George Town - Docking

Moorings

Visiting yachts are normally directed to a free mooring 250m north of the port. These are large red buoys. If all are occupied then ask permission to anchor.

There are many moorings around the island and should be used in preference to anchoring if possible. Moorings at dive sites are identified by a white buoy with a blue strip and are available to the public at no charge. Normally they should only be used for an hour or two, but can be used overnight when diving for the day has finished.

Anchoring

There is very limited anchoring off George Town and it is generally uncomfortable due to the movement of the many cruise ships and ferries. This anchorage is exposed to Northerly winds.

North Sound is much calmer and quieter and from here it's possible to hire a car and explore the island. Beware of the shallow depth (2.3 metres/max. 7ft) in North Sound.

Enter North Sound carefully, through a poorly marked pass which should not be attempted in Northerly winds, or any weather above 20 knots approx.

Inside North Sound, there are several anchorages amongst the mangrove creeks and millionaires' houses (mostly depths of 2.5 to 3m) and marinas. Governor's Creek lies on the west side of the Sound near the Cayman Island Yacht Club, which has fuel etc. (see a photo taken by Brian Simm with the yacht club in the distance).

At the southern end of Governor's Creek is Mitchells Creek. Both these anchorages are sheltered and convenient for shops. Max. draft 6ft.

Getting Ashore

Dinghies can be landed almost anywhere, except where cruise ship passengers are being landed (due to security concerns). See photo of dinghy docks north of Georgetown, taken by Brian Simm. Cruisers recommend locking dinghies to the Lobster Pot dive center dock, but always secure your dinghy and outboard when coming ashore.

Marinas

The marina, run by the Cayman Islands Yacht Club, in North Sound, has been extensively re-built and has visitor berthing.

Harbour House Marina and Boatyard is midway along the South side of North Sound. This is less of a marina and more a yard with tie-ups along a channel.

Barcadere Marina is in the SW corner of North Sound and is just north of the airport.

The restaurant, Kaibo, in the NE corner has some berthing, although it is rather remote from the town.

A more recent alternative for docking (max. depth 5.5ft) is in the large commercial shopping village of Camana Bay, where new canals have been dug.

Last updated:  February 2023