Clarence Town Harbour

Approach and Entry

Clarence Town Harbour has a wide entrance that is generally easy to navigate, though caution is essential when northerly through northwest swell is running. Breaking waves across the entrance can make conditions dangerous, and entry should not be attempted when large swells are present. Time your arrival for calm conditions and good visibility.

The approach carries approximately twelve feet MLW, with depths of eight to nine feet in the marina basin. The channel into Flying Fish Marina is well-defined, though avoid anchoring in the entrance channel where you may obstruct traffic. Look for patches of sand when selecting your anchoring spot among the scattered coral heads.

Holding and Protection

Inside the harbour, protection is excellent from most directions. The surrounding hills provide natural shelter, and the marina basin offers additional security for vessels seeking dockage. The bottom is mixed sand and coral, so careful anchor placement in sandy patches is important for good holding.

The harbour's exposure is primarily to the northwest through north, where large Atlantic swells can make the entrance impassable and create surge inside. When these conditions threaten, boats should seek shelter well in advance. Once safely inside during settled weather, Clarence Town provides comfortable overnight anchorage.

Marina Services

Flying Fish Marina is the primary facility at Clarence Town, offering eighteen slips with depths of eight to nine feet, fuel (diesel and gasoline), water, ice, and a well-stocked provisions store. Laundry facilities are available, and the marina's restaurant and bar serves fresh seafood with views over the harbour.

Clarence Town is a designated Bahamas Port of Entry, allowing Flying Fish Marina to serve as your first stop when clearing into the country from the Caribbean. The marina maintains a 50,000-gallon diesel supply and 10,000 gallons of gasoline, with deliveries arriving every two weeks by barge. The facility makes an ideal staging point for passages north or south.

What's Ashore

The twin churches of St. Paul's Anglican and St. Peter's Catholic dominate Clarence Town's skyline, both designed by Father Jerome in contrasting styles that reflect his spiritual journey between denominations. The walk up to either church rewards visitors with sweeping views of the harbour and surrounding countryside.

Dean's Blue Hole lies just north of town, accessible by taxi or rental car. At 202 meters deep, this stunning sinkhole is the world's third-deepest and a mecca for freedivers. The turquoise waters and dramatic cliff backdrop make it worth the short trip, even for those content to snorkel the surface. Rowdy Boy's Bar and Grill near the marina is a local favorite for food and drinks.

Getting there

Clarence Town Harbour is located on the Atlantic (eastern) coast of Long Island, accessible from the open ocean via a straightforward approach in settled conditions. The harbour lies approximately 25 miles south of Thompson Bay by road or around Long Island's southern tip by sea. When arriving from the Caribbean, Clarence Town makes a logical first landfall. Avoid entering when large northwest through north swells are breaking across the entrance channel.

Frequently asked questions

Can I clear into the Bahamas at Clarence Town?

Yes, Clarence Town is a designated Bahamas Port of Entry. Flying Fish Marina can assist with customs and immigration formalities. Contact the marina on VHF 16 in advance to arrange clearance, or call 242-337-3430.

Is the entrance to Clarence Town Harbour always navigable?

No. When large northwest through north Atlantic swells are running, breaking waves across the entrance make entry dangerous or impossible. Monitor conditions carefully and time your arrival for settled weather with minimal swell. The approach is straightforward when conditions are calm.

How do I get to Dean's Blue Hole from Clarence Town?

Dean's Blue Hole is located approximately 5 miles north of Clarence Town. Arrange a taxi or rent a car to drive north on the Queen's Highway. The blue hole is clearly signed and accessible from a beautiful beach. Flying Fish Marina staff can help arrange transportation.