Pain de Sucre Bay, Les Saintes
Anse du Pain de Sucre · Sugarloaf Bay Les Saintes · Anse du Fond Curé
15°51.84'N 61°35.76'W
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for excellent holding on sand in 5–12m. The most photographed anchorage in the French Antilles — outstanding holding and shelter from the NE trades. Reduce to 50m in calm settled conditions. SW exposure is limited by the Sugarloaf headland.
About This Anchorage
Pain de Sucre Bay at Les Saintes is one of the most celebrated anchorages in the entire Caribbean — frequently named the most beautiful bay in the French Antilles and competing with Bequia and Tobago Cays for the title of most beautiful in all the Caribbean. The Pain de Sucre (Sugarloaf) is a dramatic 160m volcanic rock pinnacle that rises sheer from the sea, framing the inner bay with an unmistakable silhouette visible from miles offshore. The water is crystalline turquoise over white sand, the snorkelling around the Sugarloaf base is world-class, and the setting — volcanic mountains of Terre-de-Haut rising behind the anchorage — is simply extraordinary. This is the anchor drop that sailors cross the Atlantic to experience. The holding is excellent in thick clean sand, the protection from the NE trades is good, and the bay is just close enough to the Bourg des Saintes village (1.5nm east) to dinghy in for excellent Creole food and local rum. A must-stop on any Caribbean itinerary.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · NW
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring on sand; mooring buoys may be available — use preferentially
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral or seagrass — anchor only on the sandy flat in the inner bay. Respect swim zone near the beach at the head of the bay. Speed limit 3 knots in the bay. No excessive noise — Les Saintes is a quiet island.
Hazards
- !Peak season crowding (December–March) — the bay fills with anchored yachts; arrive early to secure a sandy spot
- !SW swell — open to the south and west; occasionally uncomfortable when distant weather systems generate southerly swell
- !Coral heads on the bay approaches — enter from the north and use chart carefully
- !Dinghy landing at the beach is through light surf — approach carefully in any swell
- !Snorkellers in the water — numerous swimmers around the Sugarloaf; maintain slow speed
Skipper's Tips
- →Pain de Sucre is best experienced at dawn before other boats arrive — the early morning light on the Sugarloaf pinnacle is extraordinary
- →Snorkelling around the base of the Pain de Sucre reveals caves, sea fans, and abundant tropical fish — the best snorkelling in Les Saintes
- →Dinghy to Bourg des Saintes (1.5nm east) for the famous Les Saintes tourment d'amour pastry — a sponge cake filled with coconut cream unique to the island
- →The hike to the top of Chameau hill (309m, highest point of Terre-de-Haut) gives a spectacular view over the entire anchorage and surrounding islands
- →Les Saintes cats (small electric vehicles) are the only motorised transport on the island — rent one from the village for a tour of the island's top viewpoints
Facilities
No facilities at Pain de Sucre Bay itself. All facilities (restaurants, water, provisions) at Bourg des Saintes (Terre-de-Haut village) 1.5nm east by dinghy or short sail.
Nearest provisions: Bourg des Saintes village (1.5nm east) (1.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. The anchorage fills quickly in peak season — December and January are the most beautiful months with the clearest trade wind skies. Hurricane season June–November.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
In the extraordinary waters of Les Saintes and Marie-Galante, anchor drag toward coral reef is both ecologically damaging and legally serious. Safety Anchor Alarm keeps you safe while you enjoy the tourment d'amour ashore.
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