Miles of Beaches + Nippers

Until very recently, Great Guana was a very lightly inhabited island with limited development, and only one real reason to come - miles of some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.  It was only in the past five years that a number of new developments have made their way to Great Guana, the most significant being Nipper’s Beach Bar and Grill, home of the famous Sunday Pig Roast.  Itinerary planning must always time it so that you are anchored in Great Guana on Sunday.

There are two anchorages, neither are spectacular.  That does not really matter because you are only looking for a parking spot for the night that is closest to Nipper’s.  Settlement Harbor is most convenient, and the availability of a marina adds to that convenience.  Fisher’s Bay is basically an overflow area that requires a longer dinghy ride and walk to Nipper’s, however it is closer to the Blue Water Grill and Dolphin Beach Resort.

Getting There

Sail/motor to the waypoint located at N 26° 39.310' W 77° 07.080'.  For Settlement Harbor, head northeast towards the breakwall, leaving it to your right as you enter the harbor.  The harbor is quite shallow, so there is less room than you might think.  Holding is not good because of the grassy bottom and you should leave plenty of swing space to accommodate large shifts in wind direction.  As a result, the capacity of this harbor is quite limited.  There is also the Orchid Bay Yacht Club and Marina, which will solve all your anchoring problems with the convenience of a slip.

For Fisher’s Bay, head northwest from the waypoint, leaving the headland marked by a flashing white light well to your right.  Be sure to visually identify the reef and exposed rock that extends out from Delia’s Cay before turning right to enter the bay.  Watch for the submerged rock at Big Point - it will be marked by a stake.  Drop a hook or take a mooring.

Nipper’s Beach Bar and Grill

This is why you are here.  All you have to do is make sure it’s Sunday.  Their famous Pig Roast attracts sailors and storytellers from all over the region.  The place will be jammed with people having fun.

Nipper’s is located at the top of a sand dune on the Atlantic side of the cay, affording a spectacular view of the ocean to help that cold drink go down a little more smoothly.  You can go for a swim in the ocean or their swimming pool, then lie around and take in the sunshine.  You can grab a super-size beverage and go for a walk up and down the miles of golden sand.

The Pig Roast is excellent, and well-priced given that you can load up your plate.  Their famous Nipper’s Punch is deadly and should only be consumed under adult supervision.  If you are lucky, the Barefoot Man will be in attendance providing entertainment of the local variety - his songs feature local themes and are known to sailors worldwide.  Golf cart transportation back to the harbor is available, just in case you cannot negotiate that part of the program on under your own power.