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Yermo
last year
I figure there's no point in trying to sleep.
I figure there's no point in trying to sleep.
Yermo
last year
The upcoming travel curse continues. Just as I am finishing up getting ready my alarm system decides to flake out.
Otherwise I am mostly ready. I am going to be one very tired and sad puppy when I arrive at the boat. I'm not sure if it's better to just stay up for the duration or try to get some sleep ...
Otherwise I am mostly ready. I am going to be one very tired and sad puppy when I arrive at the boat. I'm not sure if it's better to just stay up for the duration or try to get some sleep ...
Yermo
last year
Here's the link to my Garmin InReach map. I'll start the InReach tracking as soon as I reach Antigua.
Tabasco Sailing Adventure 2023
This is a link to my public inReach map.
https://share.garmin.com/4K6VE
America.Rides.Maps
last year
Sint Maarten
Ports of Entry:
Southeast coast - Phillipsburg
South Coast - Simpson Bay
Facts
One of the northern Leeward Islands, this small island is shared between two nations. The southern third (Sint Maarten), is now an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the northern part (St Martin), belongs to the French départment of Guadeloupe.Since becoming an autonomous country, Sint Maarten now has a new flag (red over blue with a white triangle at the halyard).Sint Maarten has a population of 40,120 with the most populated areas being Lower Prince’s Quarter (north of Philipsburg), followed closely by Cul de Sac.The official languages are English and Dutch. Spanish, Creole, Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) and French are also spoken.Netherlands Antillean Guilder or florin is used as currency. For specifics see General Info.Time zone in Sint Maarten (GMT-4). For specifics see General Info.The island has a tropical marine climate with steady northeast trade winds and moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 150 cm/year; hurricane season stretches from July to November. For specifics see Weather, below, for more info.Sint Maarten is more developed than St Martin and cruising attractions include great restaurants, beach bars, white sand beaches, rainforests, coral reefs, and a fascinating colonial history.This is a duty-free island, so prices are competitive and parts and spares are easily imported. The island has skilled marine tradesmen and a large number of marinas, boatyards and chandleries with most major services found on this side of the lagoon. See Yachting Essentials for more details.Both sides of the island use the IALA-B (green to port) buoyage system.
Sint Maarten has a mild tropical climate, with steady easterly trade winds. July to November is the rainy season, while December to June is dry, although conditions vary little, June to November being the hurricane season.
The St Maarten Cruiser’s Net can be heard at 0730 on VHF Channel 10, Mon-Sat, beginning transmission with a marine weather report.
Weather and other information are broadcast on Mike’s (Shrimpy’s) Net, Monday to Saturday on VHF Channel 10 at 0730.
At 0900 Island 92 (91.9 FM) broadcasts a comprehensive marine weather forecast and overall synopsis, repeated at 12 noon.
Phillipsburg:
General Info
Description:
Philipsburg is at the centre of Great Bay on Sint Maarten’s SE corner.
Sint Maarten Port Authority has now put in a buoyed channel for marine traffic in Great Bay. It goes to and from the Captain Hodge Wharf and to the marinas in the NE of the Bay. The seaside entrance to the channel has red and green flashing lights and there is a max draft of 7 feet.
Clearance:
Clearance for cruisers no longer takes place at the cruise ship terminal. Instead, there is a new immigration office at Bobby’s Marina. Open 08:00 -12:00 on weekends and 08:00 – 16:00 weekdays. It is a small light green building at the end of a short pier hidden inside the marina. It is identified from the water with a large red sign that says “Immigration.”
Docking
There are two marinas in Philipsburg, Great Bay Marina and Bobby’s Marina. Clearance for cruisers takes place at Bobby’s marina (see Clearance section).
Boats that do not wish to use a marina may anchor in Great Bay, although the recent construction of a large cruise ship dock has somewhat restricted the space. It is a busy bay with many jet skis, so it’s advisable to anchor some distance out if you don’t want to be bothered by them. It can sometimes be quite rolly here. Water and fuel are reasonable and easy to get at Bobby’s Marina, where there is a dinghy dock up a little creek next to the marina.
No anchoring is permitted inside the new buoyed channel. Both the channel and the anchorages are “no-wake” zones.
There is an anchoring charge here of approx. $4 a day.
