Prickly Bay Marina: Grenada Sailors' Guide to All 4 Marinas
Prickly Bay Marina: Grenada Sailors' Guide to All 4 Marinas
TL;DR: Grenada is one of the Caribbean's top sailing destinations, sitting south of the main hurricane belt and hosting major rallies like the ARC+. Prickly Bay Marina handles customs and offers mooring balls from around US$20 per night. Port Louis Marina suits superyachts and charter fleets. Clarkes Court handles serious haul-outs. Spice Island Marine has over four decades of full-service boatyard experience. Here's everything you need before you arrive.
The moment you sail around Prickly Point and see the masts crowded across Prickly Bay Marina, you know you've arrived somewhere special. Grenada earns its reputation as the Spice Isle for a reason. Its south-coast anchorages are some of the most sheltered in the Eastern Caribbean, and the infrastructure for visiting cruisers is genuinely world-class.
Grenada was named the 2023 Yachting Destination of the Year by Caribbean Journal, and the numbers back it up. Grenada welcomed more than 20,000 yacht travelers in 2023 alone. Between November and April, the docks fill with transatlantic rally boats, long-term liveaboards, and charter fleets heading north to the Grenadines. Whether you're clearing customs for the first time, looking for a hurricane season haul-out, or just stocking up on chandlery supplies, this guide covers all four main marinas and everything around them.
Bookmark this page before you leave the dock.
Why Is Grenada One of the Best Sailing Destinations in the Caribbean?
Grenada ticks every box a cruiser needs. It has sheltered south-coast bays, consistent trade winds, a strong marine services sector, and a position that keeps it largely out of the worst hurricane tracks.
Grenada lies south of the main hurricane belt close to 12 degrees north, making it a popular destination for yachts during the Caribbean summer months, with the August Carnival being a particular draw. That geography makes it a rare Caribbean port where you can keep your boat in the water year-round with relative confidence.
The peak sailing season runs from October through June. Trade winds arrive consistently from the northeast to southeast at 10 to 25 knots, and the average temperature in St. George's sits between 79°F and 82°F year-round.
The sailing calendar is packed. November through to March brings a hive of activity on the docks with the arrival of many local and international rallies and regattas, including ARC+, Viking Explorers, the Billfish Tournament, Grenada Sailing Week, and Globe 40, creating a very fun and active yachting community.
If you're planning to stay for a season, you'll find everything from full haul-out yards to duty-free chandleries within a short dinghy ride of each other. Browse all boating and marine listings on GrenadaSearch to find everything you need in one place.
What Does Prickly Bay Marina Offer Visiting Cruisers?
Prickly Bay Marina is Grenada's most popular first-arrival spot for transatlantic sailors. It has customs and immigration on-site, mooring balls available seven days a week, and a full cruiser community network built around the anchorage.
Nestled at the southwestern end of Grenada, Prickly Bay is a deep, large, open bay that is often packed with boats at anchor, on moorings, at marinas, or on the hard. Along with plenty of anchoring space, there are mooring buoys as well as floating docks at Prickly Bay Marina.
Prickly Bay Marina is located at 12.00 North, 61.45 West. It hosts on its premises Customs, Immigration, and Health Officers in order for vessels to clear in and out seven days a week. That seven-day customs access is a genuine advantage, especially for rally boats arriving over weekends.
Mooring balls are available from Moorsafe Ltd. Prices in 2023 were US$20 per night, US$115 per week, or US$230 per month, though rates change so always confirm on arrival. The bay is open to the south, so some swell is normal. Anchoring further inside the bay reduces the roll.
Prickly Bay offers fuel, water, ice, provisions, taxis, and car rentals. Internet and computer access are available at Boats and Harbors, located at Prickly Bay Marina.
The social scene here is exceptional. There is an active, multinational cruising community that coordinates shopping trips, social functions, hikes, and various other activities. It is an easy dinghy ride to the head of the bay where you will find Budget Marine, a very well-stocked chandlery. Don't forget to take your boat papers along to get your parts duty-free.
The cruisers' VHF net runs Monday to Saturday on VHF Channel 66 from 7:30 am. Tune in on your first morning. It covers weather, arrivals and departures, local business announcements, and anything else the anchorage community needs to know.
