Capesterre Bay, Marie-Galante
Anse de Capesterre Marie-Galante · Capesterre anchorage
15°54.00'N 61°12.18'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. NE trade wind exposure — larger alarm radius. Best as a day stop rather than overnight. Monitor trades carefully — anchorage becomes uncomfortable above 20kt.
About This Anchorage
Capesterre on the northeastern coast of Marie-Galante is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the French Caribbean — Plage de Capesterre, a long crescent of brilliant white sand with water so clear the anchor can be watched from the deck even in 8m. The village of Capesterre is the third-largest community on Marie-Galante and houses one of the island's three rum distilleries (Distillerie de Capesterre/Père Labat) — named after the famous 17th-century Dominican friar who was both a missionary and rum innovator. The anchorage faces northeast into the trades, making it primarily a daytime stop rather than an overnight anchorage, but the beach and distillery combination makes it an essential half-day visit on a Marie-Galante itinerary. The Grand Bassin sea pools (carved by waves from the volcanic coast, 2km from the village) are extraordinary natural swimming pools.
Protected From
W · SW · S
Exposed To
N · NE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchorage
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral or seagrass. Day stop primarily — overnight not recommended in strong trade conditions. Respect local fishing vessel traffic.
Hazards
- !NE trade wind exposure — uncomfortable above 20kt; plan as a daytime stop only
- !Beach surf in trades — dinghy landing through small beach break; approach at right angles
- !No night facilities — completely self-sufficient overnight with reliable anchor set required
- !Wind acceleration around Marie-Galante's eastern headland can be stronger than expected
Skipper's Tips
- →The Distillerie de Capesterre (Père Labat brand) is one of the best rum distillery experiences in the Caribbean — the traditional column still produces exceptional agricole rhum
- →Plage de Capesterre is best experienced in the morning before the trade winds build — crystal-clear water and usually uncrowded
- →The Grand Bassin sea pools (2km south along the coast) are natural volcanic rock pools filled by wave action — a spectacular swim
- →Day visit from Grand-Bourg (8nm west, easy downwind run) makes Capesterre easily accessible without overnight commitment
- →The local Creole lunch restaurants serve the most authentic Marie-Galante cuisine — fresh fish with colombo spice is the island signature dish
Facilities
Small local restaurants in Capesterre village. Rum distillery tour at Distillerie Capesterre/Père Labat (free). Limited provisions in the village. Better provisioning at Grand-Bourg (8nm west).
Nearest provisions: Capesterre village (limited) / Grand-Bourg (8nm west) (8nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April. Daytime visit primarily — best as a day stop from Grand-Bourg anchorage. Hurricane season June–November.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In the extraordinary waters of Les Saintes and Marie-Galante, anchor drag toward coral reef is both ecologically damaging and legally serious. Safety Anchor Alarm keeps you safe while you enjoy the tourment d'amour ashore.
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