Ilet à Goyaves
Ilet Goyaves · Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin islet
16°09.90'N 61°34.62'W
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
55m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m
55m for good holding on sand in 3–7m. Well-sheltered inner anchorage behind the islet. Approach from the east through the designated channel. Anchor only in the sandy areas — coral and seagrass present.
About This Anchorage
Ilet à Goyaves is a small mangrove-fringed islet in the Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin lagoon — the protected inner water between Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. The anchorage behind the islet is one of the most peaceful and secluded in all of Guadeloupe — just 4nm from Marina Bas-du-Fort but feeling completely remote. The surrounding lagoon is a nature reserve with coral reefs, seagrass beds, and abundant marine life including sea turtles and tropical fish. The islet itself is covered in red mangroves and is an important seabird nesting site. Snorkelling in the clear lagoon water is excellent — the coral and fish life around the islet base rivals anything in the wider Guadeloupe area. This anchorage requires careful chart navigation through the lagoon but rewards the effort with extraordinary tranquillity. The evening light on the lagoon, with the Basse-Terre mountains rising behind, is one of Guadeloupe's finest natural spectacles.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchorage
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: NATURE RESERVE — anchor only in sandy areas; no anchoring on coral or seagrass. No landing on the islet (seabird nesting area). No fishing. Slow speed near the mangroves — manatee habitat.
Hazards
- !Complex navigation — the Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin lagoon has coral and seagrass throughout; SHOM chart required
- !Shallow approach — maximum draught 1.5m for comfortable navigation; approach from the east
- !No facilities — completely self-sufficient required
- !NW wind exposure — in unusual northwest wind conditions the anchorage becomes exposed; not common
- !Mosquitoes — mangrove anchorage may have significant mosquito activity at dawn and dusk
Skipper's Tips
- →Bring mosquito repellent — the mangrove environment can produce significant mosquito activity at dusk; use screens and repellent
- →The snorkelling around the islet's western and southern faces is outstanding — bring a fish ID guide for the Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin species
- →Sea turtles are frequently seen feeding in the seagrass beds around the islet — approach quietly without disturbing them
- →The lagoon at dawn before the trade winds build is extraordinary — flat calm water, perfect reflections, and total silence
- →This is the most remote-feeling anchorage within easy reach of Marina Bas-du-Fort — ideal for one night of true solitude on a Caribbean cruise
Facilities
No facilities. Completely self-sufficient. Nearest services at Marina Bas-du-Fort (4nm east).
Nearest provisions: Marina Bas-du-Fort (4nm east) (4nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. A hidden gem — one of the most peaceful anchorages near Pointe-à-Pitre. Requires careful lagoon navigation.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m
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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