Grand Anse Bay (North)
Grand Anse · Grand Anse d'Arlet north
14°06.6'N 60°58.7'W
Depth
4–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m on sand in 4–8m. Good holding but deeper than ideal — use sufficient chain (4:1 minimum). Bay sheltered from NE trades behind island. Monitor for occasional NW swell which can make anchorage uncomfortable.
About This Anchorage
Grand Anse Bay on St. Lucia's north-west coast is one of the quieter north coast stops — seldom visited by cruising yachts who tend to cluster in Rodney Bay. The west-facing bay is naturally sheltered from the NE trade winds by the island's northern highlands. The sand beach is undeveloped and beautiful, framed by lush tropical vegetation descending to the shore. Anchoring in 4–8m on sand gives reliable holding. The main exposure is from the north and west — unusual wind directions for St. Lucia — making this anchorage comfortable in typical trade wind conditions. Local fishing pirogues use this bay regularly.
Protected From
E · SE · S · SW
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring. EC$25 additional permit for non-port-of-entry anchorages — state on clearance.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Respect local fishing boat activity. No services ashore. Standard St. Lucia navigation licence required.
Hazards
- !Submerged rocks near both headlands — approach carefully using chart
- !Open to north and west — uncomfortable in NW or N weather (rare but possible)
- !No facilities — remote anchorage; nearest services 4nm south at Rodney Bay
- !Fishing pirogues operate in bay — keep clear
Skipper's Tips
- →Excellent unspoilt beach — one of the quietest on the island's north coast
- →Approach from the south, keeping well clear of the headland rocks
- →Good snorkelling on the rocky points at each end of the bay
- →Best in the morning before trade winds build — afternoon can bring uncomfortable NW swell refraction
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Rodney Bay Marina (4nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. Sheltered from NE trades by island mass. Avoid NW weather events (rare). Quiet year-round — seldom crowded.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
Trade wind gusts and ARC fleet traffic in Rodney Bay can cause anchor drag overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — wake up before you are aground.
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