Reported by Brian Simm – 17 January, 2018:

We were aboard our Sundeer 56 on a mooring at the Errol Flynn Marina, Port Antonio. At 5.30 in the morning, a knocking on the boat awoke us. We had drifted in no wind conditions onto another yacht. The fault was a failed mooring, with the chain breaking from the concrete sinkers, while still attached to boat with buoy.

These marina moorings, $25 a night, were laid 2 or 3 years ago with chain risers to metal buoys in perhaps 10m of water. This system means light duty chains to keep the weight down. The Marina expect to inspect the chains. In the meantime, we had a dispensation to anchor but still had to pay @$25 a night.

In general, the Marina is a safe location in very good shelter. The dock master George is helpful and experienced, while the young business graduate manager is less so. The Marina includes a small cruise ship dock, long dock for larger yachts, 10 inside fingers, 10 randomly laid moorings and a haul out facility to an empty yard.

Brian Simm

Posted on behalf of Naja:

We just arrived in Port Antonio. Now you have to pay 15 USD for anchoring or take a mooring in the Westhaven and with 2 persons on board. There is an additional fee for each person more than 2. The moorings are looking good, we feel very safe and the harbour/Bay is really calm and protected.

Marina staff are helpful and friendly. We were not visited by marine police till today, only customs, immigration and health officer visited us. We arrived after the normal office time (after 5 pm) and they have to come for us again – without any charge!

Update on Port Antonio, Jamaica Wapiti April 2015

The channel to the marina in West Bay is clearly marked and well lit. It is possible to anchor off the marina with good holding and plenty of space or alongside berths may be available. The anchoring charge is $12 US per night which includes use of showers, pool, WIFI etc. Alongside berths are $0.95US per foot for a 40ft boat and there is a daily garbage and environmental fee of $3 US at anchor or in a berth.

Water is $0.12US per gallon and electricity is $0.60US per kwh. (Electricity is available 110V at 50Hz (not 60Hz like most of the Caribbean) and 220V as 110V each on active and neutral so it is important that the boat’s electrical system can handle this)

Communications: WIFI in the marina is good. Sim cards are available in the town from Digicel and Lime for unlocked devices and broadband connection time can be purchased.
Supplies: There are several poorly stocked mini supermarkets, the best being Kamal’s, and Ramtulla a short way out of town. Both take Visa and Mastercard. The fruit and vegetable market is well stocked and good quality. Cash only!

ATM’s are available but National Commercial Bank should be avoided as sometimes the account is debited but no cash is issued. Car Hire is available in town from Eastern Car Rentals. The marina is a short walk from town and is built to a good standard.

There is a coin operated laundry – about $3.50 per load. Late night noise from shore venues can be a problem. The staff are very helpful and we recommend this marina.
Roger Morgan and Sue Lister
Wapiti April 2015