Anse à Voile
Anse Voile · Sailing Cove Martinique
14°45.6'N 61°10.9'W
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding on sand in 4–10m. More protected than main Saint-Pierre roadstead from northerly swells. Good standard alarm radius — reduce to 60m in settled conditions.
About This Anchorage
Anse à Voile is a small bay just south of Saint-Pierre that offers slightly better protection from NW groundswells than the main Saint-Pierre roadstead, thanks to a headland configuration that deflects some of the northerly swell. The sand bottom provides good holding and the anchorage is quieter than Saint-Pierre itself — fewer dive boats and day-trippers. The dramatic backdrop of Mount Pelée and the ruins of pre-eruption Saint-Pierre are visible from the anchorage. The bay is primarily used as an overflow anchorage when Saint-Pierre becomes crowded with dive boats, or as a quieter overnight alternative that is still within easy dinghy range of town and the museum. The snorkelling off the headland is worthwhile — some coral and fish life despite the volcanic substrate.
Protected From
E · SE · NE
Exposed To
NW · W · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on wreck debris — some 1902 wreck material may be present in the bay; DAPN regulations apply.
Hazards
- !NW and W exposure — groundswells from December–February can still make this anchorage uncomfortable
- !Possible wreck debris in the bay from 1902 eruption — dive to check anchor placement
- !Remote feel — limited access to services; Saint-Pierre 2nm by dinghy
Skipper's Tips
- →Use as a quieter alternative to Saint-Pierre when dive boat traffic makes the roadstead busy
- →The snorkelling off the north headland has good marine life — volcanic substrate supports interesting organisms
- →Dinghy to Saint-Pierre for the Musée Vulcanologique — worth the 2nm each way
- →Better overnight protection from NW swells than the main roadstead — useful in December when northerly groundswells build
Facilities
No facilities at Anse à Voile. Saint-Pierre town (2nm north by dinghy) for restaurants, museum, and provisions.
Nearest provisions: Saint-Pierre town (2nm by dinghy) (2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. Best overflow anchorage for Saint-Pierre. Most suitable December–April in settled conditions.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
In north Martinique, anchor drag toward wreck debris, coral, or into an exposed position on the wild north coast carries serious risk. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can sleep soundly while the volcano watches over the bay.
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