Anse Mitan
Trois-Îlets anchorage · Anse Mitan anchorage
14°32.7'N 61°03.2'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding on sand in 3–8m. The anchorage is busy — set anchor firmly with engine test before leaving boat unattended. Ferry traffic operates frequently; maintain clear channel. In afternoon squalls from the SW, boats can swing unexpectedly — a 75m radius provides adequate safety margin.
About This Anchorage
Anse Mitan on the Trois-Îlets peninsula is the most popular and accessible anchorage in all of Fort-de-France Bay — a classic Caribbean anchorage with a long sand beach backed by coconut palms, beachside restaurants, and a lively sailing community. The anchorage sits directly across the bay from Fort-de-France city, with a regular ferry service (vedette) making provisioning runs to the capital straightforward. The Trois-Îlets village behind the beach has excellent local restaurants, boulangeries, and small shops. Point du Bout marina lies just around the eastern headland, offering fuel, water, and chandlery. The bay is well-sheltered from the prevailing NE trades and the sand bottom provides reliable holding. Charter fleets from Point du Bout use this bay as their primary base — expect active boat traffic throughout the day. The beach itself is pleasant and walkable, lined with creole-style restaurants serving traditional Martiniquais cuisine.
Protected From
N · NE · NW · E
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand; mooring buoys available — contact local marina
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral or seagrass — DAPN regulations strictly enforced; clear ferry approach channel; anchoring prohibited within 50m of ferry pontoon; no wake in anchorage.
Hazards
- !Ferry traffic — vedettes run frequently between Anse Mitan pontoon and Fort-de-France; maintain clear channel at all times
- !Crowding in peak season — anchorage fills by early afternoon December–April; arrive before 11:00 for best position
- !Afternoon squalls from the SW generate short steep chop — anchor drag risk increases; re-check holding after squalls
- !Charter boat traffic from Point du Bout marina — high volume of vessels maneuvering throughout the day
- !Shoal patches near the beach — approach from the N or NE; do not cut corners around the headlands
Skipper's Tips
- →The ferry (vedette) to Fort-de-France leaves from the main pontoon every 20–30 minutes — a convenient way to visit the capital for provisioning at Carrefour Market
- →Arrive before 10:00 in peak season to secure a good sand patch — mooring buoys disappear quickly in January–March
- →Point du Bout marina (0.5nm east around the headland) has diesel, water, and a chandlery — dinghy there for supplies if needed
- →The Village de la Poterie in Trois-Îlets village (1km behind the beach) has excellent artisan shops and a good boulangerie for morning bread
- →Evening squalls develop most frequently between March and May — set a generous anchor alarm and check holding before dinner ashore
Facilities
Several beachside restaurants at Anse Mitan — creole cuisine, fresh fish, grilled lobster. Point du Bout marina (0.5nm east) has fuel dock, water, chandlery, and additional restaurants. Ferry to Fort-de-France for full city provisioning.
Nearest provisions: Trois-Îlets village shops and Fort-de-France (3nm N by ferry) (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May (dry season, steady NE trades). Hurricane season June–November — Martinique should be exited by end of May or vessel moved to hurricane hole. Peak charter traffic January–March; February is busiest month.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
In Martinique waters, dragging toward coral or into a ferry channel carries serious risk — environmental fines and vessel damage. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can enjoy the French Caribbean with confidence.
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