Madeleine Islet, Les Saintes
Ilet de la Madeleine · Madeleine anchorage Les Saintes
15°51.42'N 61°34.86'W
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m for good holding on sand in 5–12m. NE trade wind exposure — set anchor firmly. Alternative to the busier Pain de Sucre and Bourg anchorages when those are full. 2nm from Bourg des Saintes by sea.
About This Anchorage
Madeleine Islet is a tiny uninhabited coral and rock formation in the Les Saintes archipelago — a hidden anchorage less visited than the famous Pain de Sucre Bay or the Bourg des Saintes village anchorage. The position between the various islands of Les Saintes provides surprisingly good shelter from the south and west, while the NE trade winds are the primary exposure. The surrounding waters are clear and unpolluted — snorkelling between the islets of Les Saintes reveals an extraordinary underwater world of gorgonian sea fans, parrotfish, grouper, and brilliant tropical reef fish. At 2nm from Bourg des Saintes, all the village's facilities are within easy dinghy reach. This anchorage provides a peaceful alternative to the busy main anchorages of Les Saintes — particularly useful in peak season when Pain de Sucre and Bourg are crowded. The sunsets over the Les Saintes hills from this position are spectacular.
Protected From
W · SW · S · SE
Exposed To
N · NE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchorage
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral or seagrass. The Les Saintes area is on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list — treat the marine environment with particular care. No collection of marine organisms.
Hazards
- !NE trade wind exposure — anchorage faces the trades; more exposed than Pain de Sucre; best in moderate trade conditions
- !Coral heads in the Les Saintes approaches — chart navigation and visual lookout required
- !No facilities — self-sufficient only; 2nm by dinghy to Bourg for provisions
- !No mooring buoys — anchoring on sand only; set firmly with engine test
Skipper's Tips
- →Madeleine Islet is the best overflow anchorage for Les Saintes when Pain de Sucre and Bourg are full in peak season
- →The snorkelling between the Les Saintes islets is outstanding — explore by dinghy with masks and fins for the best experience
- →Dinghy to Bourg des Saintes for the famous tourment d'amour pastry and a Creole dinner — 20 minutes by outboard
- →The position between the Saintes islands means excellent views in all directions — best panoramic anchorage in the archipelago
- →Calm mornings before the trade winds build here are magical — coffee on deck with the hills of Les Saintes silhouetted against the sunrise
Facilities
No facilities at the islet. All facilities at Bourg des Saintes village (2nm by dinghy or short sail). Self-sufficient required at anchor.
Nearest provisions: Bourg des Saintes village (2nm by sea) (2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. Alternative anchorage in Les Saintes when the main anchorages are full. More exposed but less crowded than Pain de Sucre and Bourg.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
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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