Simpson Bay
General Info
Description:
Simpson Bay Lagoon is a 12 square mile inland lagoon on Saint Martin which is connected to the Caribbean Sea by two small channels spanned by lift bridges; one is in the north-west and flows into Baie Nettlé in St Martin (Sandy Ground Bridge) and the other is in the south-east and flows into Simpson Bay in Sint Maarten (Simpson Bay Bridge). The French-Dutch border runs across the centre of the lagoon.
There are two small islands in the lagoon: the larger, Grand Ilet is in the French region of Saint Martin and Little Key, is on the Dutch Sint Maarten side. Much of the island’s maritime infrastructure is found in the bay, and Princess Juliana International Airport lies close to the lagoon’s southern shore. The bay is serviced by more than half a dozen marinas and also has mooring balls and good places to anchor.
Yachting Essentials
Electricity:
Dutch Sint Maarten: The electricity runs at 110 volts at 60 cycles, and outlets will accept the standard two and three-pronged plugs found in the USA.
French St. Martin: Voltage runs at 220 volts at 60 cycles and outlets use the Standard European two cylinder plugs.
Water:
The island’s drinking water is supplied by desalination plants so there is typically a small charge for it. One marina posts rates of $0.15 per gal. (3.78L).
Fuel:
There are fuel docks at Cole Bay, Phillipsburg, and the marinas in Simpson Bay.
LPG / Gas:
Budget Marine offers gas or propane bottle refill service every Wednesday. Bottles should be dropped before 9:00 am and picked up before 5:00 pm. Gas King fills bottles on the spot and is open daily. Island Water World and Palapa Marina also offer filling services.
Dinghies/RIBs:
The Coast Guard of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba may check dinghies to ensure they have the following items on board: an anchor, lights, lifejackets and the driver may be asked to show a copy of a Captain’s license.
Money
The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG). One guilder is divided into 100 cents.
The official currency on the French side is Euros.
Communications
Calling Sint Maarten from an international destination: dial 1 + 721 + local phone number
Cellular phones – There are several digital cell phone systems in place. Telcel and UTS (Chippie) on the Dutch side have GSM services. The French side has GSM services through Orange (France Telecom) and Amigo (Dauphin). You need a triband GSM phone and a SIM card of the local provider for using these services. Buying a prepaid phone card is easy. Many shops, supermarkets and gas stations sell pre-paid phone cards for the Dutch side providers. All networks cover both sides of the island.
Cruiser Highlights:
Calm water; large cruising community; yachting infrastructure; provisioning; fuel; water; marinas; access to airport; restaurants and bars. Helpful local businesses that offer almost any kind of service you might need. Countless restaurants, cheap beer and good food.
Entrance Notes or Cautions:
Note bridge times when planning entrance and exit. The narrow channels limit the flow of fresh water into the lagoon and urbanized areas of the lagoon, such as Cole Bay and Marigot, are highly polluted. After an extensive clean-up, there are no longer any hazards to navigation in Simpson Bay or the lagoon that did not exist before Hurricane Irma. Bridge fees need to be paid BEFORE entering the lagoon.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority (SLAC) is responsible for managing the Simpson Bay Lagoon (St. Maarten side) as well as the operation/maintenance of the bridges; collection of fees etc.
SLAC Clearance Office: +1 721 545-3183
SLAC Project Manager: +1 721 520-2147
General Clearance:
After docking in the lagoon skippers should immediately come to the free clearance dinghy dock Simpson Bay Bridge, adjacent to the channel into Simpson Bay Lagoon.
Immigration and Port Clearance are located in the Police Station adjacent the channel into Simpson Bay Lagoon. In high season it is open 08:00-16:00, 7 days a week.
Bring bridge, clearance and mooring fees and your crew list, passports and vessel registration.
Outward Clearance:
Clearance papers are necessary on departure if you are sailing to another island, even a Dutch one. But clearance is not required if sailing across to French St Martin.
Docking
Anchorages
Simpson Bay:
Located outside the large anchorage has a good holding in normal easterly winds but if the wind veers to the south or if there’s a large swell gets the anchorage becomes less calm. Traffic in and out of the lagoon through the Simpson Bay Bridge can be uncomfortable.
Cole Bay:
Close to the marine trades and easy access to town.
Simpson Bay Lagoon: There is a popular anchorage off of Grand Ilet.
