Case Pilote Bay
Anse Case Pilote · Case Pilote anchorage
14°38.3'N 61°07.3'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. Well-protected from NE trades — comfortable overnight in normal conditions.
About This Anchorage
Case Pilote is a small village on the north Caribbean coast of Martinique, between Fort-de-France and Le Carbet, notable for possessing the oldest church in Martinique — the Église Saint-Charles Borromée, built in 1645, making it one of the oldest continuously used Catholic churches in the French Caribbean. The village is quiet and traditional, with a fishing community and a waterfront that has remained largely unchanged for decades. The anchorage on sand provides good NE trade wind protection and is a pleasant stopover on passages between Fort-de-France and the north coast. The lack of development and tourist infrastructure gives Case Pilote a genuine local character that contrasts with the more visited anchorages. An easy day-sail from Fort-de-France Bay — a practical mid-passage stop.
Protected From
N · NE · NW · 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 fishing boat access lane.
Hazards
- !Southern exposure — swell from S/SW can penetrate; monitor forecast
- !Limited sea room — plan anchor scope carefully
- !Minimal facilities — carry provisions from Fort-de-France
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit the Église Saint-Charles Borromée — the oldest church in Martinique (1645); extraordinary history
- →Good overnight stopover between Fort-de-France and the north coast
- →The village market (weekend mornings) has local produce — worth timing a visit
Facilities
Small local bar/restaurant near the waterfront. Very basic provisions at village épicerie. Fort-de-France (8nm south) for full provisioning.
Nearest provisions: Fort-de-France (8nm south) (8nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. A quiet stopover on north coast circuits — more character than facilities, which is its charm.
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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