Anchored in Time: The History of Hurricane Hole Marina
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Reserve a slip at Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina.
Nestled within the tranquil embrace of Paradise Island, Hurricane Hole Marina has long stood as a sanctuary for mariners seeking refuge from the tempestuous forces of nature. Since its inception in the 1960s, this marina in The Bahamas has evolved from a modest haven into a state-of-the-art superyacht destination while maintaining its commitment to safety and security for vessels of all sizes.
Today, Hurricane Hole shines as one of the premier marinas in the Caribbean, valued for its history, natural protection, and strategic location.
A Legacy of Protection
Hurricane Hole earned its reputation thanks to its naturally sheltered cove, a geographic advantage closely tied to Nassau Harbour’s historical role as a key gateway to The Bahamas. For centuries, Nassau Harbour has provided shelter for vessels navigating the region, with Paradise Island serving as a protective barrier.
Recognising this legacy, Sterling Global Financial undertook a major redevelopment in 2021, enhancing the marina’s design while preserving its role as a trusted refuge. The iconic marina was transformed with thoughtful design enhancements, extending inland and deepening the basin to accommodate a greater range of vessels, with top-tier amenities and infrastructure. This transformation ensures that Hurricane Hole remains not only a place of refuge but also a cutting-edge facility for today’s boating elite.
Here’s a closer look at how Hurricane Hole has fulfilled its role as a safe harbour marina throughout history
1. Pre-Colonial Use
Natural harbours and sheltered coves like Hurricane Hole would have provided safe anchorages for early seafarers seeking protection from the region’s seasonal hurricanes.
2. European Exploration and Early Maritime Traffic
When European explorers and settlers began navigating the Caribbean in the 15th and 16th centuries, they discovered the benefits of sheltered harbours, such as the cove that Hurricane Hole now sits on.
3. 19th and Early 20th Century
Over time, the island came to be known as Hog Island. In 1913, Hog Island made its first expansion into luxury services with the opening of the Porcupine Club, a beach house for elite millionaires. Some visitors included J.P. Morgan, Howard Hughes, and U.S. Banker Andrew Mellon.
4. Late 20th Century
In the late 1930s, Dr. Axel Wenner-Gren bought land on Hog Island after fleeing Nazi influence in Europe. Then, in 1959, American businessman Huntington Hartford purchased Hog Island from Wenner-Gren, with the name changed to Paradise Island in 1962. Hartford went on to hire renowned Palm Beach architect John Volk to design key developments, including Ocean Club, Café Martinique, The Cloisters, the Golf Course, and Hurricane Hole.
5. Modern Era
In 2020, Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina relaunched after a $12 million investment from Sterling Global Financial, which expanded docking space, added concrete floating docks, increased depth, and introduced new amenities.
6. Cultural and Economic Significance
Beyond its role as a safe harbour, Hurricane Hole also holds cultural significance in The Bahamas, where maritime tradition is central to the island’s identity. The area’s reputation as a refuge has contributed to the local economy, supporting tourism and yachting industries, which continue to thrive in The Bahamas.
For centuries, the land where Hurricane Hole sits served as a refuge. Through the vision of Huntington Hartford and later Sterling Global Financial, the marina has grown from a natural sanctuary into a sophisticated yachting hub, complete with advanced security, modern amenities, and world-class services.
Modern Advancements Enhancing Natural Defenses
To carry forward the tradition of the safety and security that has defined Hurricane Hole for decades, the marina has combined modern infrastructure with its natural protective features. By maintaining and enhancing this natural environment, the marina continues to offer a safe and reliable marina for boats, yachts, and superyachts — even during the height of hurricane season.
Recent upgrades include:
- Expanded Dockage – 6,100 linear feet of deep-water dockage, accommodating slips up to 420 feet. Additionally, Hurricane Hole is the only marina in Nassau/Paradise Island to boast floating docks that rise and fall with the tides.
- Deepened and Expanded Basin – The basin has been dredged to a depth of 14.5 feet from average low tide, making Hurricane Hole one of the deepest marinas in The Bahamas. By dredging inland, the basin was expanded to accommodate much larger vessels with a comfortable turning circle of 420 feet.
- Increased Fortifications – Specially designed sea walls that minimise wake and wave action have been put in place.
- Heightened Security – Hurricane Hole Marina offers 24-hour mobile security and surveillance, providing peace of mind for guests.
These upgrades allow Hurricane Hole to meet the needs of today’s maritime community while preserving the area’s environmental integrity. A continued focus on sustainable practices — including conserving nearby ecosystems and marine life — ensures Hurricane Hole remains a resilient and eco-friendly location for years to come.
Contact Hurricane Hole: The Renowned Safe Harbour Marina
Hurricane Hole Marina offers a secure and serene environment, top facilities, and unmatched concierge services for those planning to dock at one of the Caribbean’s most trusted marinas.
Whether a seasoned captain, broker, or crew member seeking a peaceful retreat, the marina’s team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and ensuring the safety and comfort of all vessels. To learn more about docking options and amenities or to make a marina reservation, contact the friendly staff directly at 242-603-1950 and experience why Hurricane Hole remains a trusted, safe harbour marina in the heart of The Bahamas.