Grande Anse d'Arlet
Grand Anse d'Arlet · Arlet anchorage
14°29.5'N 61°05.2'W
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding on sand in 4–10m. Reef extends from the southern headland — do not anchor in the southern third of the bay. In west or SW swell (associated with weather systems), the anchorage becomes rolly — Grande Anse d'Arlet Outer is less protected in these conditions.
About This Anchorage
Grande Anse d'Arlet is one of the most visually stunning anchorages in all of Martinique — a large, sweeping bay dominated by a brightly painted white church built directly at the waterline on a small pier, creating an iconic scene that epitomizes the beauty of the French Caribbean. The village itself is charming and authentically Martiniquais, with colourful creole houses, local restaurants serving fresh grilled fish and accras, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. The bay is famous for its resident sea turtles — large green turtles and hawksbill turtles gather around the pier and can be observed during a simple snorkel. The sand bottom provides reliable holding and the anchorage is well-sheltered from the NE trades. A coral reef extends from the southern headland and must be avoided — anchor only in the sandy northern portion of the bay. Petite Anse d'Arlet lies just 0.5nm to the north over the headland.
Protected From
N · NE · E · NW
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral reef in southern bay; sea turtle habitat — no feeding, no chasing turtles; swim zone around the pier — slow dinghy speed near swimmers; DAPN regulations apply.
Hazards
- !Coral reef extending from southern headland — anchor only in northern sandy portion; visible on chart and from surface
- !Sea turtle habitat — mandatory slow speed near pier; no feeding or chasing turtles (French law — fines apply)
- !Swimmers around the pier throughout the day — maintain slow speed in dinghy; watch for snorkellers
- !West/SW swell in weather systems can make the anchorage uncomfortable — monitor forecasts and be prepared to move
Skipper's Tips
- →The resident sea turtles at the pier are extraordinary — snorkel gear is essential; turtles are habituated to swimmers but maintain respectful distance per French wildlife law
- →The church pier photograph at sunrise with misty mountains behind is one of the most iconic images in the Caribbean — worth setting an early alarm
- →Restaurant Ti Sable on the beach serves the best grilled fish in the village — reserve a table in peak season
- →The 1nm headland sail south to Petite Anse d'Arlet offers excellent views of the coastline and Mount Tabac
- →Strong NE trades make the northern approach comfortable — tack in under the island's wind shadow if winds are above 20kt
Facilities
Several local restaurants on the beachfront serving creole cuisine — grilled fish, lobster, accras de morue. Village shops for basic provisions. No fuel or water from boats.
Nearest provisions: Grande Anse d'Arlet village shops (0.1nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. The anchorage is beautiful year-round but the turtle population is most visible December–April. Hurricane season June–November.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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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