Morgans Bay

Marinas near Morgans Bay

Introduction:

The Shores and Morgan Harbor primarily identifies a large condominium development on the northern side of Grand Cayman Island just south of Conch Point. Although the condominiums and the dredged basin here are private, there are a couple of small, but capable, marinas just to the south of The Shores in Morgan Harbor where you can have repairs done or use the facilities for short tie ups.

Navigating the Water:

Approaching from offshore, you may have a hard time sighting Grand Cayman Island due to it’s relatively low height above water (maximum elevation 60 feet). Most radars will catch the island about 18 to 20 miles out, and you should be able to see fringes of the island by eye within 10 miles or so, depending on weather and wave height. Boatswain Point Light is located just east of Boatswain Bay (northwest corner of the island - located out on the far point in the image above) and has a 15-mile visible beam offshore.

Once you have picked up the island and are within 10 miles, you must announce your arrival on VHF Channel 16 to “Port Security.” The entrance into North Sound can be problematic in strong northerly winds, but the small gap just east of Barkers Cay (about 2 miles east of Head of Barkers Point) carries consistent 7- to 10-foot depths. The only warning offered about this entrance is that it is in constant flux, with coral reefs growing in different directions each year, storms moving sand across channels and “current” charts being unreliable.

Clear of the entrance to North Sound, you can proceed through North Sound itself, keeping a lookout for shallow areas and coral outcroppings. The current chart for this area is quite inaccurate, sources report, so if you are in doubt as to what course to take at anytime, give the port authority or one of the local are dredged for entry. Remember, too, that you must first clear customs in Georgetown before stepping ashore on Grand Cayman (see our Georgetown Overview for more information on checking in).

Morgans Harbor and its marinas are visible just at the end of the approach channel in the middle of the image above, while the winding canals of the Shore Condominiums are visible off to the right (north).

Local Notices to Mariners:

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

Transportation:

Owen Roberts International Airport is located about 2 miles southeast of the center of Georgetown on the southern side of North Sound. The airport has regularly scheduled commercial jet service from carriers like United, US Airways, American and Cayman Airways. Taxi cab service is available across much of the island and shuttle service can be arranged to/from by contacting the airport directly.

Helpful Links:

Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

Cayman Islands Calendar of Events

Cayman Islands Government