Saint-François Bay
Baie de Saint-François · Saint-François Marina approach
16°15.18'N 61°16.74'W
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for good holding on sand in 3–6m. Bay is relatively shallow toward the shore — check depth sounder when setting anchor in inner areas. Southeastern exposure means swell can enter in trades — a 70m alarm radius is appropriate in normal conditions.
About This Anchorage
Saint-François is the easternmost resort town on Grande-Terre's south coast — a laid-back seaside community popular for its casino, golf course (Golf International de Saint-François), and proximity to La Désirade island (7nm east). The bay provides a reasonable overnight anchorage in settled conditions, with the small marina accessible to shallow-draught vessels. The town has a good market (Tuesday and Friday mornings), a Carrefour supermarket, and several excellent Creole restaurants along the waterfront. Saint-François is the primary departure point for day trips to La Désirade and a natural waypoint for vessels arriving from or heading to the eastern Caribbean. The anchorage is comfortable in NE trades but the southerly exposure means swell can develop in weather systems. The lagoon system east of Saint-François (Ferré Lagoon) is a kitesurfing and windsurfing hotspot — expect water-sports traffic in the afternoons.
Protected From
N · NW · W
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchorage outside marina; marina berths on request at capitainerie VHF 9
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral or seagrass. Avoid the kitesurfing zones east of the village. Marina approach channel is shallow — draught over 1.5m should anchor outside and dinghy in.
Hazards
- !Shallow marina approach — keelboats over 1.5m draught should anchor outside and dinghy to the public quay
- !Kitesurfers and windsurfers operate in the eastern lagoon area — particularly active in the afternoons with strong NE trades
- !Southerly swell can develop in weather systems — the bay offers limited protection in these conditions
- !Coral and seagrass patches throughout the approach — visual pilotage required in clear conditions
Skipper's Tips
- →Saint-François market (Tuesday and Friday mornings) is an excellent provisioning stop before heading to La Désirade or offshore
- →La Désirade island ferry departs from the Saint-François public quay — a half-day excursion on an extraordinary remote island
- →The Golf International de Saint-François is one of the finest courses in the Caribbean — non-golfers should still enjoy the view from the anchorage
- →The Carrefour supermarket is 10 minutes' walk from the public quay — well-stocked with French goods and Caribbean produce
- →Evening anchorage here is peaceful and the sunsets over the Grande-Terre hills are spectacular in settled conditions
Facilities
Several Creole restaurants on the waterfront. Carrefour supermarket in town. Market Tuesday and Friday mornings. Limited fuel available at the marina — contact capitainerie. Water available at marina pontoon if berthed.
Nearest provisions: Saint-François town (Carrefour, market) (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. Easternmost anchorage on Grande-Terre's south coast — ideal staging point for La Désirade or the eastern Caribbean. Avoid in unsettled southerly conditions.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In Guadeloupe waters, anchor drag toward coral reef carries legal penalties and environmental damage. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can explore ashore with confidence.
Download Free for iOS