La Désirade — Beauséjour Bay
Anse de Beauséjour · La Désirade anchorage · Désirade roadstead
16°18.30'N 61°02.64'W
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding on sand in 4–10m. La Désirade is a roadstead anchorage — the 80m radius reflects the exposed nature of the anchorage. Do not leave the boat unattended for long periods. Conditions can deteriorate rapidly if trade winds strengthen or back.
About This Anchorage
La Désirade is one of the last truly remote islands in the French Antilles — an elongated limestone plateau rising to 275m, stretching 11km east of Saint-François across a powerful Atlantic swell channel. The island's small population of around 1,700 people lives in the village of Beauséjour on the southern coast, and the island feels refreshingly untouched by mass tourism. The anchorage in Beauséjour Bay is a trade wind roadstead — comfortable in settled NE trades but exposed to south and east. The island has a tiny but genuine local atmosphere: simple restaurants serving fresh grilled fish and langouste (Caribbean lobster), a few basic shops for provisions, and extraordinary natural scenery including iguanas, wild goats, and some of the best untouched beaches in the French Caribbean. The passage from Saint-François (7nm) is a beam reach in the trades but be prepared for Atlantic swell on the crossing. Absolutely worth the detour for the adventurous sailor.
Protected From
N · NW · W
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchorage
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral or seagrass. The anchorage is a roadstead — no overnight stay recommended in deteriorating conditions. Speed limit near the public quay. Respect the ferry approach lane.
Hazards
- !Atlantic swell on the passage from Saint-François — 7nm across a powerful swell channel; check sea state and forecast carefully
- !Roadstead anchorage — exposed to south and east; overnight stays should only be attempted in settled settled trade wind conditions with no swell
- !Limited facilities — carry all fuel, water, and provisions from the main islands
- !Return to Saint-François is typically a hard beat into the trades — allow extra time and sea room
- !Ferry boat traffic from Saint-François — maintain clear approach lane near the public quay
Skipper's Tips
- →The passage to La Désirade is best made early morning before the trades strengthen — typically 12–18kt by mid-afternoon
- →Fresh langouste (Caribbean lobster) grilled at one of the village restaurants is La Désirade's unmissable experience — ask at the quay for availability
- →The eastern tip of La Désirade has extraordinary Atlantic views — a half-day hike on the island's plateau is genuinely spectacular
- →Return to Saint-François is a close-hauled beat in the trades — plan to return by early afternoon at the latest
- →La Désirade has iguanas everywhere — the island is one of the last strongholds of the endemic Lesser Antillean iguana
Facilities
Simple local restaurants in Beauséjour serving fresh fish, langouste, and Creole dishes. Very limited provisions available in the village — carry full supplies from Saint-François or Marina Bas-du-Fort. No fuel, water, or marina services.
Nearest provisions: Saint-François (7nm west) (7nm)
Best Months & Season
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
January–May (lowest swell period). Day visit or settled-conditions overnight only. Not suitable for inexperienced crews or rough-weather periods. Hurricane season June–November — avoid.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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