The Hog Island anchorage is considered by the long-term cruising establishment to be the crème-de-la-crème of anchorages for those who want to get away from it all.  Unfortunately the place is jammed with cruisers wanting to get away from it all.  It’s like Hong Kong Harbor.

I have heard that Hog Island has been sold to a wealthy foreign interest, and that plans for a 5-star resort are in the works.  Bulldozers, clear-cutting, and concrete will soon replace the undeveloped shoreline of mangroves.

Grenada is the last windward island stop for cruisers en route to Trinidad and South America.  Consequently, it is home to a rather large population of long-term cruisers at certain times of the year, and many of them end up anchored at Hog Island. Specifically, cruisers begin heading north after hurricane season ends in November, or south in July, just before it begins.

Getting There

Between Prickly Point and Hog Island lies some of the most grisly water anyone would want to encounter while on vacation.  The southern coast of Grenada seems to funnel all the prevailing wind and current into this shallow patch of water.  Steep choppy waves and extreme current are the result, making the upwind, up-current passage, somewhat uncomfortable.  The decision to proceed to the Hog Island from points west must be weighed carefully.

The initial approach to Hog Island from the south is the same as for Mt. Hartman Bay.   Both are protected by a number of reefs, some of which are marked.  Buoys have gone missing and the rest are all the same color as a result of birds.  Basically, follow the buoys from Tara Island and turn right when you get to the one that was originally red/green.  Unfortunately, you will almost have to be aground to get close enough to tell if you spotted the right one.  The first time through, it will be an interesting challenge trying to determine exactly where you are.

Once you turn right, you will have to go around a large unmarked reef to your left before entering the anchorage.  Just pay attention, stay in the darker colored water, and you will be OK.   Once you’re there, pick a spot and drop the hook.  There are a lot of boats anchored here, but it’s a big harbor.  Resist the urge to take your boat through the cut into Clarkes Court Bay - you’ll never make it.

This is a well protected anchorage, considered a good Hurricane Hole by many long-term cruisers.  In fact, when Hurricane Joyce threatened Grenada in the summer of 2000, most of the cruising community was locked down in this very spot.

Hog Island is just a mile or so by dinghy from Mt. Hartman Bay, so you could dinghy from there if you just want to check it out.  Conversely, if you were anchored at Hog Island, you could dinghy over to the Moorings base at Mt. Hartman Bay for provisions if necessary.

Attractions

The main attraction with this anchorage is that there are no attractions.  No facilities, restaurants, beach, nothing.  This is particularly appealing to long-term cruisers who just want to be away from civilization.  Unfortunately, a great many cruisers feel that way, making the anchorage something of a small cruising town.  There is a thriving social scene, where cruisers entertain each other aboard their boats.

The shoreline on the eastern side is lined with mangroves.  There is a very small beach on the southeast corner of the anchorage tucked away in the trees that is home to a very primitive Tiki bar with a thatched roof.  Every day, a local named Roger stops by and opens up for a few hours.  Cruisers make their way for Happy Hour that begins promptly at 5 PM, or whenever Roger shows up.  On Sunday afternoons, the property turns into a giant pot-luck barbecue that attracts cruisers from all over.  Parking is limited.