Bellefontaine Bay
Anse Bellefontaine · Bellefontaine anchorage
14°39.7'N 61°09.2'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for good holding on sand in 3–8m. Standard alarm radius for this depth. Good NE trade wind protection. Monitor for SW swell in afternoon.
About This Anchorage
Bellefontaine is one of the most photographically striking fishing villages on the north coast of Martinique — a small community famous for its traditional wooden fishing boat builders, whose colourful hand-painted yoles (traditional fishing boats) line the black sand beach in vivid contrast to the deep green hillsides behind. The craft of yole construction has been practiced here for generations, and the Bellefontaine workshops are regarded as the finest remaining practitioners of traditional Caribbean small boat building. The anchorage on sand is practical and well-sheltered from the NE trades, making it a pleasant overnight stop for cruisers working the north coast. Ashore, the village is quiet and traditional — a local bar, a simple restaurant, and the extraordinary sight of these beautiful painted boats being built and launched from the beach.
Protected From
N · NE · E
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on seagrass; DAPN regulations apply; maintain clear access for fishing yoles; respect the working beach.
Hazards
- !Fishing yole traffic early morning — boats launched at dawn; anchor clear of the beach launch area
- !Southern swell exposure — monitor forecast for SW wind shift
- !Limited facilities — carry provisions from Fort-de-France
Skipper's Tips
- →The yole building workshops on the beach are extraordinary — ask respectfully to visit; the traditional boat-building craft is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage candidate
- →The village is best visited in early morning when the fleet goes out — the sight of the colourful yoles launching at dawn is unforgettable
- →Combine with Case Pilote (4nm south) for a one-day north coast circuit from Fort-de-France Bay
Facilities
One simple local restaurant near the beach. Fresh fish available from the fishing community.
Nearest provisions: Case Pilote village (4nm south) (4nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. A cultural gem on the north coast circuit — worth a stop for anyone interested in traditional maritime craft.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
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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