Baie des Anglais

About This Anchorage

Baie des Anglais is Martinique's southeast coast gem — a wild, undeveloped bay that receives far fewer visitors than the well-trafficked western anchorages. Named after the English, who used it as an anchorage during the colonial-era conflicts, the bay has a long sandy beach backed by vegetation, with not a single building visible from the anchorage. The holding on sand is reliable and the bay is protected from the prevailing NE trades, though the southeast Atlantic exposure means careful attention to the forecast is required. On settled days with the trades running north of east, Baie des Anglais is a genuinely beautiful and peaceful anchorage — the kind of place that rewards those willing to sail slightly further around the southern tip. The southeast Martinique coast here is wilder than the western shores, and the dramatic headlands of Pointe des Salines and the salt ponds of Salines (just around the point) add character to the landscape.

Hazards

• !Southeast Atlantic exposure — swell can push in when trades are south of east or during easterly swells; check forecast carefully
• !No facilities — carry full provisions and water; nearest fuel and water at Le Marin (5nm)
• !Some reef and rock patches near headlands — approach from the north and confirm clear sand before anchoring
• !Wild coast — limited help if problems occur; maintain SSB/VHF weather watch

Skipper's Tips

• →This is a day anchorage or settled-weather overnight stop — not for unsettled SE forecasts
• →The beach is pristine and deserted — bring snorkelling gear and a picnic
• →Salines salt ponds just around the point are a wildlife area with flamingos — worth a dinghy exploration
• →Approach from the west, rounding Pointe des Salines at a safe distance before entering the bay from the north
• →In strong SE swells, move to Sainte-Anne or Le Marin — do not persist in an uncomfortable anchorage here

Nearby Anchorages