Dinghy Docks:
Can be found at Budget Marine, Island Water World, Lagoonies, Electec, Sint Maarten Yacht Club (closed due to damage Feb/Mar 2021), all the marinas, Dinghy Dock Bar (must be customer) and police dock by the bridge (open till 6pm).
Security:
Locked dinghy and outboard thefts continue to be a problem in the lagoon, particularly on the French side. Be sure to lift and chain and lock your dinghy and outboard at night and sleep with your doors and hatches locked. See Security.
Marinas:
Many marinas are targeted to the megayacht sector, but some including Port de Plaisance cater to cruisers.
Bridge Opening Times.
Simpson Bay Bridge (Dutch side)
This is the main access into and out of Simpson Bay Lagoon from the Dutch side of the island. The bridge is located in Simpson Bay and will accommodate vessels up to a maximum beam of 56 feet (17 meters) and a maximum draft of 17 feet (6 meters). Wide beamed vessels must request pilotage.
When the bridge is closed there is 8.6 feet (2.6 meters) clearance in the port channel and 8 feet (2.4 meters) clearance in the starboard channel. Note: Clearance may vary depending on the state of the tide.
Special bridge openings available upon request, just hail the bridge on VHF Channel 12. Be sure to motor through the bridge briskly as they prefer not to have it open too long.
Simpson Bay Bridge hours:
08.30 hrs – Outbound09.30 hrs – Inbound10.30 hrs – Outbound11.30 hrs – Inbound15.00 hrs – Inbound16.00 hrs – Outbound17.00 hrs – Inbound
Simpson Bay Causeway Bridge
This cross-lagoon causeway bridge is at the head of the Simpson Bay Inlet. The causeway runs from the north of Yacht Club Port de Plaisance to the airport runway. It has a maximum clearance of 28 feet. Vessels with a mast height of more than 28 feet are restricted to the opening centre part of the causeway which will act as a swing bridge.
Vessels transiting the lagoon should stay within the marked channel.
There is a 3mph speed limit for all vessels using the access channel, and within the lagoon, all marinas and yacht anchorages are deemed “no wake zones”.
Most seasons the bridges open six times during the day in order to handle the vessels that make use of several marinas in the Simpson Bay Lagoon.
Simpson Bay Causeway Bridge hours:In and Outbound Traffic: 0800, 1000, and 1530 (each opening is for traffic both ways).
For information call Bridge Operator on VHF Ch 12
Transport:
Car Rental
The island is well serviced by both internationally known companies such as Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Budget and Avis and numerous local firms.
Airport
Princess Juliana International Airport (also known as Saint Martin International Airport) serves the Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin. The airport is perhaps best known for very low-altitude flyover landing approaches due to one end of its runway being extremely close to the shore and Maho Beach.
There is a bus stop right outside the Terminal so you do not have to take an expensive taxi ($20 to Simpson Bay). The bus is $2.50 all the way to Phillipsburg.
Alternatively, you can collect your crew by dinghy. The small marina which houses the Pink Iguana and Crazy Cow sometimes permit dinghy landing. Ask permission in the Crazy Cow, or Pink Iguana if it’s open. Dinghies can also be left on the old Customs dock close to the runway.
There is also an airport on the French side of the island, called Aéroport de Grand Case or L’Espérance Airport. This is used for local and regional flights only.
Buses
The minibus system here is simple and cheap. Minibuses are easily recognizable, due to wooden placards with a name of a city visible on the dashboard. For example, in Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side, you may spot a minibus with a “French Quarter” sign sitting on the dashboard. A 10-to-15-minute bus ride from Philipsburg to the French Quarter costs $2 (€2) per person. Once there, you can disembark and locate a bus heading in the direction of Marigot, the capital of the French side.
As a general rule of thumb, if you are riding the bus for more than or equal to 10 minutes, then you will pay $2. If you use the bus for only a short distance, then you can simply pay the driver $1.
