The small group of three islands that make up the Cana Gorda Keys are most often referred to as Gilligan Island. Gilligans Island is located to the southeast of Point Jacinto, and provides one of the finest, quietest and well-protected anchorages in the Guanica area.

The town that life circulates around in this area is Guanica, which is a 3-mile journey west and north up Guanica Bay from Gilligans Island. Ashore in Guanica you will find restaurants, a fish market, shops and markets for provisioning.

To reach the island group, you must approach from offshore and make sure to avoid the two charted reefs (“arrecife”) to the west side of the channel, and then work your way farther in toward Bellena Point. The entire island area is surrounded by reefs and shallow water, and as such, the only safe anchorage is to the north in a semi-protected area east of Bellena Point where there is a pleasant beach to enjoy. (The anchorage is visible near the center of the image above to the left of the island).

You can also approach this area from Guanica Bay to the east, using the light at Point Museta as a guide. As you head east from Gaunica Bay toward Gilligans Island, note the small charted coral outcrops on your chart.

See our “Local Notices to Mariners” blog for updates on the latest conditions and advisories for this area.

Guide to Cana Gorda