Sainte-Anne Village Anchorage
Sainte-Anne · Anse Sainte-Anne
14°26.1'N 60°53.3'W
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for excellent holding on sand in 3–7m. The sand bottom here sets anchors superbly — engine test to confirm. Swinging room is generous. In southerly swell, 70m radius provides adequate safety margin.
About This Anchorage
Sainte-Anne is perhaps Martinique's most charming village anchorage — a broad sandy bay on the island's south coast backed by a picturesque Creole village that has avoided the overdevelopment visible elsewhere. The anchorage offers excellent holding on a clean sand bottom with reliable NE trade wind protection. The village itself is genuinely charming: the main square has a church, a cluster of colourful creole houses, good restaurants, a lively weekly market, and the kind of authentic French-Caribbean atmosphere that brings cruisers back year after year. Just to the south, the Baie des Anglais and the wilder southeast coast are within easy day-sail range. Sainte-Anne is the closest anchorage to the famous Club Med village (now Club Med Buccaneer's Creek) at the south tip — the Club Med beach is technically private but the surroundings are beautiful. The holding is notably superior to Le Marin's silty inner bay — the sand here sets anchors immediately.
Protected From
N · NE · NW · E
Exposed To
S · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand outside the yellow buoys of the 300 m swimming band — up to 400 boats from November to March; a mooring zone for the bay is in public consultation to 24 January 2026
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Anchor outside the yellow 300 m swimming band and only on sand — seagrass near the beach edges is protected (Parc naturel marin). The Sainte-Anne islets reserve (Hardy, Percé, Burgaux, Poirier) has a 300 m no-anchor ring. Check for new mooring rules after the January 2026 consultation.
Hazards
- !Seagrass patches near the beach edges — anchor in sandy central area only; DAPN fines are enforced
- !Southern swell can push in after northerly weather patterns — anchorage becomes uncomfortable; no significant shelter from S/SW
- !Peak season crowding January–March — still less congested than Le Marin but arrive before noon for best position
- !Surf on the beach in southerly swell — dinghy landing can be wet; use the small pier in the village if available
Skipper's Tips
- →The Saturday morning market in the village square is excellent — fresh produce, local rum, creole food, and artisan crafts
- →Anchor in the sandy centre away from the beach edges where seagrass begins — the DAPN patrols this bay regularly
- →The village bakery opens at 0630 — a morning dinghy trip for fresh baguette and pain au chocolat is a Sainte-Anne ritual
- →For fuel and water, sail or dinghy the 4nm to Le Marin — no fuel dock at Sainte-Anne itself
- →If the anchorage becomes rolly from southerly swell, consider moving to the better-protected Cul-de-Sac du Marin inner anchorage
Facilities
Several restaurants and bars in Sainte-Anne village (200m dinghy ride to beach). Market in the village square. Simple provisions available at small épiceries in town.
Nearest provisions: Sainte-Anne village (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. One of the most popular anchorages in southern Martinique — the combination of excellent holding, village charm, and accessibility makes it a first or last stop for many circuits of the island. Hurricane season June–November: leave.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In Martinique waters, dragging toward coral or seagrass carries fines up to €22,500 under French environmental law. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can sleep soundly and explore the French Caribbean with confidence.
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