Gosier Anchorage
Anse de Gosier · Le Gosier roadstead
16°11.82'N 61°29.52'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for good holding on sand in 3–8m. Set anchor firmly — the bottom is mostly good sand but scattered coral heads exist toward the island. Check bearings on lighthouse and coastal features before leaving the boat. In SE swell the anchorage becomes uncomfortable.
About This Anchorage
Gosier is Guadeloupe's premier beach resort town — a lively strip of hotels, restaurants, beach bars, and watersports along the south coast of Grande-Terre, approximately 3.5nm east of Marina Bas-du-Fort. The anchorage lies in the bay west of Ilet du Gosier, a small islet topped by a red-and-white lighthouse that serves as an attractive photographic backdrop. The holding is good on sand in 3–8m and the NE trades are blocked by the island mass to the north. The town of Gosier itself has good provisioning with a market, supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, and beach bars. The beach at Gosier is broad and sandy — popular with both tourists and locals. A dinghy ride to the Ilet du Gosier reveals clear water and decent snorkelling around the fringing reef. This is a convenient overnight anchorage close to Marina Bas-du-Fort with more character than the marina itself.
Protected From
N · NW · W
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchorage
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral reef around Ilet du Gosier — protected natural area; stay in the sandy western approach to the islet. Respect beach swimming zones marked by buoys.
Hazards
- !Coral heads around Ilet du Gosier — anchor only in the sandy areas west of the islet; approach with care
- !SE swell in weather systems makes the anchorage uncomfortable — move to Marina Bas-du-Fort or Sainte-Anne if swell runs above 0.5m
- !Watersports traffic throughout the day — jet skis and tourist boats operate around the island
- !Ferry boat traffic between Gosier and Ilet du Gosier — maintain clear passage in the ferry lane
Skipper's Tips
- →The Ilet du Gosier is accessible by dinghy — take a mask and snorkel for the clear water around the reef, especially on the eastern and southern sides of the islet
- →Gosier town has a good Friday morning market — excellent fresh fruit, vegetables, and local spices worth the dinghy ashore
- →Use Marina Bas-du-Fort (3.5nm west) for fuel, water, and laundry — Gosier has restaurants and provisions but no boat services
- →The beach at Gosier faces south-southwest — beautiful afternoon light and calm conditions in settled trade wind weather
- →Watch the wind shift at sunset — the land breeze can occasionally reverse the boat's heading; set a reliable alarm radius
Facilities
Numerous beach restaurants, cafes, and bars in Gosier town. Supermarket (Leader Price and others) in the town centre — 10-minute dinghy and walk. Gosier market open mornings. No water or fuel at the anchorage — use Marina Bas-du-Fort (3.5nm west).
Nearest provisions: Gosier town (supermarket, market) (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. More comfortable than the marina for overnight stays in settled trade wind conditions. Hurricane season June–November — leave Guadeloupe by end of May.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In Guadeloupe waters, anchor drag toward coral reef carries legal penalties and environmental damage. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can explore ashore with confidence.
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