Grenada 2017 Hog Island

Sailboat coming through the reefs

December 2017

I mentioned that the Mt Hartman anchorage gives us access to other anchorages.  This includes the somewhat famous Hog Island.  I also mentioned that we had to learn to navigate the reefs in the dinghy to get over to Hog Island and the other anchorages. 

Hog Island anchorage - can you see the reef marker?

It wasn't hard but it was nerve wracking at times.  There is one marker, of sorts, marking one edge of one reef on the way to Hog.  Only one.  And by one marker of sorts, I mean a skinny pole driven into the edge of the reef with a solar light on it.  That is it!  That is all. We had to locate and aim for that small pole each time we passed by in either direction.  Rain or shine, day or night.  Yes, it was lit but that single, solar light blended into all the background shore lights.  Low tide was especially exciting.  But we got used to it....sort of....well....not really me.  Poor Tom had to put up with me saying "I think you should go a little more to port.  Now more to starboard.  We are too close to shore.  Too close to the reef.  Slow down." 

Can you see if now?

We also had a low bridge to navigate under when we passed between the Hog Island anchorage and Clarkes Court Bay.  There was also a tricky reef on the path from Clarkes Court Bay around into Calivigny called Calivigny cut.  I held my breath on that one!  We only went over there once.

Reef marker up close - only one solar light worked

Hog Island is an uninhabited island between Mt Hartman Bay and Clarkes Court Bay.  There is an anchorage out in front of it where tons and tons of boats anchor for hurricane season.  Many never leave.  Hog Island itself has a few picnic tables, a few grills, and Roger's Beach Bar, which is sometimes open and nothing more than a shack.  That is it. 

The gang limin' at Hog Island

Hog Island is a popular spot (and famous)  among the cruising community for beach gatherings, potlucks, music jams, and parties.  Our cruising friends on sv Illusions anchors at Hog Island.  Nearly every afternoon, after the two tourist party boats leave, Patrick and Luci head over to Hog Island to lime on the beach.  First they call their friends to give the "All clear" that the tourist are gone.  We met there many, many afternoon.  We celebrated Xmas there but more later on that.  We have declared Patrick the mayor of Hog Island.  All hail the mayor.  Ha!

View west from Hog

View east from Hog