Anchorages:
Despite what mooring operators may tell you, anchoring is permitted in the bay, but may be very difficult as the area gets very deep very fast and it is very common for anchors to drag and yachts drift out of the bay at night when the tide and current changes.
The main yacht anchorage is between the Green Flash Bar and Sea World. Towards DMC is flatter and better for anchoring.
Cruisers warn about fish traps in this bay.
Moorings:
There are many moorings in the bay. Those in the north belong to Markus who has the most moorings available (8) and has a tender. The moorings in the south belong to Seacat (Mr Bean) who operates on VHF Channel 16. There are also moorings available off the Dominica Marine Center (DMC), Fort Young Hotel and Dive Dominica.
Mooring fees are standard at US$15/ €15 per night.
It is advisable to check the state of any mooring used and to take particular care if a northerly swell is coming into the bay when some moorings become untenable.
Dinghy Docks:
There are a total of eight (8) docks in the Roseau/Newtown area, including the Customs/Immigration dock at the Ferry Terminal and the Roseau Fisheries Department.
The Newtown Fisheries dock is the only recommended dinghy dock at this time in Roseau. Note it can be difficult to tie up here with all the lines from the fishing boats.
The DMC dinghy dock got damaged in the last hurricane, but they do intend to start constructing a new and stronger dock to facilitate duty-free refueling of small boats to large yachts. Expected completion 2024.
Dinghies can also be pulled up on the stony beach. It's advisable to pay a local to keep an eye on your dinghy while you are ashore.
Security:
The Dominica Marine Association and the Dominica Marine Center has been providing security in the Roseau bay area over the last 8 years. A professional security dinghy makes daily rounds to ensure security and keep the peace. Marcus provides security for the entire bay and has been doing this without any hiccups or infractions for over twelve years.
There have not been any problems with theft from yachts here in recent years, and the locals have been working very hard to improve security for yachts. Dominica is now the model for the other islands when it comes to safety for yachts and its occupants.
However, it should be noted that restaurant moorings cannot be considered secure and that cruisers should lock their dinghies/outboards and remove valuable items, just like they would anywhere. See this CSSN report on a recent incident in Soufriere and click on the speech bubble icon in the blue bar to read feedback from cruisers who have visited here.
Last updated: July 2023
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