Petite Anse d'Arlet

About This Anchorage

Petite Anse d'Arlet is an intimate and charming cove on Martinique's southwestern coast — the smaller, quieter sibling of the famous Grande Anse d'Arlet just 0.5nm to the south. The bay is cupped between two rocky headlands covered in tropical scrub, with a small sand beach and the village of Petite Anse d'Arlet nestled behind it. The village is even less touristy than Grande Anse and retains an authentically local character — colourful fishing pirogues hauled up on the beach, elderly Martiniquais playing dominoes in the shade, and a single restaurant with plastic chairs and excellent creole cooking. The anchorage holds fewer boats than its neighbour and offers a more peaceful overnight experience. Coral patches on both headlands must be carefully avoided — anchor only in the sandy centre. Snorkelling off the headlands is rewarding, with similar turtle encounters to those at Grande Anse d'Arlet.

Hazards

• !Coral patches on both headlands — anchor only in sandy centre; approach from N or NE
• !Small bay with limited swinging room — position carefully in relation to other vessels
• !SW/W swell in weather systems makes the anchorage uncomfortable — same exposure as Grande Anse d'Arlet
• !Very limited facilities — carry sufficient provisions before anchoring here

Skipper's Tips

• →Petite Anse d'Arlet is the quiet alternative to crowded Grande Anse d'Arlet — use it when you want the same scenery without the peak season crowds
• →The village restaurant has no menu — the cook tells you what is available; expect fresh fish and creole specialities at very reasonable prices
• →Dinghy south 0.5nm to Grande Anse d'Arlet for the turtle snorkelling experience — the resident turtles gather near the church pier
• →Sunset views from this anchorage looking west over the Caribbean sea are exceptional — one of the most beautiful sunsets on Martinique's west coast
• →Approach from the north to keep clear of the reef extending from the southern headland

Nearby Anchorages