Navigation note: Approach from the southwest with caution. The Porpoises, a group of rocks located about half a mile south of Prickly Point, are sometimes awash and difficult to spot, being about three feet above sea level at low tide. True Blue Point should also be given a wide berth owing to shoaling just offshore.
Is Port Louis Marina Worth the Cost for Visiting Yachts?
Yes, especially if you want superyacht-grade facilities, an on-site customs office, and a location that puts you walking distance from St. George's Carenage. Port Louis Marina is operated by Camper & Nicholsons, one of the world's most respected yachting brands.
Located in the beautiful Lagoon just outside St. George's, the capital, Port Louis Marina provides the perfect base from which to sail the unspoilt Caribbean Paradise of Grenada and the Grenadines. The newly refurbished marina overlooks the colourful waterfront of the Carenage and has 227 berths for yachts up to 300 feet.
Facilities include fresh water, electricity up to 480V three phase (including 110/220V 60Hz), hard-wired broadband internet, cable TV, shower and laundry, grey and black water discharge, and refuse disposal. The marina offers 227 berths total, with 30 berths for superyachts from 30m to 110m LOA.
Port Louis Marina reported minimal damage following Hurricane Beryl in July 2024 and has since introduced new amenities including a swimming pool with a large deck area. The marina, its staff, and cruisers also teamed up to support the devastated communities to the north in Carriacou.
The marina monitors VHF Channel 14. A 242-ton travel lift is available on-site for vessels up to 300 feet.
Visitors consistently praise Port Louis for its reliable Wi-Fi, competent team, laundry services, clean showers, and a welcoming atmosphere, including a rum punch greeting for new arrivals.
Port Louis is also the primary arrival point for the ARC+ rally. The ARC+ sails from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Cape Verde, then crosses approximately 2,150 nautical miles west to St. George's in Grenada. In 2024, some 94 yachts were registered for ARC+ to Grenada.
Over 7,656 yachts have crossed the Atlantic with the ARC and ARC+, and by the end of the 2025 anniversary rally this number will be well over 8,000 boats and more than 40,000 people. Many of those ARC+ boats call St. George's their first Caribbean port of call.
The marina is a short walk from Fort George, the Carenage waterfront, and the colourful streets of the capital. Explore St. George's Parish listings on GrenadaSearch for restaurants, provisioning stores, and services close to the dock.
Is your marine business in Grenada listed on GrenadaSearch? Visiting sailors are actively searching for your services right now. Add or claim your free listing here and get in front of thousands of cruisers planning their Grenada stop.
Clarkes Court Boatyard & Marina: The Specialists for Haul-Outs
If your boat needs to come out of the water, Clarkes Court Boatyard & Marina in Woburn Bay is where most serious cruisers head. The yard has the capacity to handle large multihulls, motor yachts, and commercial vessels that would challenge other facilities on the island.
Clarkes Court Boatyard & Marina, nestled in Woburn Bay on Grenada's south coast, has the lift capacity to accommodate large multihulls, motor and sailing yachts, and commercial vessels, with the choice of a 242T Travelift and a 32T submersible trailer. Along with a chandlery and approved technical service contractors on-site, it is the ideal place for routine maintenance, major refit projects, and storing yachts on the hard during hurricane season.
At Clarkes Court, the core business is the hauling, storing, and launching of vessels up to 242 tons and 37 feet wide (inside dock dimension) with a maximum draft of 13 feet. The main hoist is nicknamed "The Hulk," an Italian boat lift that has become something of a legend among the cruising community.
Clarkes Court is a perfectly sheltered boatyard and marina. Their focus on customer satisfaction makes it a lovely place to visit, with great docks, a welcoming bar and restaurant, laundry services, showers, and much more. If you're looking for a secure and protected place to leave your boat when you travel, even in the hurricane season, this is the place for you.
The yard offers five free days including haul and launch days for stays greater than 21 days. Owner participation in maintenance is encouraged, which is a significant advantage over yards that restrict owners from working on their own vessels.
