Great Guana Cay ?

[JoeGo]

Will be bareboating in a 36' monohull, 6 ft draft, late February...and am thinking of spending a night or two at either Baker's or Fisher's on Great Guana Cay. Has anyone been there recently who can offer some advice regarding moorings, anchoring, or slips in the local marina's? Would prefer to anchor or pick up a mooring....but would appreciate any tips on what makes the most sense. Thanks!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, JoeGo.

[capngeo]

I spent a very rocky month there one night... If the wind blows from the West there is little protection. OTOH, Nipper's made the tossing tolerable. There's a little grocery store that had a good selection (albeit not the freshest) of food, and a hardware store that was similarly well stocked.

However, it has been several years since my last visit, so my info is dated.

[clifford sloan]

Bakers Bay has good holding except when the wind is blowing out of the Western quadrants there is grass but you can see the sandy spots to drop your hook in. Orchid Bay is a decent marina but close quarters for manuvering with a sailboat. The moorings are a better bet in the harbour. The diving and snorkling is easier to get to by dinghy if you anchor closer to the pier on the Northwestern end of the inside beach. If you choose to pick up mooring or be at the marina be prepared to learn the Guana Fan (the mosquitos are fierce in the summer).

[Waterway Guide]

Welcome to the forum, JoeGo. According to the 2012 Waterway Guide, there's Bakers Bay Marina (Baker's Bay), Orchid Bay and Guana Hideaways (Guana Cay Harbor), and moorings in Fisher's Bay and Guana Cay Harbor for $10/night (Dive Guana). The harbor has the best protection if you have fronts coming thru (likely in Feb.) and it's closest to Nippers (although they'll pick you up in the Nipmobile), but the anchorages are very nice protection from the NE trades. Hope this helps a little.

[JoeGo]

Sounds like in late February a mooring in the settlement harbor is the best bet, unless the weather is unusually cooperative (is the weather ever unusually cooperative?) Thanks all. It's great fun to think this through and do some imaginary sailing before the all-too-brief charter actually happens.

[TJR]

I would not advise staying at Orchid Bay. They have been on the ropes financially and the the freighter docks right next to. Bakers is nice if you have to have a marina, but don't forget to pass the Grey Poupon. It's upscale and those that stay there like to let everyone know it. Feb should be very nice at anchor or mooring. Fisher's Bay has mooring balls (i believe managed by Dive Guana). An easy dink ride to Grabbers for cocktails and dinner. You can also make the walk to Nippers from there.