Caribbean Hurricane Season: Where to Hide Your Boat From June to November

Hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30 in the Atlantic basin. Cruisers in the Caribbean must either sail north of the hurricane belt, find protected storage ashore, or locate the safest possible hurricane hole. No option is risk-free.

Sailing South of the Zone

Trinidad, Grenada, and the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) sit below the typical hurricane track. Trinidad’s extensive boatyards and Grenada’s protected bays attract hundreds of boats each season. These destinations aren’t hurricane-proof, but statistics favor them heavily.

Chaguaramas Bay in Trinidad offers the highest concentration of boatyards and marine services. Grenada’s budget-friendly options and easier immigration draw cruisers who prefer to stay aboard. Both locations fill early; reserve space by April.

Hurricane Holes

Mangrove-lined creeks and enclosed harbors offer protection within the hurricane zone. The best hurricane holes feature surrounding hills that break wind, narrow entrances that limit wave penetration, and good holding in mud bottom.

Research potential holes before storm threats develop. Anchor placement matters enormously. Experienced cruisers set multiple anchors in carefully planned patterns, adding shore lines to mangroves when possible.

Hauling Out

Getting your boat out of the water eliminates storm surge risk—the deadliest factor for boats in hurricanes. Many Caribbean yards now specialize in hurricane storage, with engineered tie-down systems and strategic positioning.

Book hurricane storage early. Popular facilities fill by spring. Inspect the yard’s preparation protocols, including how they secure boats and what they do about other owners’ poorly prepared vessels nearby.

Insurance Considerations

Most marine policies restrict hurricane season coverage in the Caribbean. Named-storm deductibles can reach 5-10% of hull value. Understand your policy limitations before committing to a location strategy.

Some insurers require boats be hauled or moved outside the hurricane zone during specific months. Verify requirements well before season begins.