Deshaies Bay
Anse de Deshaies · Deshaies anchorage · Deshaies harbour
16°18.42'N 61°47.76'W
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for excellent holding on sand in 5–15m. Deshaies offers better protection than most Basse-Terre west coast anchorages due to the deeply indented bay shape. The 70m radius is appropriate in normal conditions — reduce to 55m in very settled weather.
About This Anchorage
Deshaies is widely considered the most beautiful and best-sheltered anchorage on the Basse-Terre west coast — a deeply indented bay flanked by forested headlands and backed by the imposing mountains of the Parc National. The village of Deshaies is charming: a waterfront lined with colourful fishing boats, several excellent restaurants (including the famous Karacoli restaurant with its overwater terrace), a well-stocked small supermarket, and a warm welcome from the local fishing community. The Jardins de Deshaies botanical garden (2km from the village) is one of the finest in the Caribbean — 2.5 hectares of tropical plants including the famous pink flamingos. Deshaies has been the setting for the French TV detective series 'Death in Paradise' (filmed as the fictional 'Saint-Marie' island) since 2011 — recognisable to millions of French and British viewers. The bay is excellent for overnight stays and is a natural stopping point for vessels transiting between Guadeloupe and the northern islands (Antigua, St. Kitts).
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchorage; small marina berths available at village quay — contact capitainerie
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral or seagrass. Respect the swim zone near the village beach. Speed limit near the village quay 3 knots. Fishing boat traffic priority.
Hazards
- !NW swell in heavy weather — open to the west and northwest; anchorage becomes uncomfortable in northerly Atlantic swell; monitor swell forecasts
- !Shoaling toward the village beach — stay in the main bay in the deeper water; do not anchor too close to the beach
- !Fishing boat traffic — active fishing port; respect early morning boat movements and gear
- !Peak season (December–February) — anchorage fills with cruising yachts; arrive by 14:00 to secure a good berth
Skipper's Tips
- →Karacoli restaurant (on the beach, north end of the bay) is one of Guadeloupe's finest — the overwater terrace at sunset is extraordinary; book 24 hours in advance
- →The Jardins de Deshaies botanical garden (2km by road) is a half-day visit — magnificent tropical plants and resident pink flamingos
- →Fresh fish is sold from the fishing quay early in the morning — the local catch typically includes wahoo, mahi-mahi, and tuna in season
- →Deshaies is the departure point for passages to Antigua (45nm north) — monitor the ITCZ and Atlantic weather systems before departing
- →Death in Paradise fans will recognise many locations in the village — the harbour bar is used as the main production location
Facilities
Karacoli restaurant (excellent, booking recommended), several local restaurants on the waterfront. Supermarket in the village. Fresh fish available from the fishing quay in mornings. Water available at the village quay. Fuel by jerry can from the petrol station (1km).
Nearest provisions: Deshaies village (supermarket, market stalls) (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. Best-sheltered bay on the Basse-Terre west coast — the natural choice for an overnight stop when northbound or southbound on Guadeloupe's west coast.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
On the Basse-Terre coast, the Cousteau Reserve and volcanic rock hazards make anchor drag particularly serious. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS continuously so you can explore La Soufrière ashore with total confidence.
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