Dollars and Euros are both accepted, and the buses use a 1-to-1 currency ratio.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
Ports of Entry:
Southeast coast - Phillipsburg
South Coast - Simpson Bay
Facts
One of the northern Leeward Islands, this small island is shared between two nations. The southern third (Sint Maarten), is now an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the northern part (St Martin), belongs to the French départment of Guadeloupe.Since becoming an autonomous country, Sint Maarten now has a new flag (red over blue with a white triangle at the halyard).Sint Maarten has a population of 40,120 with the most populated areas being Lower Prince’s Quarter (north of Philipsburg), followed closely by Cul de Sac.The official languages are English and Dutch. Spanish, Creole, Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) and French are also spoken.Netherlands Antillean Guilder or florin is used as currency. For specifics see General Info.Time zone in Sint Maarten (GMT-4). For specifics see General Info.The island has a tropical marine climate with steady northeast trade winds and moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 150 cm/year; hurricane season stretches from July to November. For specifics see Weather, below, for more info.Sint Maarten is more developed than St Martin and cruising attractions include great restaurants, beach bars, white sand beaches, rainforests, coral reefs, and a fascinating colonial history.This is a duty-free island, so prices are competitive and parts and spares are easily imported. The island has skilled marine tradesmen and a large number of marinas, boatyards and chandleries with most major services found on this side of the lagoon. See Yachting Essentials for more details.Both sides of the island use the IALA-B (green to port) buoyage system.
Sint Maarten has a mild tropical climate, with steady easterly trade winds. July to November is the rainy season, while December to June is dry, although conditions vary little, June to November being the hurricane season.
The St Maarten Cruiser’s Net can be heard at 0730 on VHF Channel 10, Mon-Sat, beginning transmission with a marine weather report.
Weather and other information are broadcast on Mike’s (Shrimpy’s) Net, Monday to Saturday on VHF Channel 10 at 0730.
At 0900 Island 92 (91.9 FM) broadcasts a comprehensive marine weather forecast and overall synopsis, repeated at 12 noon.
Phillipsburg:
General Info
Description:
Philipsburg is at the centre of Great Bay on Sint Maarten’s SE corner.
Sint Maarten Port Authority has now put in a buoyed channel for marine traffic in Great Bay. It goes to and from the Captain Hodge Wharf and to the marinas in the NE of the Bay. The seaside entrance to the channel has red and green flashing lights and there is a max draft of 7 feet.
Clearance:
Clearance for cruisers no longer takes place at the cruise ship terminal. Instead, there is a new immigration office at Bobby’s Marina. Open 08:00 -12:00 on weekends and 08:00 – 16:00 weekdays. It is a small light green building at the end of a short pier hidden inside the marina. It is identified from the water with a large red sign that says “Immigration.”
Docking
There are two marinas in Philipsburg, Great Bay Marina and Bobby’s Marina. Clearance for cruisers takes place at Bobby’s marina (see Clearance section).
Boats that do not wish to use a marina may anchor in Great Bay, although the recent construction of a large cruise ship dock has somewhat restricted the space. It is a busy bay with many jet skis, so it’s advisable to anchor some distance out if you don’t want to be bothered by them. It can sometimes be quite rolly here. Water and fuel are reasonable and easy to get at Bobby’s Marina, where there is a dinghy dock up a little creek next to the marina.
No anchoring is permitted inside the new buoyed channel. Both the channel and the anchorages are “no-wake” zones.
There is an anchoring charge here of approx. $4 a day.
Simpson Bay
General Info
Description:
Simpson Bay Lagoon is a 12 square mile inland lagoon on Saint Martin which is connected to the Caribbean Sea by two small channels spanned by lift bridges; one is in the north-west and flows into Baie Nettlé in St Martin (Sandy Ground Bridge) and the other is in the south-east and flows into Simpson Bay in Sint Maarten (Simpson Bay Bridge). The French-Dutch border runs across the centre of the lagoon.
There are two small islands in the lagoon: the larger, Grand Ilet is in the French region of Saint Martin and Little Key, is on the Dutch Sint Maarten side. Much of the island’s maritime infrastructure is found in the bay, and Princess Juliana International Airport lies close to the lagoon’s southern shore. The bay is serviced by more than half a dozen marinas and also has mooring balls and good places to anchor.
Yachting Essentials
Electricity:
Dutch Sint Maarten: The electricity runs at 110 volts at 60 cycles, and outlets will accept the standard two and three-pronged plugs found in the USA.
French St. Martin: Voltage runs at 220 volts at 60 cycles and outlets use the Standard European two cylinder plugs.
