Saint-Pierre Roadstead
Saint-Pierre anchorage · Roadstead of Saint-Pierre · Pompeii of the Caribbean
14°44.4'N 61°10.7'W
Depth
8–20m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
100m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m
100m for good holding on volcanic ash/sand in 8–20m. The roadstead is open to the west and north — 100m radius provides safety margin for swell-induced movement. In northerly weather, consider moving to Le Carbet or Case Pilote. Dive boats operate here continuously — maintain awareness of dive flags.
About This Anchorage
Saint-Pierre Roadstead is one of the most historically significant anchorages in the world — and certainly the most dramatic in the Caribbean. On 8 May 1902, at 7:50am, Mount Pelée erupted with a pyroclastic surge that destroyed the entire city of Saint-Pierre in under two minutes, killing approximately 30,000 people. The city was the cultural and commercial capital of Martinique — the 'Paris of the Caribbean' — and the harbour was full of ships. At least 16 vessels were sunk in the anchorage; subsequent surveys have identified 20+ wrecks at depths of 30–170 metres. The wrecks include the SS Roraima (whose horrifically burned survivor Arthur Anderson was later featured in newspaper stories), the Gabrielle, the Tamaya, and others. Today, Saint-Pierre has rebuilt as a quiet, charming town with a moving museum (Musée Vulcanologique Frank Perret) dedicated to the eruption. The anchorage is used by dive boats daily — the wreck diving here is considered among the finest in the Caribbean for accessible deep-water wrecks. Mount Pelée, still active, dominates the skyline above the town.
Protected From
E · SE · S
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand/ash
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on wreck debris or dive zones — wreck sites are marked and protected under French maritime law; DAPN regulations apply; avoid anchoring where dive flags are present.
Hazards
- !20+ shipwrecks in the roadstead — anchor carefully; dive to check anchor placement; avoid dragging into wreck debris
- !Western and northern exposure — NW swells from December–February can make the anchorage rolly; check forecast
- !Active volcano overhead — Mount Pelée is monitored but still active; current alert level is normal
- !Dive boat traffic throughout daylight hours — maintain watch for dive flags and dive boat movement
- !Heavy swell from the NW in December–February can make landing dinghy at town quay difficult
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit the Musée Vulcanologique Frank Perret in town — one of the most fascinating museums in the Caribbean; the 1902 eruption exhibits are extraordinary
- →Arrange a dive on the wrecks — the Roraima (Depth 50m), Gabrielle (50m), and Tamaya (17m) are accessible; local dive operators at the quay
- →The Tamaya wreck is only 17m deep and accessible to sport divers — ask dive operators at the quay for current conditions
- →If the anchorage is rolly from NW swell, move 3nm south to Le Carbet for more shelter — Saint-Pierre is worth a day trip by dinghy or taxi
- →Walk up to the ruins of the old theatre (Théâtre de Saint-Pierre) — remarkably intact walls after 120 years
Facilities
Several restaurants in Saint-Pierre town — simple creole food, fresh fish. Visit the Musée Vulcanologique Frank Perret (must-see). Small shops for basic provisions.
Nearest provisions: Saint-Pierre town (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May (NE trade wind season). December–February can bring NW groundswells that make the roadstead uncomfortable — monitor forecast and move south if needed. April–May is often the most settled period for extended stays.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 100m
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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