Grand Anse d'Arlet Outer

About This Anchorage

Grand Anse d'Arlet Outer is the overflow anchorage for the popular Grande Anse d'Arlet bay — positioned slightly further west and in deeper water, it provides additional capacity when the main inner anchorage is full during peak season. While it lacks the inner bay's close relationship with the iconic church pier and village, it offers a perfectly serviceable overnight position with good sand holding and a direct view of the spectacular bay. The anchorage is more exposed than the inner bay — open to the south, west, and northwest — making it less comfortable in weather system conditions. Larger vessels that cannot anchor in the shallower inner bay will find adequate depth here. The village restaurants and turtle snorkelling at the pier are accessible by dinghy from this position. A practical choice when the inner bay is full rather than a first choice destination.

Hazards

• !More exposed than inner bay — W and SW swells from weather systems create uncomfortable conditions; be prepared to move
• !Deeper water requires longer anchor scope — use appropriate chain length for depth
• !Night watch recommended in this more exposed position — monitor conditions closely

Skipper's Tips

• →Use Grand Anse d'Arlet Outer only if the inner bay is full — it is an overflow anchorage rather than a first choice destination
• →Dinghy in to the village pier for the turtle snorkelling experience — the outer anchorage is 0.3nm from the church
• →Keep a weather watch — any development of W or SW conditions should trigger a move to the inner bay or north to Anse Mitan
• →The deeper water here suits larger vessels (over 15m) that cannot anchor in the shallower inner bay

Nearby Anchorages