Water:
The island’s drinking water is supplied by desalination plants so there is typically a small charge for it. One marina posts rates of $0.15 per gal. (3.78L).
Fuel:
There are fuel docks at Cole Bay, Phillipsburg, and the marinas in Simpson Bay.
LPG / Gas:
Budget Marine offers gas or propane bottle refill service every Wednesday. Bottles should be dropped before 9:00 am and picked up before 5:00 pm. Gas King fills bottles on the spot and is open daily. Island Water World and Palapa Marina also offer filling services.
Dinghies/RIBs:
The Coast Guard of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba may check dinghies to ensure they have the following items on board: an anchor, lights, lifejackets and the driver may be asked to show a copy of a Captain’s license.
Money
The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG). One guilder is divided into 100 cents.
The official currency on the French side is Euros.
Communications
Calling Sint Maarten from an international destination: dial 1 + 721 + local phone number
Cellular phones – There are several digital cell phone systems in place. Telcel and UTS (Chippie) on the Dutch side have GSM services. The French side has GSM services through Orange (France Telecom) and Amigo (Dauphin). You need a triband GSM phone and a SIM card of the local provider for using these services. Buying a prepaid phone card is easy. Many shops, supermarkets and gas stations sell pre-paid phone cards for the Dutch side providers. All networks cover both sides of the island.
Cruiser Highlights:
Calm water; large cruising community; yachting infrastructure; provisioning; fuel; water; marinas; access to airport; restaurants and bars. Helpful local businesses that offer almost any kind of service you might need. Countless restaurants, cheap beer and good food.
Entrance Notes or Cautions:
Note bridge times when planning entrance and exit. The narrow channels limit the flow of fresh water into the lagoon and urbanized areas of the lagoon, such as Cole Bay and Marigot, are highly polluted. After an extensive clean-up, there are no longer any hazards to navigation in Simpson Bay or the lagoon that did not exist before Hurricane Irma. Bridge fees need to be paid BEFORE entering the lagoon.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority (SLAC) is responsible for managing the Simpson Bay Lagoon (St. Maarten side) as well as the operation/maintenance of the bridges; collection of fees etc.
SLAC Clearance Office: +1 721 545-3183
SLAC Project Manager: +1 721 520-2147
General Clearance:
After docking in the lagoon skippers should immediately come to the free clearance dinghy dock Simpson Bay Bridge, adjacent to the channel into Simpson Bay Lagoon.
Immigration and Port Clearance are located in the Police Station adjacent the channel into Simpson Bay Lagoon. In high season it is open 08:00-16:00, 7 days a week.
Bring bridge, clearance and mooring fees and your crew list, passports and vessel registration.
Outward Clearance:
Clearance papers are necessary on departure if you are sailing to another island, even a Dutch one. But clearance is not required if sailing across to French St Martin.
Docking
Anchorages
Simpson Bay:
Located outside the large anchorage has a good holding in normal easterly winds but if the wind veers to the south or if there’s a large swell gets the anchorage becomes less calm. Traffic in and out of the lagoon through the Simpson Bay Bridge can be uncomfortable.
Cole Bay:
Close to the marine trades and easy access to town.
Simpson Bay Lagoon: There is a popular anchorage off of Grand Ilet.
Dinghy Docks:
Can be found at Budget Marine, Island Water World, Lagoonies, Electec, Sint Maarten Yacht Club (closed due to damage Feb/Mar 2021), all the marinas, Dinghy Dock Bar (must be customer) and police dock by the bridge (open till 6pm).
Security:
Locked dinghy and outboard thefts continue to be a problem in the lagoon, particularly on the French side. Be sure to lift and chain and lock your dinghy and outboard at night and sleep with your doors and hatches locked. See Security.
Marinas:
Many marinas are targeted to the megayacht sector, but some including Port de Plaisance cater to cruisers.
Bridge Opening Times.
Simpson Bay Bridge (Dutch side)
This is the main access into and out of Simpson Bay Lagoon from the Dutch side of the island. The bridge is located in Simpson Bay and will accommodate vessels up to a maximum beam of 56 feet (17 meters) and a maximum draft of 17 feet (6 meters). Wide beamed vessels must request pilotage.
When the bridge is closed there is 8.6 feet (2.6 meters) clearance in the port channel and 8 feet (2.4 meters) clearance in the starboard channel. Note: Clearance may vary depending on the state of the tide.
