Anse à l'Ane
Anse a l Ane · Anse à l'Âne
14°32.3'N 61°04.2'W
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for good holding on sand in 3–7m. Quieter than Anse Mitan with fewer boats — confirm anchor is well set before leaving unattended. Reduce to 55m in settled light-wind conditions. Monitor for afternoon sea breeze swell from the S/SW.
About This Anchorage
Anse à l'Ane is a beautifully calm and relatively uncrowded bay on the western side of the Trois-Îlets peninsula — just 1.5nm west of the busy Anse Mitan anchorage but noticeably quieter and more relaxed. The bay curves around a clean sand beach with a small cluster of local restaurants and bars serving creole food and fresh fish. A modest ferry service connects the bay to Fort-de-France and Anse Mitan, making it possible to stay here while exploring the capital. The anchorage is well-protected from the prevailing NE trade winds with good sand holding. Coral heads are present near both headlands and must be avoided — anchor only in the sandy centre. The surrounding hillsides are covered in tropical vegetation typical of Martinique's leeward coast. This is an excellent choice for those who want the Fort-de-France Bay experience with fewer charter boats and more tranquillity.
Protected From
N · NE · E · NW
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral or seagrass — visible coral patches near headlands; anchor only in sandy centre of bay; no wake zone within 300m of beach.
Hazards
- !Coral heads near eastern and western headlands — approach from north only; anchor only in sandy centre
- !Ferry traffic from the small dock — maintain clear approach channel
- !Afternoon sea breeze from the south can generate uncomfortable swell — monitor weather forecasts
- !Limited facilities — carry sufficient provisions from Fort-de-France or Anse Mitan
Skipper's Tips
- →Anse à l'Ane offers the best of Fort-de-France Bay without the charter boat crowds — arrive here if Anse Mitan is full
- →The ferry connects to both Anse Mitan and Fort-de-France — use it for city provisioning runs without moving the boat
- →Snorkelling off the rocky headlands reveals interesting coral formations — dinghy carefully to avoid boat traffic
- →The local restaurant (Restaurant de la Plage) serves excellent accras de morue (salt cod fritters) — a Martinique speciality
- →Best anchorage in the bay is in the centre — avoid the eastern quarter where a reef extends from the headland
Facilities
Small beachside restaurants serving creole cuisine and fresh catch. Limited provisions available locally — ferry to Fort-de-France or Anse Mitan for provisioning.
Nearest provisions: Anse Mitan (1.5nm E by dinghy/ferry) (1.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. A quieter alternative to Anse Mitan — good choice for crews wanting a peaceful base with easy access to Fort-de-France by ferry.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In Martinique waters, dragging toward coral or into a ferry channel carries serious risk — environmental fines and vessel damage. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can enjoy the French Caribbean with confidence.
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