Goyave Anchorage
Anse de Goyave · Petit Bourg anchorage · Rivière de Goyave approach
16°08.16'N 61°34.08'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m alarm radius for fair holding on sand/mud in 3–8m. NE trade exposure and fair holding warrant a larger alarm radius. Perform engine test after setting — holding can be unreliable near river silt. Best used as a short-duration stop.
About This Anchorage
Goyave ('guava') is a commune on the eastern coast of Basse-Terre facing the Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin lagoon — the inner waterway between the two halves of Guadeloupe's butterfly-shaped territory. The anchorage here is more of a coastal staging stop than a destination in its own right — useful for vessels timing the Rivière Salée transit (4nm north) or seeking a break in the passage between Marina Bas-du-Fort and the Basse-Terre west coast via the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin. The Goyave area is known for its fruit plantations — the commune produces mangoes, guavas, pineapples, and cocoa for the Guadeloupean and export market. The Maison du Cacao (cacao museum) in the area is worth a visit if time allows. The anchorage is exposed to the NE trades and best used only in settled conditions.
Protected From
W · SW · S · SE
Exposed To
N · NE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchorage
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral, seagrass, or in the river mouth. Keep clear of the Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin reserve channels. Respect fishing vessel traffic.
Hazards
- !Fair holding in river silt — set anchor firmly with engine test; monitor carefully overnight
- !NE trade wind exposure — anchorage faces east; uncomfortable in strong trade conditions
- !River mouth shallow sections — anchor clear of the estuary mouth; silt and debris
- !Limited facilities — self-sufficient only; not suitable as a long-stay anchorage
Skipper's Tips
- →Use Goyave as a short staging stop for vessels timing the Rivière Salée transit — the entrance to the channel is 4nm north
- →The Maison du Cacao is worth a visit if the anchorage conditions allow a dinghy landing and walk
- →Early departure from here allows arrival at Deshaies (north coast of Basse-Terre, via Rivière Salée or rounding) in comfortable afternoon conditions
- →The anchorage is rarely used — self-sufficiency and an anchor watch are recommended
- →Fresh tropical fruit (mangoes, guavas, pineapples) may be available from roadside stalls near the village
Facilities
No facilities at the anchorage. Small village provisions in Goyave. Better facilities at Marina Bas-du-Fort (9nm north by sea) or Basse-Terre town (around the southern tip).
Nearest provisions: Goyave village (limited) / Marina Bas-du-Fort (9nm north) (9nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April. Staging anchorage only — not a destination. Use only in settled conditions with reliable anchor set.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
On the Basse-Terre coast, the Cousteau Reserve and volcanic rock hazards make anchor drag particularly serious. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS continuously so you can explore La Soufrière ashore with total confidence.
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