Special bridge openings available upon request, just hail the bridge on VHF Channel 12. Be sure to motor through the bridge briskly as they prefer not to have it open too long.
Simpson Bay Bridge hours:
08.30 hrs – Outbound09.30 hrs – Inbound10.30 hrs – Outbound11.30 hrs – Inbound15.00 hrs – Inbound16.00 hrs – Outbound17.00 hrs – Inbound
Simpson Bay Causeway Bridge
This cross-lagoon causeway bridge is at the head of the Simpson Bay Inlet. The causeway runs from the north of Yacht Club Port de Plaisance to the airport runway. It has a maximum clearance of 28 feet. Vessels with a mast height of more than 28 feet are restricted to the opening centre part of the causeway which will act as a swing bridge.
Vessels transiting the lagoon should stay within the marked channel.
There is a 3mph speed limit for all vessels using the access channel, and within the lagoon, all marinas and yacht anchorages are deemed “no wake zones”.
Most seasons the bridges open six times during the day in order to handle the vessels that make use of several marinas in the Simpson Bay Lagoon.
Simpson Bay Causeway Bridge hours:In and Outbound Traffic: 0800, 1000, and 1530 (each opening is for traffic both ways).
For information call Bridge Operator on VHF Ch 12
Transport:
Car Rental
The island is well serviced by both internationally known companies such as Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Budget and Avis and numerous local firms.
Airport
Princess Juliana International Airport (also known as Saint Martin International Airport) serves the Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin. The airport is perhaps best known for very low-altitude flyover landing approaches due to one end of its runway being extremely close to the shore and Maho Beach.
There is a bus stop right outside the Terminal so you do not have to take an expensive taxi ($20 to Simpson Bay). The bus is $2.50 all the way to Phillipsburg.
Alternatively, you can collect your crew by dinghy. The small marina which houses the Pink Iguana and Crazy Cow sometimes permit dinghy landing. Ask permission in the Crazy Cow, or Pink Iguana if it’s open. Dinghies can also be left on the old Customs dock close to the runway.
There is also an airport on the French side of the island, called Aéroport de Grand Case or L’Espérance Airport. This is used for local and regional flights only.
Buses
The minibus system here is simple and cheap. Minibuses are easily recognizable, due to wooden placards with a name of a city visible on the dashboard. For example, in Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side, you may spot a minibus with a “French Quarter” sign sitting on the dashboard. A 10-to-15-minute bus ride from Philipsburg to the French Quarter costs $2 (€2) per person. Once there, you can disembark and locate a bus heading in the direction of Marigot, the capital of the French side.
As a general rule of thumb, if you are riding the bus for more than or equal to 10 minutes, then you will pay $2. If you use the bus for only a short distance, then you can simply pay the driver $1.
Dollars and Euros are both accepted, and the buses use a 1-to-1 currency ratio.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
America.Rides.Maps
last year
St. Bart’s
Ports of Entry:
West coast - Gustavia
Description:
Gustavia is in a U-shaped cove facing the harbour on the west west coast of the island. The town surrounds the harbor. Berths for about 100 yachts in total. There is water, showers, toilets, power, WiFi and garbage disposal at the yacht dock.
Saint Barthélemy, commonly known as St Barts is located in the northern group of the Leeward Islands, in the West Indies.The island lies about 35 kilometres (22 mi) south-east of the Dutch islands of Sint Maarten and north-east of Saba, Sint Eustatius and the independent country of Saint Kitts and Nevis.The island has a population of just under 10,000.French is the official languageOfficial currency is the Euro.The island is linked administratively to St Martin and both are now an Outermost Regions (OMR) of France and, therefore, part of the European Union.The picturesque harbor of Gustavia is a favorite port of call for cruising sailors who come here to provision their boats with duty-free goods.Only basic repair facilities are available. For other supplies see the Yachting Essentials section.
Docking
This is a well-protected harbor, but in winter can be subject to some swell.
Anchoring and Mooring Balls:
It is possible to anchor in the outer harbor, or you may find a mooring buoy available in the inner harbor.
Anchoring and mooring is not free but is affordable. The fee structure is based on length of boat and length of stay and there are high and low season rates (HS & LS), to be paid in Euros upon departure.
