Martinique and St Lucia are big islands with big anchorages. Unlike the BVI, where the mooring buoy grid covers almost everything, anchoring is more common here — and the holding quality varies significantly. Take time to set the anchor properly; the sea floor in many bays is grass over hard sand, and the anchor needs to dig through the grass to hold.
Marigot Bay, St Lucia
The most celebrated anchorage in St Lucia. The entrance is narrow — a gap barely wide enough for two boats passing — and the inner lagoon is calm in all conditions. Moor on the marina docks or anchor in the outer bay (4–6m on sand, good holding). The Hurricane Hole restaurant is excellent. The waterfront at the head of the lagoon has a small dinghy dock and a beach bar.
Approach: The entrance faces west; approach on a westerly heading and enter slowly. The channel is marked but tight. Do not attempt in poor visibility.
Soufrière Bay, St Lucia
One of the most spectacular anchorages in the Caribbean. The Pitons rise 750m directly from the sea at the south end of the bay; the anchorage is in the northern part. National Heritage mooring buoys are maintained off Jalousie Beach; the fee funds reef conservation. Anchoring is possible in the outer bay in 8–15m. The bottom is sand and volcanic debris — good holding. Squalls from the mountains can be sharp; watch the sky.
Rodney Bay, St Lucia
The main charter base in St Lucia and the best-equipped marina in the Windward Islands. Rodney Bay Marina has full services; the lagoon behind the marina is large and well-sheltered. The IGY Marina on the north side of the lagoon is quieter. The Gros Islet Friday Street Party — a weekly event that draws crews from across the anchorage — is worth attending once.
Sainte-Anne, Martinique
A picturesque village at the south-east tip of Martinique, accessible from Le Marin by a short sail around the headland. The anchorage off the beach is in 3–6m on sand; the village has good restaurants (the Dunette is the local recommendation) and a daily market. More attractive than Le Marin for an overnight stop.
Grande Anse d'Arlets, Martinique
A fishing village on the south-west coast — the kind that appears on calendar photographs of the French Antilles. Anchor off the beach in 4–8m on sand; the holding is good but the bay is open to the west and can be rolly in the afternoon trade wind swell. Eat at one of the waterfront restaurants — grilled mahi-mahi and accras de morue (salt cod fritters) are the local staples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the holding good enough to anchor overnight in Martinique?
A: In most of the bays described here, yes — but test the anchor before leaving the boat. The main risk is a squall overnight dragging the anchor on grassy bottom. Use adequate scope (5:1 or more in open bays) and set a drag alarm.
Q: Is Martinique safe for cruisers?
A: Generally yes. Exercise the same precautions as anywhere in the Caribbean — secure the dinghy, do not leave valuables visible in the cockpit, lock the boat when ashore. The charter areas of Le Marin and Sainte-Anne are well-established and safe.