A tender shuttle runs to the Woburn dock, which is within easy walking distance of the Number 2 bus to St. George's. The yard is in St. George's Parish on Grenada's south coast, roughly equidistant between Prickly Bay and the southwest tip of the island.
Spice Island Marine Services: Over Four Decades of Boatyard Expertise
Spice Island Marine Services sits right inside Prickly Bay, making it the most convenient full-service facility for boats already anchored or on mooring balls in the bay.
Spice Island Marine Services is the premier full-service boatyard nestled in the heart of Grenada's picturesque Prickly Bay. With over four decades of marine mastery, the yard provides a seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation.
Spice Island Marine has grown to a storage capacity of 250 boats on the hard with 14 stern-to berths at the waterfront docks. The haulout equipment is a 70-ton Marine Travelift that accommodates vessels up to 85 feet in length, 25 feet of beam, and 13 feet of draft.
On-site services cover almost everything a cruiser needs without leaving the property. The yard is fully secured with 24-hour security, and facilities include studio apartments, laundry facilities, the One Love Restaurant, Turbulence Sails and Rigging, and a Budget Marine chandlery. In recent years the yard has also added more storage lockers, secured indoor dinghy and outboard storage, and upgraded the customer restrooms and laundry area.
Located at 12 degrees north, Spice Island Marine is insurance-approved for hurricane season storage. The yard offers cradles, ground anchoring, and welded boat stands, providing a secure haven for vessels during the hurricane season.
The Budget Marine chandlery on-site is duty-free for vessels in transit. Bring your ship's papers. The chandlery stocks an extensive range of maintenance and repair supplies for yachts, fishing vessels, and pleasure boats.
How Do You Clear Customs and Immigration in Grenada by Yacht?
Fly your yellow Q flag on arrival and keep all crew on board until the skipper has completed clearance. The two official ports of entry are Port Louis Marina in St. George's and Carriacou Marine in Tyrell Bay. Prickly Bay Marina also has customs officers on-site and clears vessels seven days a week.
Here is the process step by step:
1. Arrive and anchor. Vessels wishing to clear into Grenada should proceed directly to an official port of entry and anchor with the yellow Q flag clearly visible until clearance formalities have been completed.
2. The skipper goes ashore alone. Customs and Immigration clearance must be completed by the captain before any crew member goes ashore.
3. Documents to bring. Documents required include the ship's documentation papers, four copies of the crew list, visas, immigration cards and passports for all crew, a ship's stores and health declaration, and port clearance from the last port of call.
4. Pay the cruising permit fee. Fees by vessel length are: not exceeding 40 feet, EC$50; 40 to 60 feet, EC$75; 60 to 80 feet, EC$100; exceeding 80 feet, EC$150. There is also a Cruise Levy of EC$8.10 per person per visit plus Grenada Ports Authority charges.
5. Cruising permit duration. Customs issue a cruising permit valid for one month, which can be renewed. Vessels clear out of Grenada at the same offices used to clear in. Clear out during normal working hours up to 24 hours before departure, and advisably before 15:00.
Weekend arrivals: Customs offices are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. You will have to pay an overtime fee for clearing in on a weekend or public holiday. Plan your approach time accordingly.
Visa requirements: A visa is not required from citizens of the US, Canada, UK, British Commonwealth, Caribbean countries, most European countries, South Korea, and Japan. All other nationalities should check in advance and apply before arrival if required.
Chandleries, Provisioning & Getting Around Grenada
Once you're cleared and settled, Grenada's support network for cruisers is impressive.
Budget Marine in True Blue, near Prickly Bay, is the main chandlery for the south coast. Budget Marine offers an extensive range of marine parts, supplies, and equipment. It also offers island-wide free delivery, including to Port Louis Marina, serving yacht crews and local boaters. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Duty-free purchasing requires your ship's papers, so carry them with you.
Island Water World sits between the Grenada Yacht Club and Port Louis Marina, adding another marine supply option for boats based in the Lagoon area.
The Cruisers' Shopping Shuttle is a community institution. A dedicated bus picks up and drops off at designated marina locations for EC$15 (around US$5.50) per person. No reservations are required. Shuttle destinations include the bank ATM, a veggie shop, IGA Supermarket, CK Valu, ACE Hardware, and Budget Marine.
