Welcome to the anchorage off Grande Anse d’Arlet. A small touristy village and beach on the south east coast of Martinique.
The bay is one of many picturesk coves in the national park on the south east side of the island. To protect the environment in the bay anchoring is prohibited and all boats must tie onto a bouy. Numerous bouys are set out either side of the village, the south side being the calmest, and at the moment it is a free service.
The whole area is very popular with super yachts.
The beach is very popular with bathers, especially on the weekends.
There is a large dingy dock that every locks their tenders to.
Or if you are more energetic,like me, you can kayak right up onto the beach infront of your favourite cafe. A little hot from the trip? Do what I do and go for a swim.
The Caribbean Sea has very little tide so retaurants and cottages are often build very close to shore. Because of the swells in Hurricane season, homes are built inland.
We did more then just go swimming, snorkling and kayaking!
We also had to make sure we did not miss sun set and try and catch the illusive ‘green flash’. Fantisy, folklore or reality? It is said that, if the conditions are perfect, you see a green flash of light just as the sun drops below the horizon.
Grande Anse d’Arlet was a wonderful place to make landfall after the Atlantic crossing. It is not the best place to find groceries or boat bits.
The capitol, Fort de France, or the charter boat centre of the island in the south, Marin, would be better landfalls if you need to make repairs.
None of our broken bits needed immediate attention, so relaxing took priority.