Berthing:
Boats can also more stern-to on the inner quay, but this is most expensive option.
In addition, there are daily marine park fees.
There is water, showers, toilets, power, WiFi and garbage disposal at the yacht dock. This is an expensive place to berth, but worth a visit.
http://www.portdegustavia.fr/
General Clearance:
The Port Authority should be contacted on VHF Channel 12, two hours prior to arrival. Yachts anchor or moor in the pleasure port in the center of town, separate from the commercial harbor. Proceed ashore to the Port Captain’s office with papers and passports. Third party insurance is occasionally requested.
The Harbour Master’s office is open every day from 07:00 to 18:00.
If staying 24hrs, clearing in and out can be completed at the same time.
Clearance
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
Advance Notification:
It is possible to provide Clearance information up to 24 hours before your arrival at the Port of Gustavia via the Port Authority’s online Clearance Form.
General Process:
Contact Port Control on VHF Channel 12.
Clearance procedures including Customs and Immigration formalities can be undertaken directly at Port Captain’s office in Gustavia. Here you will be directed to the computer. If you have already done the advance arrival online, inform the Customs officer you have already completed it.
Only the vessel’s captain is able to deal with clearance formalities.
Note: Departure paperwork from your last port (Zarpe) is required to clear-in. If coming from the USVI an exit zarpe is not normally issued, but be sure to request one so you don’t run into problems with the St. Barts officials.
When going from the French side of St. Martin to St. Barts, no outgoing clearance is necessary (the St. Martin clearance software doesn’t even have an entry for St. Barts as a destination) or possible. Boats must clear into St. Barts as normal, but this is more a way for them to control boat traffic.
When leaving St. Barts an outgoing clearance is always necessary, even when departing for St. Martin.
http://www.portdegustavia.fr/
Immigration
Visitors must have a passport valid for at least three months after your departure date.
St Barthelemy is part of France and the European Union and immigration requirements are now the same.
For information see the France-Visas website.
If a visa is required, note that the visa application must specify “France + St Barthelemy ” or “DFA” (French Departments in the Americas).
Because of the duty-free status of St Barts, visa regulations are less strictly enforced than on Guadeloupe or Martinique.
All enquires concerning immigration to Saint-Barthélemy, should be directed by email to the National Gendarmerie at: bta.st-barthelemy@gendarmerie.interieur.gouv.fr
Customs
Items for personal use are admitted without tax if not in excessive quantity.
For other items, including firearms, French regulations apply.
BioSecurity
COVID-19:Since 1 August, 2022, all Covid-related entry restrictions have been lifted.
Fees
Port dues are payable in the main harbour of Gustavia and they are collected by a roving harbour patrol. The daily fees depend on length and location, being lowest if anchoring in the outer harbour, higher in the inner harbour and if coming stern-to the quay. One is charged per night of stay depending on the length of boat.
Cruisers June 2022 report an anchoring fee of $15/night anywhere near Gustavia, or $4/night in the marine parks (yacht length 35 feet). Payable upon the required in-person checkout at the office.
Contact Gustavia Harbor Master’s Office for the latest charges:
Phone : (+590) 590 27 66 97
Email: port.de.gustavia@wanadoo.fr
Restrictions
Anchoring is not permitted in Baie St Jean. Water-skiing or jet-skiing is prohibited within 350 meters of any beach. No water sports, fishing or diving are allowed inside Gustavia harbor. The use of barbecues is prohibited on boats docked at the quay.
The speed limit in the channel is 3 knots (including tenders).
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
Ports of Entry:
West coast - Gustavia
Description:
Gustavia is in a U-shaped cove facing the harbour on the west west coast of the island. The town surrounds the harbor. Berths for about 100 yachts in total. There is water, showers, toilets, power, WiFi and garbage disposal at the yacht dock.
Saint Barthélemy, commonly known as St Barts is located in the northern group of the Leeward Islands, in the West Indies.The island lies about 35 kilometres (22 mi) south-east of the Dutch islands of Sint Maarten and north-east of Saba, Sint Eustatius and the independent country of Saint Kitts and Nevis.The island has a population of just under 10,000.French is the official languageOfficial currency is the Euro.The island is linked administratively to St Martin and both are now an Outermost Regions (OMR) of France and, therefore, part of the European Union.The picturesque harbor of Gustavia is a favorite port of call for cruising sailors who come here to provision their boats with duty-free goods.Only basic repair facilities are available. For other supplies see the Yachting Essentials section.