By public bus, from Prickly Bay Marina it is a short walk to the main road where you can catch buses to St. George's for EC$2.50. Buses run frequently during daylight hours and are the cheapest way to reach the capital.
Carriacou & Petite Martinique are reachable by sail from Grenada's north coast, though Hurricane Beryl caused significant damage in July 2024. Recovery is underway and the islands are welcoming visitors again. The customs and immigration office at Carriacou Marine in Tyrell Bay serves yachts heading north. Explore Carriacou & Petite Martinique listings on GrenadaSearch for marinas, services, and local businesses as the islands rebuild.
Conclusion
Grenada's marina infrastructure punches well above its weight for a small island. Prickly Bay Marina gives you customs clearance and a lively cruiser community right on arrival. Port Louis Marina delivers superyacht-standard facilities with St. George's on your doorstep. Clarkes Court handles the toughest haul-outs on the south coast. And Spice Island Marine Services has been keeping boats seaworthy for over four decades.
Three takeaways before you go:
- Clear customs promptly. Fly your Q flag, keep crew aboard, and get the skipper ashore before 15:00 on weekdays to avoid overtime fees.
- Join the VHF net. Channel 66 at 7:30 AM, Monday to Saturday. It will save you hours of research and connect you with hundreds of fellow cruisers.
- Plan your chandlery run. Bring ship's papers for duty-free pricing at Budget Marine and the chandlery at Spice Island Marine.
Ready to explore everything else Grenada has to offer on the water? Browse all boating and marine listings on GrenadaSearch to find charter operators, dive centres, marine services, and more across the Spice Isle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do yachts clear customs in Grenada? The two official ports of entry are Port Louis Marina in St. George's and Carriacou Marine in Tyrell Bay in Carriacou. Prickly Bay Marina also has customs and immigration officers on-site and can clear vessels seven days a week. The skipper must complete all formalities before any crew member steps ashore. Offices are generally open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and weekends from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
How much does a Grenada cruising permit cost? The fee depends on vessel length, payable in Eastern Caribbean dollars. Boats under 40 feet pay EC$50; 40 to 60 feet pay EC$75; 60 to 80 feet pay EC$100; and boats over 80 feet pay EC$150. There is also a cruise levy of EC$8.10 per person. The cruising permit is valid for 30 days and can be renewed at the same customs offices where you cleared in.
How much do mooring balls cost at Prickly Bay? Mooring balls in Prickly Bay are managed by Moorsafe Ltd. In 2023 the rates were US$20 per night, US$115 per week, or US$230 per month. Prices change, so confirm on arrival or call ahead. Anchoring is also possible further into the bay, though some swell is normal as the bay is open to the south.
What is the ARC+ rally and how does it affect Grenada's marinas? The ARC+ (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers Plus) is an annual transatlantic rally that sails from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, stops in Cape Verde, then crosses roughly 2,150 nautical miles to St. George's, Grenada. In 2024, 94 yachts were registered for the Grenada leg. The fleet arrives in December and is based largely at Port Louis Marina. The rally is one of the biggest single events driving yacht traffic to Grenada each season.
Is Grenada safe to keep a yacht during hurricane season? Grenada sits at approximately 12 degrees north latitude, south of the main Caribbean hurricane belt. Spice Island Marine Services is insurance-approved for hurricane season storage, and Clarkes Court Boatyard offers fully secured hard storage during the season. Both yards have protected haul-out facilities and trained staff experienced in preparing boats for storm conditions. Grenada has historically suffered far less hurricane damage than islands further north, though no anchorage is ever completely risk-free.
Sources: Grenada Tourism Authority (puregrenada.com); Noonsite Grenada Clearance Procedures; Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina (cnmarinas.com); Spice Island Marine Services (spiceislandmarine.com); Clarkes Court Boatyard & Marina (clarkescourtmarina.com); Budget Marine Grenada (budgetmarine.com); World Cruising Club (worldcruising.com); Caribbean Compass; All at Sea Magazine; Caribbean Journal.