Anse du Céron

About This Anchorage

Anse du Céron is widely considered one of the most beautiful wild bays in all of Martinique — a dramatic crescent of black volcanic sand backed by towering rainforest, with no development visible from the anchorage except the historic Domaine de Céron plantation estate on the hillside above. The plantation, dating from the 17th century, has been restored and is open for visits — it grows cocoa, coffee, and spices in a lush rainforest setting that gives an extraordinary sense of historical Martinique. The bay itself is exposed to the northwest but in settled NE trade conditions with no northerly swell, it offers a beautiful anchorage with clear water and excellent snorkelling around the black rock formations at the bay edges. This is the north coast at its most dramatic — Mount Pelée visible to the southeast, dense forest to the landward side, and the Atlantic horizon to the north.

Hazards

• !NW and W exposure — northerly groundswells make this bay dangerous; settled forecast essential
• !Fair holding — rock under sand veneer in places; dive to verify before leaving vessel
• !Remote — no rescue services nearby; VHF/SSB watch essential
• !Surf on the black sand beach can be significant — assess dinghy landing conditions before committing

Skipper's Tips

• →Visit the Domaine de Céron plantation — one of the last working colonial estate plantations in Martinique; excellent guided tours of cocoa, coffee, and spice production
• →The black sand beach is extraordinary — volcanic geology up close; the water is remarkably clear despite the sand colour
• →Snorkelling around the black rock formations at bay edges rewards patience — octopus, eels, and unusual volcanic reef species
• →Arrive by 0900 when morning conditions are calmest — depart by 1400 before afternoon trades build the W swell
• →Combine with Le Prêcheur (3nm south) for a north coast day circuit from Saint-Pierre

Nearby Anchorages