Malendure Bay
Anse de Malendure · Plage de Malendure anchorage
16°08.40'N 61°46.44'W
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for good holding on sand in 5–12m. Anchoring permitted here (outside the Cousteau Reserve boundary). Confirm you are south of the reserve boundary before dropping anchor. NW swell can enter — set a reliable alarm radius.
About This Anchorage
Malendure beach is the operational base for all dive activities in the Cousteau Reserve — a black-sand beach lined with dive shops, rental centres, and seafood restaurants, set against the extraordinary emerald backdrop of Basse-Terre's rainforest mountains. The anchorage south of the reserve boundary allows vessels to anchor on sand while being within dinghy distance of the reserve's mooring buoys and the beach facilities. Several of Guadeloupe's best dive operators are based here: Nautilus Club, Les Heures Saines, and others offer guided dives, certification courses, and equipment rental. The anchorage is comfortable in settled NE trades but the northwestern exposure means swell can enter in northerly weather systems. The black volcanic sand of the beach is a visual reminder of Basse-Terre's volcanic nature — La Soufrière looms dramatically above in clear weather.
Protected From
E · SE · S · SW
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring outside reserve boundary; mooring buoys inside reserve €10–20/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Anchoring on sand permitted OUTSIDE the Cousteau Reserve boundary only — confirm position before anchoring. Inside the reserve (north of boundary, toward Pigeon Island): mooring buoys only, no exceptions. Speed limit near beach 3 knots.
Hazards
- !Reserve boundary — anchor ONLY south of the reserve boundary; dropping anchor inside the reserve carries significant fines
- !NW swell — northern and western exposure; anchorage can become uncomfortable in northerly conditions
- !Dive boat traffic throughout the day — numerous boats transiting between beach and reserve; maintain clear passage
- !Black sand beach — shallow entry requires careful dinghy approach; rocky bottom near the shore
Skipper's Tips
- →Contact Nautilus Club or Les Heures Saines at Malendure (VHF 16 or by dinghy) to arrange a mooring buoy inside the reserve for snorkelling or overnight
- →The dive boats typically depart from Malendure at 08:30 and 10:30 — plan your dinghy ashore around these busy periods
- →Fresh grilled langouste (Caribbean lobster) at the Malendure beach restaurants is exceptional — order in advance as it sells out
- →The beach at Malendure is volcanic black sand — hot in afternoon sun; wear water shoes for the shore approach by dinghy
- →La Soufrière is visible from the anchorage on clear days — a spectacular backdrop to morning coffee
Facilities
Multiple dive operators and restaurants at Malendure beach — excellent fresh seafood. Dive equipment rental and guided dives available. No fuel or water from the anchorage — use Basse-Terre marina (9nm south).
Nearest provisions: Bouillante town (2km north) / Basse-Terre marina (9nm south) (1nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. Comfortable in settled trade wind conditions. NW swell risk in heavy weather periods — monitor Météo-France marine forecasts.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
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.
Download Free for iOS