Capesterre-Belle-Eau Bay

About This Anchorage

Capesterre-Belle-Eau is a significant town on the southern coast of Basse-Terre — a cultural and historical centre known for the Avenue des Allées Dumanoir (a magnificent avenue of Royal Palms planted in 1830, one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean), the nearby Chutes du Carbet waterfalls (the highest in the Caribbean at 115m, 40m, and 20m), and its position at the foot of La Soufrière's southern slopes in the national park. The anchorage here is on the exposed southeastern side of Basse-Terre and is primarily useful as a day stop for vessels exploring the south coast or as access to the Chutes du Carbet excursion. The town has good provisioning. The Parc National de la Guadeloupe visitor centre for Carbet Falls access is a short drive from the waterfront. The Avenue Dumanoir, planted by the Dumanoir family in the colonial era, is one of the great natural spectacles of the French Caribbean.

Hazards

• !NE trade wind exposure — anchorage faces into the trades; uncomfortable in stronger trade conditions; best suited to light trade periods
• !No natural shelter — open roadstead in trade conditions; best used as a day stop
• !Swell buildup in the afternoon as trades strengthen — plan to depart by early afternoon
• !Limited boat services — fuel and water require a passage to Basse-Terre marina

Skipper's Tips

• →The Chutes du Carbet waterfalls (highest in the Caribbean) are accessible by a 30-minute drive from Capesterre — hire a taxi or car for a half-day excursion
• →The Avenue des Allées Dumanoir is a short walk from the waterfront — 400m of Royal Palms is genuinely spectacular
• →Best visited on the southbound passage from Pointe-à-Pitre to Les Saintes — an excellent lunch stop before the final passage south
• →The town market has excellent fresh produce including the famous Guadeloupean breadfruit (fruit à pain)
• →La Soufrière is closest here — in clear weather the summit is visible directly above the town

Nearby Anchorages