Caribbean Marina Suggestions ?

[wagerfiend]

Does anyone have suggestions where I could keep my boat for 6 months or more in either the Cayman Islands, Belize, or Roatan? I'd like to take my Gulfstar 50 from Galveston to the destination and leave her there for a while. I would be looking for a marina that offered reasonable protection and security...and pricing, of course!

I had been considering the Yucatan...but recent activity in Mexico has me looking for other destination...any input would be welcome.

Also, does anyone have experience insuring their boat in this setting?

Thanks!

Steve

[s/v Jedi]

I would not do that during the hurricane season. Safer marina's in those months can be found up the Rio Dulce, Guatemala and Boca del Toro, Panama.

cheers,
Nick.

[wagerfiend]

I should have clarified....the time frame would be December through May...back in Houston by hurricane season....

Steve

[s/v Jedi]

Okay, there must be better sources here but it's quiet...

I think Roatan has no marina but has moorings now. I think security will be a problem when leaving the boat for more than a day. The Cayman islands have marina's of high standards like the best in the US. Belize I'm not sure but it will be so-so. I hear it's expensive in the Caymans though so that's what I know ;-)

cheers,
Nick.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

... The Cayman islands have marina's of high standards like the best in the US...
I hear it's expensive in the Caymans though

The Cayman's are not a yachting/cruising* centre, and have very limited marina facilities.

* The C.I. is off the beaten cruising path.

Since they were hit by Hurricanes Gustav & Paloma during the 2008 season, even these may not be currently serviceable.

Everything is expensive in the C.I. ! It's a very affluent community.

[TexSail]

Lots of Galveston Bay folks head for a marina in Isla Mujeres (whose name escapes me). The Mexican civil disorder problems are confined to certain areas and I have not heard much about trouble in Quintana Roo. (Yucatan tourist state). Isla Mujeres is a generally easy but long sail (and return) from Galveston Bay and there is often a convoy of boats traveling togther. Some folks would touch base at Venice, LA (tip of the delta) and top off to shorten the trip.

[bstreep]

Roatan does have a new, small marina. We have friends with a boat there.

Isla is directly against the prevailing winds from Galveston - southeast. If you grab a norther when leaving, it can get you a good part of the way there.

[imagine2frolic]

I would think Simpson Bay St. Maarten a good distance, and the wrong direction. It is a sheltered lagoon, and I left Imagine there at the Simpson Bay Yacht Club for 9 months. It is tucked up nicely in the lagoon with no fetch, and lots of wind protection......i2f

[imagine2frolic]

Marinas.com, World's Marinas Portal, and Marina Directory

Just south of Snoopy Island. The marina is not listed but there's a map.....i2f

[JamuJoe]

Steve,
Parrot Tree Resort on Roatan has a nice marina. Good water, power, internet. We stayed on the transient dock for two weeks in April. The resort amenities are excellent, and the marina is slated for expansion. Lagoon Marina in La Ceiba is the only marina on the mainland, save for the dock at La Ceiba Shipyard. It has good dockage and facilities, but the management is really quirky. Check the Steve Pavlidis guide for more information.

[rexrhr]

Just how much did this cost you to leave it there?

[Panamajames]

What is exactly does "quirky" mean? I am thinking of going there.. Thanks

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Panamajames

What is exactly does "quirky" mean? ...

Idiosyncratic.

[JamuJoe]

Originally Posted by Panamajames

What is exactly does "quirky" mean? I am thinking of going there.. Thanks

Our stay in Lagoon Marina this year was fine. The onsite management (Greg) seemed to have a fresh attitude and was very helpful. I don't believe that their prices have changed. Pricelist - Lagoon Marina La Ceiba, Honduras, Central America. Western Caribbean, Hurricane safe, north of Honduras, top class marina, marinas, marine electronics, Simrad, Marine engine, outboard, inboard, Mercury, Marine Supply, marine storage, mari

I must amend my recommendation for Parrot Tree on Roatan. The dockmaster (Peter) left, and the marina has not undergone the planned expansion and upgrades. We stopped there in April and found nobody attending to the almost empty marina. We actually anchored out in 'their' lagoon overnight and left the next day.

We find that service at marinas in Central America seem to be very much dependent upon the dockmaster de jour. The turnover seems to be high.

[rexrhr]

Thanks Jamujoe for that info on the Marinas. If you come across any other good places just let me know.