Seasonal· Roatán· Other Caribbean
Northers in the Bay Islands
16° 18.3′ N · 86° 35.6′ W · approximate
Winter cold fronts ('northers') swing the trade wind into the north-west and north at 20-30 knots, turning West End and Utila's harbour into lee shores while French Cay Harbour, Calabash Bight and Guanaja's El Bight stay snug.
Practical
Placed at West End, the anchorage most affected (approx). Cruiser notes: West End/West Bay is badly exposed to NW-N winds and boats on moorings commonly drag in 20-30 knot northers — move to the south side before a front; French Cay Harbour and Calabash Bight give good protection; in Guanaja, El Bight is 'the best place to be when a norther sets in'. Michael Rock (Guanaja north coast) is only for norther-free forecasts. Watch Chris Parker / NW Caribbean Net forecasts.
Best for
Planning moves around winter fronts
Season
Winter–spring cold-front season (roughly Nov–Apr)
Nearby
- Roatán Marine Park Fees & RulesRight here
- Blue Marlin (West End)0.1 NM away
- Half Moon Bay & West End Snorkel (Roatán)0.1 NM away
- Sundowners (West End)0.1 NM away
- Half Moon Bay Reef (West End, Roatán)0.3 NM away
- Blue Channel (Roatán)0.5 NM away
- Blue Channel Snorkel (West End, Roatán)0.5 NM away
- West End Moorings (Roatán Marine Park)0.5 NM away