Le Prêcheur Bay
Prêcheur anchorage · Anse le Prêcheur
14°48.1'N 61°12.5'W
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m for fair holding on sand/rock in 5–12m. Dive to verify anchor is in sand not on rock. Day anchorage or settled overnight only — NW exposure can make this uncomfortable. Use 85m as standard; reduce only in calm conditions when anchor is confirmed in sand.
About This Anchorage
Le Prêcheur is the northernmost village on Martinique's Caribbean coast and one of the most remote communities on the island — connected to Saint-Pierre only by a coastal road that regularly washes out after rain. The village has a deeply traditional character: fishing is still the primary occupation, the pace of life is slow, and the towering presence of Mount Pelée — just 3km away — gives the setting an almost surreal drama. The bay provides a temporary anchorage for those sailing the full north coast circuit, though the holding is fair rather than excellent and the NW exposure means weather monitoring is essential. Ashore, the village has a simple church, a few local restaurants, and access to walking trails into the Mount Pelée foothills. This is the last anchorage before the wild north — boats continuing around the north cape to Grand'Rivière or the Atlantic coast must be prepared for more challenging conditions.
Protected From
E · SE · S
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on rock or coral; dive to check anchor placement; DAPN regulations apply.
Hazards
- !NW and W exposure — uncomfortable in northerly swell; day anchorage recommended unless forecast is very settled
- !Fair holding only — rock beneath sand in places; dive to verify anchor placement
- !Remote location — limited access to help; maintain VHF watch and SSB weather monitoring
- !Road to Saint-Pierre may be blocked by landslides after rain — coastal access only by boat
- !Mount Pelée proximity — monitor volcano activity alerts from OVSG (Observatoire Volcanologique)
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit the church — one of the oldest in the north of Martinique; ask locals about the 1902 eruption history (families here lost everything)
- →Excellent walking access to Mount Pelée trails — guide recommended; the volcano is active
- →The village fishing community is welcoming — buy fresh fish directly from the boats returning in early morning
- →Depart south before midday — the north coast passage to Saint-Pierre is best in light morning conditions
- →This is the last provisioning point before rounding the north — carry extra fuel and water if continuing to Grand'Rivière
Facilities
One or two simple local restaurants in Le Prêcheur village. Basic provisions at a small épicerie. Bring provisions from Saint-Pierre.
Nearest provisions: Saint-Pierre town (4nm south) (4nm)
Best Months & Season
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
January–May only (most settled period). December can bring NW groundswells. A rewarding but demanding anchorage for experienced crews — not for beginners.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
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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