Cul-de-Sac du Marin Inner
Inner Marin Bay · Marin inner anchorage
14°28.4'N 60°53.2'W
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
55m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m
55m for good holding on mud/sand in 2–4m. This is one of the best-protected anchorages in Martinique — almost no wind penetrates to the head of the bay. Reduce alarm to 40m in calm conditions. Watch depths carefully near head of bay.
About This Anchorage
The inner reaches of Cul-de-Sac du Marin, away from the main marina complex, provide some of the most completely protected anchorage in all of Martinique. Surrounded by mangroves and low hills, the head of the bay is sheltered from virtually all wind directions — the NE trades barely penetrate to the inner anchorage, and even serious squalls are dampened by the surrounding topography. The bottom is predominantly mud and sand, providing reliable holding. The setting is more mangrove and less glamorous than Sainte-Anne, but for boats seeking genuine storm protection or a quiet base for refit work, the inner bay is ideal. Access to Le Marin town facilities is easy by dinghy — the main marina complex is under a mile away. This is where many liveaboards and long-stay cruisers keep their boats during the French school holiday rush when the main anchorages become overwhelmed.
Protected From
N · NE · NW · E · S · SE · SW · W
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on seagrass — anchor only in mud/sand channels; no discharge of waste; speed limit in bay 5 knots throughout Cul-de-Sac du Marin.
Hazards
- !Shallow near head of bay — check depths carefully with SHOM chart 4651; some areas dry at low water springs
- !Seagrass patches throughout inner bay — anchor only in charted sand/mud channels; aerial inspection helpful
- !Mosquitoes near mangroves can be severe after sunset — screens and repellent essential
- !Limited searoom for swinging — ensure adequate room before setting anchor
Skipper's Tips
- →Best hurricane hole in the south of Martinique — many boats store here through June–November with lines ashore to mangroves
- →Dinghy to Le Marin marina for all provisions — the inner bay is a quiet base, not a facilities hub
- →Good for extended work on the boat — quiet nights, excellent protection, and marina facilities close by
- →Use SHOM chart 4651 at large scale — the inner bay channels are narrow and shoaling near the head
- →Anchoring here frees up marina berths during peak season — more economical for longer stays
Facilities
No facilities at inner anchorage. Le Marin marina (1nm) has full facilities — dinghy there for fuel, water, provisions, restaurants.
Nearest provisions: Le Marin marina (1nm by dinghy) (1nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Year-round suitable as a hurricane hole (tie to mangroves with multiple lines). December–May for comfortable sailing. The inner bay is the best storm shelter in southern Martinique.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m
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