Saint-Louis Bay, Marie-Galante
Baie de Saint-Louis · Saint-Louis anchorage Marie-Galante
15°56.76'N 61°17.94'W
Depth
4–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for good holding on sand in 4–8m. Better trade wind protection than the east coast anchorages. SW and west exposure — monitor in weather systems. Set anchor firmly.
About This Anchorage
Saint-Louis is the second-largest town on Marie-Galante — a quiet, traditional community on the island's northern coast with a strong fishing heritage and a relaxed authenticity that makes it one of the most pleasant stops on a Marie-Galante circuit. The anchorage north of the village provides reasonable shelter from the NE trades and is one of the most comfortable overnight stops on the island. The Bielle rum distillery (2km from Saint-Louis) is often cited as producing the finest agricole rum in the French Caribbean — the estate also has a historic sugar mill and is set in beautiful tropical gardens. The village waterfront has several good Creole restaurants and a small but well-stocked market. The beach at Anse de Vieux Fort (east of the village) has excellent snorkelling on the fringing coral reef.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchorage
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral or seagrass. Respect ferry and fishing boat approach lanes. Standard French DOM regulations apply.
Hazards
- !SW swell exposure — open to south and west; monitor weather systems
- !Ferry and fishing boat traffic — Saint-Louis has an active fishing port and ferry connection
- !No fuel or water — carry sufficient from Grand-Bourg or Pointe-à-Pitre
- !Shoaling near the ferry quay — anchor in the open bay area away from the quay
Skipper's Tips
- →The Bielle rum distillery (2km from the village, taxi available) is widely considered the finest in the French Caribbean — the pure cane juice agricole process produces an exceptional product
- →Saint-Louis is one of the most genuinely 'undiscovered' anchorages in the French Antilles — the village has an authentic local life completely undiluted by tourism
- →The beach at Anse de Vieux Fort (east of the village, 15-minute walk) has beautiful snorkelling on a healthy fringing reef
- →The village market is small but the local farmers bring extraordinary produce — breadfruit, dasheen, and freshly picked tropical fruits
- →Passage from Saint-Louis to Les Saintes is one of the finest sails in the French Antilles — a broad reach of 22nm in trade winds with Basse-Terre's mountains on the horizon
Facilities
Good Creole restaurants in Saint-Louis. Small market in the village. Bielle rum distillery (2km, excellent tours and tasting). No fuel or water at anchorage — carry from Grand-Bourg.
Nearest provisions: Saint-Louis village (market, provisions) (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. One of the most comfortable overnight anchorages on Marie-Galante. Quieter than Grand-Bourg and more sheltered than the east coast.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
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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