Fort-de-France Roadstead
Fort-de-France anchorage · Rade de Fort-de-France
14°36.1'N 61°03.7'W
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m for good holding on mud/sand in 5–15m. The roadstead is large — use full scope in deeper areas. Cruise ship and commercial traffic create wash — a larger alarm radius is prudent. Set anchor firmly; mud/sand mix can require extra scope to penetrate. Monitor VHF 16 for harbour authority communications.
About This Anchorage
The Fort-de-France Roadstead is the main anchorage for visiting the capital city of Martinique — a large, open bay in front of the city waterfront that provides good all-weather access to the island's best provisioning and services. Fort-de-France is a proper French city with supermarkets (Carrefour, Leader Price), chandleries, marine services, banks, pharmacies, and excellent creole markets (Marché de la Savane). The city's Grande Rue and La Savane park create a vibrant urban core unlike anything else in the smaller Windward Islands. Non-EU vessels must clear customs at the Bureau des Douanes (customs office) near the marina. The ferry (vedette) service to the Trois-Îlets anchorages makes this a logical base for island exploration. The roadstead is busy with commercial traffic, cruise ship tenders, and ferry services — anchoring requires care to stay well clear of the shipping channel.
Protected From
N · NE · E · NW
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in designated areas; marina berths available at Pointe Simon Marina
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Non-EU vessels: standard French customs clearance. EU/Schengen vessels: no formalities required. All vessels must notify the capitainerie on arrival.
Restrictions: Non-EU vessels must clear customs at Bureau des Douanes; Q flag mandatory until cleared; do not anchor in cruise ship channel (marked on chart); VHF 16 for harbour authority; speed limit 5 knots in harbour.
Hazards
- !Cruise ship traffic — very large vessels maneuver in the main channel; monitor VHF 16 and maintain clear passage
- !Ferry (vedette) wash — fast ferries crossing the bay create significant wake; ensure anchor is well set
- !Commercial port traffic — cargo vessels and tankers use the deep channel; stay east of the shipping lane
- !Squalls can develop quickly over the island — the roadstead offers limited protection from the south and west
- !Dinghy security — Fort-de-France is a busy city; use a secured dinghy dock and lock motor when ashore
Skipper's Tips
- →The Carrefour supermarket near the city centre is the best provisioning stop in Martinique — worth a dinghy or ferry trip from Anse Mitan
- →Non-EU vessels clear customs at the Bureau des Douanes near the ferry terminal — bring all ship's papers and crew passports
- →The Marché de la Savane has the best fresh tropical fruit and vegetables in the island — visit Tuesday and Saturday mornings for peak selection
- →La Savane park and the Bibliothèque Schoelcher (historic library) are worth visiting by dinghy — dinghy dock near the ferry terminal
- →Anchoring here overnight is best avoided in favour of the Trois-Îlets anchorages — move across the bay for a quieter night
Facilities
Fort-de-France city has the best provisioning in Martinique — Carrefour and Leader Price supermarkets, Marché de la Savane (excellent fruit and vegetables), chandleries, pharmacies. Numerous restaurants from creole to French bistros throughout the city.
Nearest provisions: Fort-de-France city (Carrefour, Marché) (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. Best used as a day stop for provisioning rather than overnight base — Anse Mitan and Anse à l'Ane offer calmer overnight conditions 3–4nm south.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
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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