For bareboat guests who charter through The Moorings, the massive base and marina at Mt. Hartman Bay will be their first exposure to the aquatic delights of Grenada.  Guests are welcomed by Moorings representatives and shown to the yacht tied up conveniently at the marina, where they will spend the first night aboard.  This is the beginning and the end of the road, so to speak.

Getting There

Between Prickly Point and Mount Hartman Bay 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 Mt. Hartman Bay from points west must be weighed carefully.

The initial approach to Mt. Hartman Bay from the south is the same as for Hog Island.   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 left 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 left, head straight for the marina, which should be in view.  Be sure to pass to the right of the green markers.

Mt. Hartman Bay is just a mile or so by dinghy from Hog Island, so you could dinghy from there if you needed something at the marina.

Once inside the harbor, you have the choice of anchoring, tying up to a mooring belonging to The Moorings, or docking at the marina.  The mooring or marina option exposes you to very strong gusts of wind that come whipping over the surrounding hills.  At the marina, you are additionally exposed to light cross-chop that somehow finds its way in from the sea, bouncing your boat around like a cement mixer.  This rotating action will seriously curtail your ability to get a good night’s sleep without exposing yourself to life-threatening bruises.

There is a rather quiet and protected anchorage at the northeast arm of the bay near the mangroves.  It does not have the problem of wind and waves.  Not a lot of boats find their way here, so it is surprisingly quiet.   I have been told however, that this spot can sometimes have over 100 boats anchored here during hurricane season.

The Moorings Marina

For other charter guests and long-term cruisers, The Moorings marina is an excellent place to refuel, take on water, re-provision, clear customs, make a telephone call, get rid of garbage, tie up overnight, or go into town.   The Dock Manager is an extremely friendly Rastafarian named Adrian, who will take very good care of you.

The Rum Squall Bar is located at the main building, and features snacks and an evening Happy Hour.  Charter guests often stop in for a few if they are not too busy checking in or out.

Immigration, and now Customs

Right beside The Moorings complex is the Immigration AND Customs office.  For years, this only housed Immigration, and you needed to make your way over to Prickly Bay, which has both.  Go figure.

Secret Harbour Resort

The Secret Harbour Resort is owned and operated by The Moorings.  This 5-star resort is built on beautiful gardened grounds into the surrounding hillside.  The view from the Ocean View Restaurant at the main complex at the very top of the hill is outstanding.  The private cottages built over the water’s edge are exotic and very expensive.  The Moorings charter guests often spend their first or last night at this resort.