2026 Caribbean & Bahamas Boatyard Guide: What’s New

This year’s hurricane season finds Bahamas and Caribbean boatyards more capable than ever — new Travelifts, reopened dry docks, and expanded services across the region. Here’s a territory-by-territory look at what’s changed at more than 25 yards, from Grand Bahama to Guatemala.

At-a-glance box

Territory	Yard(s)	Headline change
Bahamas	Bradford Marine, Knowles Marine, Legendary Marina Blue Water Cay	New security/Wi-Fi upgrades; 300-ton lift planned for 2027
Dominican Republic	Maritima del Atlántico, IBC Shipyard	Expanded storage; new secure megayacht storage
Puerto Rico	Safe Harbor Puerto Del Rey, IMM Puerto Rico	New fuel dock; 600-ft dry dock back after 20+ years
BVI	Nanny Cay Marina	New south marina breakwater at halfway point
St. Martin/St. Maarten	Time Out, Bobby’s Marina, IMM SXM, Rockstar Marine	New IMM SXM shipyard; Bobby’s Lighthouse landmark
Antigua & Barbuda	Jolly Harbour, Antigua Slipway	Historic marine railway redevelopment underway
Guadeloupe	Marina Bas-du-Fort, Caraibes Dock Services	New rudder bushing/bow roller capability
Dominica	Dominica Marine Center	Island’s only boatyard, unchanged core services
Grenada/Carriacou	Spice Island Marine, Grenada Marine, Carriacou Marine	New leadership at Grenada Marine; Precision Sails partnership at Spice Island
Trinidad & Tobago	Peake Yacht Services	Waterfront and liveaboard amenity upgrades
Panama	Shelter Bay Marina	New Authorized Lagoon Service Center status
Guatemala	Astillero Magdalena (Don Abel’s)	Full-service yard, towing available

Hurricane season puts Bahamas and Caribbean boatyards to the test, and this year many are more capable than ever. Across the region, yards have expanded haul-out capacity, added skilled technicians, upgraded equipment, and broadened repair and refit services to accommodate today’s larger, more sophisticated sailing yachts, powerboats, and multihulls. Whether preparing for a storm or a new cruising season, boat owners will find more resources than ever. Here’s a sample of what’s new across the region: 

THE BAHAMAS

Grand Bahama. Located in Freeport Harbor, Bradford Marine Bahamas is a full-service yacht shipyard featuring a 1,200-ton floating drydock, deep-water dockage with a controlled depth of 15 feet, and a 150-ton Marine Travelift capable of hauling vessels up to 125 feet in length and 150 metric tons. “Recent upgrades include expanded security coverage with additional CCTV cameras and improved exterior lighting throughout the property, and enhanced Wi-Fi capabilities to provide stronger, more reliable connectivity across the facility,” says Meg Kroll, marketing coordinator. “Looking ahead, we are planning the development of new crew amenities and a dedicated outdoor activities area to support the captains and crew further.” Through the end of September, we are offering special summer pricing on service work for commercial vessels. www.bahamasmarinas.com/bradford-marine-bahamas. 

Knowles Marine & Yacht Services is a half-century-strong hub for local and visiting boaters with comprehensive yacht maintenance and repair, plus dockage. “Lots of silt has been removed from the inlet, which makes it easier to get in and out,” says Charlton Knowles, owner and president. [email protected] 

Nassau

At Legendary Marina Blue Water Cay, which opened a year ago, dry-storage can accommodate a wide range of vessels, with heavy-duty marine forklifts capable of lifting center-console boats to approximately 60 feet. “Looking ahead to 2027, we are planning the addition of a 300-ton travel lift, significantly expanding our capacity to haul, service and accommodate larger yachts and commercial vessels,” says Jonathan Matalon, general manager. The property is currently working to become a licensed heliport and approved facility for seaplane operations to better position the property as an easy-access destination by sea and air. legendarybluewatercay.com 

THE CARIBBEAN 

Dominican Republic.

Haul-out capabilities remain a key advantage at Maritima del Atlántico Boatyard, located at Ocean World Marina, in Puerto Plata, where there’s a 30-ton multihull travel lift for catamarans up to a 26-foot beam and 7.5-foot draft, plus a 70-ton BMF (beam forward machine) Marine Travelift for monohulls up to an 18-foot beam and 7.5-foot draft. “The boatyard’s recent expansion has increased space for vessel storage and repair projects, giving owners and captains greater flexibility,” says Natasha Simpson, customer service manager. “We’re also enhancing security with additional upgrades and a new emergency fire hydrant, building on our 24-hour security, on-site guards, extensive lighting, and comprehensive camera surveillance system.” maratlantico.com.do 

