St. George Harbor

Marinas near St. George Harbor

Introduction:

St. George is the capital of the country of Grenada and it is also the largest harbor and city on the island. The city extends for miles in every direction from St. George Harbor, and ashore are more facilities than most can ever see in a single visit. Entering the harbor is easy, as the approaches from north or south are deep, wide, and easy to navigate, even for deep-draft boats.

History:

One of the first visitors to the island (aside from the native Carib Indians), Christopher Columbus first sailed by Grenada in 1498 and named the island “Concepcion.” Later, the lush tropical growth on the island would lead Spanish sailors to call it “Granada. Eventually, the French would adapt Granada to Grenade, and even later, the British would further adapt the name to its present-day form, Grenada.

The French and British struggled with each other for many years to control the island, but eventually in 1783, the island was handed over to the British for good. Fort George and Fort Frederick, which still stand guard over St. Georges Harbor, are historical objects of that struggle.

In the late 1970s, a political struggle came about in an attempt to set up a socialist government in Grenada. The United States and other Eastern Caribbean States intervened with military force and in 1984, an election restored the democratic government.

Navigating the Water:

Grenada uses the IALA B (red right returning rule). Customs and Immigration: Arriving yachts should display the yellow ‘Q’ flag and the courtesy flag of Grenada from the starboard spreader of the main mast. (Courtesy Grenada Department of Tourism)

There are several ranges that help guide larger vessels and cruise ships into St. Georges Harbor, but if you draw less than 10 feet, you can generally head into the harbor from either the north or south without following the “exact” range-guided deep ship channel.

If you choose to forego the ship channel and are approaching from the south, note the shallower areas that extend west off Ross Point, ending one mile to the northwest at Three Fathoms Banks. While not a problem for even deep-draft boats, this area can get a bit choppy when the winds are up. Similarly, if you are approaching from the north, there is an area of shallower water extending about a half-mile west of Fort George, where the cruise ship terminal is located.

If the weather is nasty, or you are unsure about your draft, you will want to take the ship channel entrance into the harbor. The first lighted range is visible if you approach St. Georges from the north on a course of 132 degrees magnetic. The channel starts with a flashing red buoy (Grenada waters are right red return), and is followed farther on by a flashing green buoy, which you should leave to port. About .1 mile southeast of the flashing green buoy, you can take a turn to the northeast, lining up with the range on a course of 83 degrees magnetic until you spot the line of lighted and unlighted red buoys to starboard that will guide you into the recreational yacht harbor on the south branch of St. Georges Harbor.

From flashing red buoy “4,” head to the northwest and pick up two more red buoys, making a turn to starboard at the flashing red buoy at Outer Spout. next comes a flashing green buoy, and then a series of red nun buoys to guide you in through the channel, which has depths of 12 to 30 feet.

There are a couple of larger marinas, and some interspersed docks, but the majority of cruising boaters choose to anchor out in the well-protected harbor, which has 12- to 20-foot depths. You can check in with customs at the Grenada Yacht club when you go ashore, and once you have cleared through there are banks, markets, shops, restaurants, medical services and all host of other facilities for visiting guests.

Local Notices to Mariners:

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

Things To Do/Local Events:

Grenada and its sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique are known for their spectacular clear waters. Activities both above and below the water entice visitors to these islands year after year. Located outside of the hurricane belt at 12 N, our islands provide smooth sailing and safe anchorage, all year round.

Carriacou, the Gateway to the Grenadines, is the perfect starting point for a sailing vacation up the islands, and we have many companies who will arrange bare boats, crewed yachts or charters to suit your vacation needs.

For the seabound, Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique boast a year round list of regattas and races. One of the most notable yachting events is the Annual La Source Grenada Sailing Festival that is held towards the end of January.

For a detailed calendar of events for the Grenada area, see our “Helpful Links” section below for more details.

[i]Information Courtesy Grenada Board of Tourism[/i]

Transportation:

The Port Saline International Airport is located on the south end of the main island of Grenada and it offers daily regional and international commercial jet service from major carriers including American Airlines, British Airways, Condor and Virgin Atlantic. You may also choose from a variety of regional turboprop and smaller carriers than can shuttle you between other islands in the windwards and beyon

Helpful Links:

Grenada Board of Tourism

Guide to Grenada

Grenada Travel Guide

Grenada Calendar of Events

Port Salines International Airport