Little Bay - General Info
ALERT: There is extensive dredging in Little Bay (August 2023) and all moorings have been removed. See Docking for suggested anchoring options.
Description:
Little Bay, the only port on Montserrat, is on the northwest end of the island and is now the island’s capital and main port of entry due to the destruction of Port Plymouth by volcanic activity.
It is an industrial port a long way from town, so you will need a taxi to get anywhere.
Cruiser Highlights:
Don’t miss the tiny restaurant under the anchorage’s cliff, and be sure to arrange a driving tour to see the ruined town of Plymouth, and visit the volcano research center.
Entrance Notes or Cautions:
On arrival anchor in the southern part of the bay, keeping clear of the channel to the ferry/cargo wharf. This channel is clearly marked.
Position:
16° 48.13’N, 62°12.41’W.
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We really liked it here and can recommend a visit, the holding is excellent in Little Bay. On our charts, it shows 2 wrecks in the bay, but we snorkeled and couldn’t see anything. Do not anchor in the pathway of the concrete pier and leave plenty of room for the huge container ships to turn around.
Clearance was $35 EC, you can clear in and out at the same time if you are only staying 72 hours. The security guards are very friendly. The dinghy dock is to the right of the concrete pier, just behind the ferry.
We had drinks and dinner in the SUMMER BREEZE bar and restaurant, the owner, staff, and food were excellent. They made us feel very welcome.
Tour of the island.
We pre-booked our tour online with Sunny, he was then able to obtain permits for us to go into Plymouth, he was an excellent tour guide and we paid by credit card. He did take us to Hilltop Coffee House run by his mum and dad, but also has loads of memorabilia from the times prior to the eruption. no obligation to buy a coffee.
Pat at the museum was very helpful, you can walk here from the marina, but it’s not open very often. We can also recommend going to the observatory and watching the video. All the entrance fee costs are included in the tour.
Tina’s restaurant in town is excellent. Everything home made. Clean and affordable.
Clearance is made simple with Sail Clear, all done on line either in advance, or they have a computer terminal available to use there. Customs fees are based on tonnage: for a 15-ton boat, it was $35EC. They give you a clearance in and out at the same time if staying 72 hours or less. If staying longer, there is n additional charge, but you will have to return to customs to do the paperwork again.
There are taxis just outside the gate to the port, many of the drivers also do island tours. We used and would recommend George Christian, phone # (664) 496 3178. Most tours are priced at 120USD for 1-4 persons. Each additional person is 30USD extra.
Max 7 Passengers. Tour included stops at museums, volcano observatory, and entry into the exclusion zone in Plymouth. Running narrative of the island while driving. A lunch stop can also be requested. Tour lasts roughly 3.5 hours.
The port area has several small restaurants/bars. Very good and free wifi at the Time Out Bar.
We did not see any moorings available for cruisers, but anchoring was easy in 30′ with a good holding sandy bottom.
Travis and Joanne
s/v Calico Jack