Baie-Mahault Roadstead

About This Anchorage

Baie-Mahault is a commune situated between Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre on the western side of the Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin — the inner lagoon that forms the sheltered water between Guadeloupe's two 'wings'. The anchorage provides excellent shelter from the NE trades in a naturally calm setting. The surrounding landscape is a mix of mangrove forest, wetlands, and the developing Jarry commercial zone. The Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin is a significant natural reserve, and the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin to the north is one of the most important marine reserves in the French Caribbean — home to mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and important seabird and manatee habitat. Sailors can explore the edges of the reserve by dinghy, observing herons, pelicans, and occasional sea turtles. The area is not a tourist destination but provides a calm, sheltered overnight anchorage for vessels transiting between the two halves of Guadeloupe.

Hazards

• !Mangrove and seagrass — anchor only in open areas; protect the natural reserve
• !Shoaling in the lagoon approaches — follow the main channel and use chart carefully
• !Limited facilities — completely self-sufficient required for overnight stays
• !No dinghy facilities — landing on shore requires a suitable beach or makeshift tie-up

Skipper's Tips

• →The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin (further north) is a spectacular natural reserve to explore by dinghy — bring snorkelling gear and binoculars for birdwatching
• →Sea turtles are frequently seen in the lagoon areas — approach quietly and do not disturb
• →This anchorage is best used as an overnight stop for vessels transiting between the eastern and western parts of Guadeloupe
• →The Jarry commercial zone (3km) has the largest supermarkets on Guadeloupe — good for bulk provisioning before longer passages
• →Early morning in the lagoon, before the trade winds build, is extraordinarily peaceful and beautiful

Nearby Anchorages