Le Robert Atlantic Anchorage
Le Robert · Baie de Robert · Robert mangrove islands
14°40.8'N 60°55.4'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
50m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
50m
50m for excellent holding on sand/mud in 2–5m. The mangrove island complex provides near-total protection — some of the calmest water in Martinique even in strong trade conditions. Reduce to 40m in very settled conditions. Watch depths near mangrove edges.
About This Anchorage
Le Robert Bay on Martinique's Atlantic (east) coast is a completely different world from the west Caribbean anchorages — a complex of small mangrove islands (îlets) set in calm, shallow water protected by the Martinique mainland and reef system from Atlantic swells. The inner bay between the îlets offers extraordinary calm — even when 25kt trade winds are blowing outside, the water between the mangrove islands is nearly flat. This is a very local anchorage: primarily used by Martiniquais leisure sailors, local fishermen, and the occasional adventurous cruiser. The îlets themselves are uninhabited and fringed with mangroves; the surrounding water is clear and suitable for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Le Robert town on the shore has reasonable provisioning and is one of the larger towns on the Atlantic coast. The Atlantic east coast of Martinique is rarely visited by cruisers who typically stay on the Caribbean west coast — those who make the effort find a quieter, more authentic Martinique.
Protected From
N · NE · NW · E · S · SE · SW · W
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand/mud
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on seagrass — seagrass present throughout the bay; anchor only in sandy/mud channels between islands; no motorized access near mangrove roots; no discharge of waste; DAPN regulations apply.
Hazards
- !Extensive seagrass throughout bay — anchor only in charted sand/mud channels; aerial inspection highly recommended
- !Shallow areas near mangroves — depths shoal quickly near the mangrove edges; stay in channels
- !Access from the Atlantic coast requires navigating reef passages — confirm entry waypoints from SHOM chart
- !Very local atmosphere — few services and limited English spoken; basic French helpful
Skipper's Tips
- →One of the most protected anchorages in all of Martinique — the mangrove island complex is remarkable engineering by nature
- →Approach from the Atlantic coast entry channel — confirm current waypoints with SHOM chart or local knowledge
- →Bring a paddleboard or kayak — the calm water between the islands is perfect for exploring the mangrove channels
- →Le Robert town (1nm) has a good supermarket — stock up if provisioning before a Caribbean coast passage
- →This is where Martiniquais sailors come for weekend barbecues on the islands — completely different atmosphere from charter boat Martinique
Facilities
Le Robert town (1nm) has restaurants and provisions. Good supermarket in Le Robert for provisioning. Very local — not a tourist facility hub.
Nearest provisions: Le Robert town (1nm) (1nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. The Atlantic coast approach can be challenging in strong trade conditions — time approach for morning calms. Extraordinary destination for those seeking authentic, uncrowded Martinique.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 50m
In north Martinique, anchor drag toward wreck debris, coral, or into an exposed position on the wild north coast carries serious risk. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can sleep soundly while the volcano watches over the bay.
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