Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin
Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin lagoon · Ilets Pigeon approach
16°16.92'N 61°37.80'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
55m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m
55m for good holding on sand and mud in 2–5m. Lagoon anchorage — well-sheltered but complex navigation. Anchor ONLY in designated sandy areas outside seagrass and coral zones. Required: current SHOM chart 4699.
About This Anchorage
The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin is Guadeloupe's largest lagoon — a vast protected bay spanning the northern area between Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, enclosed by coral reefs and mangrove forests. It is one of the most ecologically important marine reserves in the French Antilles and the last refuge of the West Indian manatee (lamantin) in Guadeloupe. The lagoon is navigable by shallow-draught vessels (under 1.5m) with up-to-date charts and careful pilotage — entry through the designated reef passes only. Inside, the turquoise water, coral heads, and extraordinary mangrove ecosystem make this a highlight of any Guadeloupe cruise. The reserve is strictly managed — anchoring only in sand, no fishing, no motors in the mangrove channels, and no disturbance of wildlife. Sea turtles are frequently observed here. Entry from the north via the Passe du Grand Cul-de-Sac or from the south through the Rivière Salée.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · W
Exposed To
NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- National Park buoys only — free anchoring is prohibited in the lagoon; one boat per buoy site
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: NATIONAL PARK MARINE CORE — anchoring only on the park's buoys (free anchoring prohibited), one boat per site; Îlet Fajou is closed to landing and navigation all year and buffer zones protect the seabird islets in the breeding season; Îlet Caret lies outside the reserve. No motor vessels in the mangrove channels, no fishing, no lights on the islets or the sea at night. SHOM chart 4699; shallow draught strongly advised. NOTE: the Rivière Salée bridges have not lifted since January 2013 — masted yachts reach the lagoon only round the outside of Basse-Terre or Grande-Terre.
Hazards
- !Complex navigation — shoaling, coral heads, and seagrass throughout the lagoon; SHOM chart 4699 mandatory; consider taking a local pilot on first visit
- !Seagrass and coral — anchoring outside the designated sandy areas is prohibited and harmful; look for clear sandy patches
- !Manatee and turtle area — proceed at dead slow speed throughout the lagoon; propeller strikes are a serious conservation concern
- !Shallow draught required — vessels over 1.5m draught should not attempt entry without local knowledge
- !Limited facilities — completely self-sufficient required
Skipper's Tips
- →The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin is one of the last places in the Caribbean where you have a realistic chance of encountering a West Indian manatee — proceed silently by oar or paddle in the inner areas
- →The reef passes are best transited in the morning with the sun high — the light helps distinguish coral heads from open sand
- →Sea turtles are abundant in the lagoon — approach slowly and respect their space; do not attempt to touch or follow them
- →The lagoon is best explored by dinghy — leave the main vessel anchored in the designated sandy area and explore the mangrove channels by oar
- →The biodiversity inside the lagoon is extraordinary — bring a fish identification guide and a waterproof camera
Facilities
No facilities in the lagoon. Nearest services at Marina Bas-du-Fort (7nm east) or Deshaies (on the Basse-Terre coast). Completely self-sufficient required.
Nearest provisions: Marina Bas-du-Fort (7nm east) (7nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. The lagoon is navigable year-round in suitable conditions but hurricanes June–November — avoid. Best light for pilotage between 09:00–14:00.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m
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.
Download Free for iOS