Located within the Marina Casa de Campo complex in La Romana, IBC Shipyard has welcomed a team of Italian painters who are carrying out refit work while training local staff over the next year. “To better serve megayachts, we’ve also built secure storage areas inside the shipyard where owners can leave equipment and materials they don’t use regularly during their stay on the island,” says Giacomo Moriconi, general manager. www.ibnauticagroup.com/en/ibc-shipyard 

Puerto Rico

In Fajardo, Safe Harbor Puerto Del Rey is preparing to open a newly reconstructed fuel dock with upgraded fuel storage tanks, along with a new pool and family-friendly recreation area for marina guests and boat owners. “Our boatyard continues to be supported by a strong network of specialized marine contractors, providing vessel owners access to a wide range of maintenance, repair, and refit services in one convenient location,” says José Terrassa, general manager. The marina’s comprehensive haul-out facilities include four deep-keel storage holes and hurricane tie-downs for sailboats, powerboats, and catamarans up to a 32.5-foot beam. 

In San Juan, IMM Puerto Rico returned the 600-foot dry dock to operational service for the first time in more than 20 years, after major upgrades to the pumping system and electrical infrastructure. “This achievement marks an important step in restoring large-scale drydocking capability to San Juan and strengthening the island’s role as a leading marine service destination,” says Linnea Petersson, chief marketing officer. imm-yachting.com 

British Virgin Islands

The boatyard at the Nanny Cay Resort & Marina will soon announce a new lift. In the meantime, June marked the halfway mark on construction of the property’s breakwater for the new 112-slip south marina designed to accommodate the latest generation of catamarans and megayachts. nannycay.com 

St. Martin

The Time Out Boat Yard, at the Sandy Ground Bridge, is now focused exclusively on its boatyard, rather than its marina, activity. The yard is still hosting a monthly nautical flea market in the high season.  [email protected] 

St. Maarten

A new landmark is now operational: Bobby’s Marina Lighthouse at the entrance to the Philipsburg marina. New, the yard has a 100-ton lift with a 34-foot beam, a 75-ton lift with a 20-foot beam, a crane for masts, in-house refinishing and carpentry, as well as welding and fabrication. “The mega pier will be completed within six months,” says Sam Swart, boat yard and marina operations manager. www.bobbysmarina.com

IMM SXM Shipyard, formerly Bobby’s Mega Yard, launched on January 1, 2026. “The transition marked an important step in expanding our footprint in the Caribbean, adding a 20,000-square-meter shipyard facility in Cole Bay with 150-ton and 75-ton Travelifts, capable of accommodating vessels up to 12-foot draft and 33-foot beam,” says Petersson. New 24/7 technical support and emergency response service provides owners, captains and managers with direct assistance. imm-yachting.com 

Rockstar Marine Boat Yard & Marina has continued to grow as a full-service haul-out and storage facility in Simpson Bay, with a 50-ton lift, according to Brad Taylor, owner and operations manager. The yard has expanded its technical services with dedicated yacht painting specialists, an on-site diesel technician, composite repairs, and new cutlass bearing and propeller services. By late 2026, a new outboard service department, chandlery, and DIY workshop will further enhance its one-stop haul-out experience, giving owners access to skilled trades, parts, supplies, and maintenance services all in one location. rockstarboatyard.com 

Antigua & Barbuda

There have been several big changes at Jolly Harbor Marina & Boatyard. “As the old commercial center gives way to a modern new look, we’ve taken the opportunity to invest back into our facilities to ensure you always receive the best possible experience,” says Ronald Silencieux, facilities manager. Recent improvements include new dock pedestals, added shore power along the seawall, expanded shower and restroom facilities, improved traffic safety markings, and construction of a new boatyard office that will allow the fuel dock to expand. New commercial pickup docks, catamaran-specific storage stands, and the MARINAGO customer portal will make the yard more efficient for visiting boaters. The marine services offered on-site have also grown with the arrival of CHIPPY Fine Yacht Woodwork and Nautical Marine Services as Antigua’s new Yanmar dealer. jhmarina.com 

In August, Antigua Slipway, in English Harbour, will break ground on the redevelopment of its historic marine railway, the largest investment in the yard in generations. Scheduled for completion by mid-November, the facility will be capable of hauling vessels of up to 200 feet LOA, 40 feet of beam, 15 feet of draft, and 275 gross tons, significantly expanding the ability to serve both the international yachting community and commercial marine operators throughout the region. “We have also continued to invest heavily in our people,” says Roberto Falangola, managing director. Jack Gifford joins as General Manager, bringing engineering expertise and firsthand knowledge of Antigua Slipway after designing the yard’s railway cradle. Alice Preat joins as Chandlery Manager, combining boatbuilding industry experience, multilingual skills, and a strong customer service focus. www.antiguaslipway.com 

