Marigot Bay
Dr. Doolittle Bay · Hurricane Hole Marigot
13°57.7'N 61°01.6'W
Depth
5–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m in outer bay (5–10m, sand/mud). 50m in inner section (3–5m, mud — completely enclosed). Outer bay may require multiple anchor sets to find firm ground. Inner section mud is excellent holding — Rocna or plow type recommended. Confirm mooring buoy availability before anchoring (Marigot Marina VHF 16).
About This Anchorage
Marigot Bay is celebrated as the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean — a completely enclosed, landlocked bay invisible from the sea until you are almost inside the narrow entrance channel. The bay opens into a mangrove-lined horseshoe of extraordinary beauty, used as the filming location for the 1967 Dr. Doolittle movie. The two-section bay (outer 5–10m, inner 3–5m) offers among the best hurricane hole protection in the eastern Caribbean — British naval officers used this bay to hide their fleet from French forces in colonial times by camouflaging the masts with cut palm trees. Marigot Bay is a designated port of entry, with Customs and Immigration on site. Doolittle's restaurant and the marina complex provide all services. The inner section is strictly 3 knots — no wake, no exceptions.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · W · SW · S
Exposed To
E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Mooring buoys: approx EC$50–80/night (Marigot Marina). Free anchoring in outer bay. Navigation licence required. Port of entry — Customs clearance available.
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Port of entry — Customs and Immigration on site. Navigation licence: EC$200–400. Announce arrival on VHF 16.
Restrictions: Inner section: strict 3-knot speed limit, no wake — enforced. Narrow entrance channel — proceed slowly. Anchor port side of centreline (left entering). Very popular December–March — may be fully occupied.
Hazards
- !Entrance invisible until almost inside — proceed very slowly; rocks on both sides of channel
- !Inner section 3-knot speed limit strictly enforced — fines for violation
- !Very busy December–March — may need to raft or anchor in outer bay
- !Multiple anchor attempts may be needed in outer bay — soft mud can be inconsistent
- !Fast dinghies and charter boats use the bay — maintain anchor watch
Skipper's Tips
- →Approach entrance heading due east — the gap only becomes visible when you are almost upon it
- →Call Marigot Marina on VHF 16 for mooring buoy availability before entering
- →Anchor to port (left) of centreline in outer bay — right side is shallower and closer to entrance rocks
- →Doolittle's restaurant is accessible only by dinghy — tie to their dinghy dock
- →Inner section moorings are the most protected spots in the eastern Caribbean — worth paying the mooring fee
Facilities
Doolittle's restaurant and bar. Hurricane Hole Hotel. Marigot Marina services. Fuel and water on dock.
Nearest provisions: Marigot Marina complex (0.1nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April (dry season). Busy December–March. Year-round hurricane hole capability in inner section. Marigot Bay is a port of entry — useful for formal entry if coming from the south.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
Even on SMMA mooring buoys, chafe and current can cause movement overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — critical when moored close to Piton cliff faces in the dark.
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