Prickly Bay & South Grenada
7 anchoragesThe cruising heart of Grenada — Prickly Bay (L'Anse aux Épines) is the island's busiest anchorage, with Budget Marine duty-free chandlery, Spice Island Marine Services, and the active cruiser community. South Grenada also holds Port Louis Marina (the island's best-equipped facility, official port of entry), the colourful St. George's Carenage capital harbour, Grand Anse's famous 3km white sand beach, the quieter Morne Rouge/Pink Gin Beach, the protected hurricane hole at Mount Hartman Bay, and Hog Island's beloved beach bar. Seven anchorages ranging from city waterfront to uninhabited island cove.
Q flag and customs/immigration mandatory at Prickly Bay or Port Louis on first arrival. GCMA mooring buoys in Morne Rouge, Mount Hartman Bay (voluntary payment). Kick 'em Jenny exclusion zone 1.5km (8km north of Grenada) — check before northbound passage to Carriacou.
Explore Prickly Bay & South Grenada anchorages →Carriacou & the Grenadines
6 anchoragesGrenada's northernmost dependency and the gateway to the SVG Grenadines — Carriacou (27nm north of Grenada mainland) has Tyrrel Bay as its principal anchorage and a 100-tonne travel lift at Harvey Vale Marina. Sandy Island is a protected nature reserve with outstanding snorkelling. The route north enters SVG jurisdiction at Union Island (Clifton) and passes through Mayreau's iconic Saltwhistle Bay double-beach anchorage, with Tobago Cays just beyond. IMPORTANT: Union Island, Mayreau, and Tobago Cays are St. Vincent and the Grenadines — a different country; SVG Customs clearance required.
JURISDICTION: Union Island, Mayreau, Tobago Cays are SVG — different country; SVG Customs clearance required on entry. Carriacou: Grenada jurisdiction — separate clearance when arriving from Grenada mainland. Sandy Island: no fires, no camping. Kick 'em Jenny: 1.5km exclusion zone between Grenada and Carriacou.
Explore Carriacou & the Grenadines anchorages →Grenada Sailing Rules — Summary
- !Entry — Grenada: Q flag mandatory. Clear Customs and Immigration at Prickly Bay (L'Anse aux Épines) or Port Louis Marina, St. George's. SailClear (sailclear.com) pre-arrival registration recommended. Customs/Immigration at Port Louis: Mon/Wed/Fri 0800–1600 only — plan arrival accordingly. Cruising permit required.
- !Kick ‘em Jenny: Active submarine volcano 8km north of Grenada. Standard exclusion zone 1.5km radius; expands to 5km during heightened seismic activity. Gas bubble release reduces seawater buoyancy — serious hazard to vessel flotation. Check UWI Seismic Research Centre (uwiseismic.com) before any northbound passage to Carriacou or SVG.
- !Carriacou — Grenada jurisdiction: Separate customs clearance required when arriving from Grenada mainland or from SVG. Hillsborough is a port of entry. Harvey Vale / Tyrrel Bay Marina is an alternative entry point. Carriacou name means 'Land of Reefs' — careful navigation required around all sides.
- !Union Island, Mayreau, Tobago Cays — SVG: These islands are St. Vincent & the Grenadines — a different country from Grenada. SVG Customs and Immigration clearance required on first entry. SVG cruising permit is separate from Grenada permit. Clear at Clifton, Union Island.
- !GCMA moorings: Grenada Cruisers Managed Anchorage operates voluntary mooring buoys in Morne Rouge/Pink Gin Beach, Mount Hartman Bay, and Hog Island. Voluntary payment requested — supports local infrastructure. Always inspect buoy and pennant before trusting. VHF Channel 66 Cruisers Net 0730 Mon–Sat for daily information.