Guadeloupe

In Pointe-à-Pitre, Marina Bas-du-Fort offers more than 1,200 berths, over 7,000-square-yard professional technical area, 35-ton travel lift, and a comprehensive network of marine trades and services. “We work closely with Caraibes Dock Services adjacent to the marina as well, who have two floating docks capable of lifting vessels to 80-foot LOA with 26-foot beam as well as a 25-ton rail slipway,” says Jean Groenewald, marine surveyor and technical manager. “Regarding larger vessels, we work closely with IMM Guadeloupe, who, along with a 700-ton floating dock with 148-foot by 55-foot capacity and extensive alongside berthing, maintains a highly skilled workforce.” www.marinaguadeloupe.com, imm-yachting.com. 

Caraibes Dock Services has added the capability of turning rudder bushings and bow rollers, according to Igor Bessin, owner and founder. There are also new shower and toilet facilities. www.docks971.com 

Dominica

The island’s only boatyard, Dominica Marine Center, offers haul-out and launch services, hull and fiberglass repairs, antifouling, painting, engine and electrical work, carpentry, rigging, and secure storage for boats up to 38 feet. Additional services include bunkering, LPG refills, yacht clearance, provisioning, laundry, taxi service, and express courier sourcing for emergency marine parts. “Boaters who want to experience what the island has to offer can engage our services for Land and Sea tours,” says Hubert Winston, managing director. www.dominicamarinecenter.com 

Grenada

In True Blue, St. George’s, Spice Island Marine offers a full range of haul-out, storage, maintenance, repair, and refit services. “In addition to our day-to-day operations, we hosted an AWLGRIP Paint Applicator Seminar in April, bringing together marine professionals from across the region for advanced training and knowledge sharing,” says Sarah Evans, client engagement manager. The company has also partnered with Precision Sails, enabling yacht owners to order custom sails directly through Spice Island Marine with the convenience of on-site measurements by trained sail specialists and delivery options throughout the Caribbean. www.spiceislandmarine.com 

There are new faces at the helm of Grenada Marine, in St. David’s. Siblings Georgia Fletcher, acting general manager, and Nathan Fletcher, project management and social media, are bringing fresh energy, ideas and direction to the boatyard. “Over the past 12 months, we have renewed our emphasis on strengthening existing services and developing the people behind them,” says Laura Fletcher, manager, who is bringing renewed activity at Laura’s, the yard’s waterfront restaurant. “Our paint and mechanical teams have been areas of focus for improving the quality and range of available work.” grenadamarine.com 

In Carriacou, there are two boatyards, and Carriacou Marine is open for business. “We are thankful that we have put most of the challenges from Hurricane Beryl, in X, behind us,” says Sandra Martin, manager. “The yard may be small, but our attention to detail has customers returning.” carriacoumarine.com 

Trinidad & Tobago

Over the past year, “we have upgraded our facilities and enabled initiatives that will increase the ease of doing business and the level of comfort,” says Chris Peake, director at Peake Yacht Services, in Chaguaramas. Upgrades to the waterfront area include fresh landscaping, awnings, and a new grill. Another set of air-conditioned/ventilated bathrooms was added in a separate location of the yard to accommodate liveaboards, and there is an expanded tie-down network to ensure anyone who asks can be facilitated. peakeyachts.com 

Colombia

In Cartagena, Manzanillo Marina Club is cruiser-friendly, managed by a second generation of boaters, has bilingual staff, secure docks with water, 110/220V power, and clean bathrooms. “We are a full-service boatyard featuring a 40-ton travel lift,” says Maurice Lemaitre. The yard is best known for major project services such as complete rigging, custom carpentry, stainless steel fabrication, and Awlgrip painting. www.manzanillomarinaclub.com 

Panama

Conveniently located at the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal, Shelter Bay Marina offers a full range of marine services, a fully equipped boatyard with a 100-ton Travelift accommodating vessels with beams up to 28 feet, a sail loft, a chandlery, and skilled marine technicians. “We are proud to announce that we are now an Authorized Lagoon Service Center, reinforcing our commitment to providing world-class technical support for the cruising and yachting community,” says Mahelet Berrocal, marketing assistant. shelterbaymarina.com 

Guatemala

In Rio Dulce, Astillero Magdalena Marina, better known as Don Abel’s, offers extensive facilities to work with yachts, sailboats, and catamarans. “We have a team that is specialized in many yacht services such as sanding, painting, caulking, antifouling, and a machine shop,” says Abel Estuardo, administrative manager. There is also a towing service available. [email protected]

Have a Favorite Boatyard that needs a call out? Let’s hear it in the comments below…

Carol Bareuther has written for ALL AT SEA since 2004.