Little Harbour

Approach and Entry

Little Harbour should only be entered in fairly calm conditions, as the entrance can become dangerous when Atlantic swells are running. Approach with good visibility and favorable light to read the water. The channel is unmarked, so careful navigation is essential.

Once inside, the harbour opens into a protected basin with adequate swinging room for several boats. The entrance depth and interior conditions can change with shifting sand, so current local knowledge from recent visitors or the Clarence Town cruiser community is valuable. Consult Explorer Charts and monitor VHF for recent reports.

Holding and Protection

Inside Little Harbour, protection is good from east through south when properly anchored. The bottom offers reasonable holding, though conditions can vary. The harbour's main exposure is to the northwest and north, and any significant swell will make the anchorage uncomfortable or untenable.

This is primarily a settled-weather anchorage, best used when stable conditions are forecast for your intended stay. When frontal weather or Atlantic swells threaten, relocate to Clarence Town Harbour or cross to the protected western shore at Thompson Bay.

What's Nearby

Clarence Town lies just north of Little Harbour, with Flying Fish Marina providing comprehensive services including fuel, water, ice, provisions, and restaurant facilities. The marina can accommodate vessels requiring dockage, and Clarence Town is a designated Bahamas Port of Entry for boats arriving from the Caribbean.

The iconic twin churches of St. Paul's Anglican and St. Peter's Catholic crown the hills above Clarence Town, both designed by the remarkable Father Jerome. Dean's Blue Hole, the world's third-deepest, is accessible by taxi or rental car and offers extraordinary freediving and snorkeling in a stunning natural setting.

Best Use

Little Harbour works best as a lunch stop, swimming hole, or overnight anchorage when settled conditions are forecast for an extended period. The quiet, scenic setting provides a peaceful alternative to the more active Clarence Town Harbour when weather permits.

Cruisers should treat this as a fair-weather destination and always have Clarence Town or Thompson Bay as backup options. The anchorage sees relatively light traffic compared to the main harbours, appealing to those seeking solitude on Long Island's less-traveled Atlantic coast.

Getting there

Little Harbour is located on Long Island's Atlantic coast just south of Clarence Town. Approach from the ocean in calm conditions with good visibility and overhead light to read the unmarked entrance channel. The harbour is unsuitable for entry when Atlantic swells are running. From inside, Clarence Town and Flying Fish Marina are a short distance north by dinghy or sail.

Frequently asked questions

Is Little Harbour a good overnight anchorage?

Little Harbour can be a good overnight anchorage when settled conditions are forecast. However, it is exposed to northwest through north swells and should only be used in fair weather. Have Clarence Town or Thompson Bay as backup plans if conditions change.

How do I access Clarence Town services from Little Harbour?

Clarence Town and Flying Fish Marina are located just north of Little Harbour, accessible by dinghy or a short sail. The marina offers fuel, water, provisions, and restaurant facilities. Clarence Town is also a Bahamas Port of Entry.

When should I avoid Little Harbour?

Avoid Little Harbour when Atlantic swells are running or when northwest through north winds are forecast. The entrance can become dangerous in swell, and the anchorage offers no protection from those directions. Use Clarence Town Harbour or cross to Thompson Bay on the western shore instead.