Cap Salomon Anchorage
Anse Salomon · Cap Salomon
14°28.7'N 61°04.2'W
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m for good holding on sand in 5–15m. The cape creates strong currents — set anchor firmly and test with engine. Day anchorage preferred; overnight in settled conditions only. Deeper than most south coast anchorages — use extra chain.
About This Anchorage
Cap Salomon is the dramatic southwestern headland of Martinique, positioned at the entrance to Fort-de-France Bay. The anchorage under the cape provides temporary shelter from the NE trades in otherwise exposed conditions, serving primarily as a waypoint anchorage between the main Fort-de-France Bay anchorages and the south coast circuit. The cape itself is geologically striking — steep volcanic cliffs with the island's interior hills visible behind. The surrounding water is clear and the diving and snorkelling around the cape base is good — the underwater topography is dramatic with drop-offs and rocky formations. This anchorage is used most often as a lunchtime stop when rounding the cape in either direction, allowing crews to swim in clear water before continuing their passage.
Protected From
N · NE · NW
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral or rock; DAPN regulations apply; day anchorage recommended due to exposure.
Hazards
- !Strong currents around the cape — approach from north; anchor clear of the cape headland
- !Western and southern exposure — day anchorage primarily; overnight only in settled settled conditions
- !Deeper water — 5–15m; use adequate chain scope for depth
- !Traffic in the Fort-de-France Bay approach channel — maintain watch
Skipper's Tips
- →Good lunch stop when rounding the cape — swim in clear water before continuing passage
- →The underwater topography around the cape base is dramatic — worth a dive or snorkel in settled conditions
- →Time your rounding of Cap Salomon to use the tidal current — runs NE during the morning
- →The view south toward Diamond Rock from this anchorage is one of the best in Martinique
Facilities
No facilities. Fort-de-France (6nm north) or Le Marin (7nm east) for full facilities.
Nearest provisions: Fort-de-France (6nm north) (6nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May, day anchorage or waypoint stop. Good for circuit sailors rounding the south of Martinique.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
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