Pointe-à-Pitre Inner Harbour
Port de Pointe-à-Pitre · PAP anchorage · Carénage de Pointe-à-Pitre
16°14.34'N 61°32.22'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m for good holding on mud in 3–8m. Well-protected harbour — 60m is appropriate. Stay clear of the ferry approach channels and cruise ship berths. Confirm designated anchorage area with marina Bas-du-Fort capitainerie before anchoring here.
About This Anchorage
Pointe-à-Pitre is the commercial and cultural capital of Guadeloupe — a vibrant city of around 16,000 inhabitants (greater area 175,000) with a fascinating mix of French metropolitan culture and Antillean Creole heritage. The inner harbour (carénage) offers well-protected anchorage in soft mud west of the ferry terminal, convenient for exploring the city on foot. The covered market (Marché Saint-Antoine) is one of the finest in the Caribbean — a riot of colour, spices, tropical fruits, and local crafts. The Musée Saint-John Perse (dedicated to the Nobel Prize-winning Guadeloupean poet) and the Musée Schoelcher (slavery abolition history) are within walking distance. The harbour itself is busy with inter-island ferries to Terre-de-Haut, Marie-Galante, and Basse-Terre. For marina facilities, Marina Bas-du-Fort (1.5nm east) is preferable — the inner harbour anchorage is best for a city visit rather than a long stay.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W
Exposed To
NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchorage in the carénage
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Stay clear of ferry approach channels and cruise ship berths. Speed limit 3 knots in the inner harbour. Commercial port authority jurisdiction — VHF 16 for port operations.
Hazards
- !Ferry traffic — high-speed inter-island ferries operate frequently; maintain clear passage and radar watch
- !Cruise ship traffic — large vessels manoeuvre in the outer harbour; keep well clear
- !Mud bottom with mooring debris — set anchor carefully; drag risk if anchor fails to penetrate
- !Water quality in the inner harbour is reduced by harbour activity — do not swim here
Skipper's Tips
- →The Marché Saint-Antoine (covered market) opens from 06:00 — the best time to experience the full sensory spectacle of Guadeloupean market life
- →Ferry schedules to Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, and Basse-Terre are posted at the ferry terminal — useful for crew transfers and day trips
- →The inner harbour is better suited to a short day visit than an overnight stay — Marina Bas-du-Fort (1.5nm east) offers far superior facilities
- →The waterfront promenade between the carénage and the city centre has been renovated and is pleasant for an evening walk
- →A visit to the Musée Saint-John Perse provides a beautiful introduction to Guadeloupean cultural history and the French Caribbean literary tradition
Facilities
Excellent range of restaurants, cafes, and brasseries in Pointe-à-Pitre city centre — a 5-minute walk. Marché Saint-Antoine covered market for provisions. Large hypermarkets on the outskirts. Excellent French boulangeries throughout the city.
Nearest provisions: Marché Saint-Antoine / Pointe-à-Pitre city centre (0.1nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Year-round access as a day stop. Not recommended for extended stays — use Marina Bas-du-Fort instead. Hurricane season June–November.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
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