Docking
This is a well-protected harbor, but in winter can be subject to some swell.
Anchoring and Mooring Balls:
It is possible to anchor in the outer harbor, or you may find a mooring buoy available in the inner harbor.
Anchoring and mooring is not free but is affordable. The fee structure is based on length of boat and length of stay and there are high and low season rates (HS & LS), to be paid in Euros upon departure.
Berthing:
Boats can also more stern-to on the inner quay, but this is most expensive option.
In addition, there are daily marine park fees.
There is water, showers, toilets, power, WiFi and garbage disposal at the yacht dock. This is an expensive place to berth, but worth a visit.
http://www.portdegustavia.fr/
General Clearance:
The Port Authority should be contacted on VHF Channel 12, two hours prior to arrival. Yachts anchor or moor in the pleasure port in the center of town, separate from the commercial harbor. Proceed ashore to the Port Captain’s office with papers and passports. Third party insurance is occasionally requested.
The Harbour Master’s office is open every day from 07:00 to 18:00.
If staying 24hrs, clearing in and out can be completed at the same time.
Clearance
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
Advance Notification:
It is possible to provide Clearance information up to 24 hours before your arrival at the Port of Gustavia via the Port Authority’s online Clearance Form.
General Process:
Contact Port Control on VHF Channel 12.
Clearance procedures including Customs and Immigration formalities can be undertaken directly at Port Captain’s office in Gustavia. Here you will be directed to the computer. If you have already done the advance arrival online, inform the Customs officer you have already completed it.
Only the vessel’s captain is able to deal with clearance formalities.
Note: Departure paperwork from your last port (Zarpe) is required to clear-in. If coming from the USVI an exit zarpe is not normally issued, but be sure to request one so you don’t run into problems with the St. Barts officials.
When going from the French side of St. Martin to St. Barts, no outgoing clearance is necessary (the St. Martin clearance software doesn’t even have an entry for St. Barts as a destination) or possible. Boats must clear into St. Barts as normal, but this is more a way for them to control boat traffic.
When leaving St. Barts an outgoing clearance is always necessary, even when departing for St. Martin.
http://www.portdegustavia.fr/
Immigration
Visitors must have a passport valid for at least three months after your departure date.
St Barthelemy is part of France and the European Union and immigration requirements are now the same.
For information see the France-Visas website.
If a visa is required, note that the visa application must specify “France + St Barthelemy ” or “DFA” (French Departments in the Americas).
Because of the duty-free status of St Barts, visa regulations are less strictly enforced than on Guadeloupe or Martinique.
All enquires concerning immigration to Saint-Barthélemy, should be directed by email to the National Gendarmerie at: bta.st-barthelemy@gendarmerie.interieur.gouv.fr
Customs
Items for personal use are admitted without tax if not in excessive quantity.
For other items, including firearms, French regulations apply.
BioSecurity
COVID-19:Since 1 August, 2022, all Covid-related entry restrictions have been lifted.
Fees
Port dues are payable in the main harbour of Gustavia and they are collected by a roving harbour patrol. The daily fees depend on length and location, being lowest if anchoring in the outer harbour, higher in the inner harbour and if coming stern-to the quay. One is charged per night of stay depending on the length of boat.
Cruisers June 2022 report an anchoring fee of $15/night anywhere near Gustavia, or $4/night in the marine parks (yacht length 35 feet). Payable upon the required in-person checkout at the office.
Contact Gustavia Harbor Master’s Office for the latest charges:
Phone : (+590) 590 27 66 97
Email: port.de.gustavia@wanadoo.fr
Restrictions
Anchoring is not permitted in Baie St Jean. Water-skiing or jet-skiing is prohibited within 350 meters of any beach. No water sports, fishing or diving are allowed inside Gustavia harbor. The use of barbecues is prohibited on boats docked at the quay.
The speed limit in the channel is 3 knots (including tenders).
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
America.Rides.Maps
last year
Statia
Ports of Entry -
West coast - Oranjestad
General Info
Description:
Oranjestad lies in the southwestern coast of the island. The old part of the town is well restored and has many attractive houses from its colonial past.
Cruisers report that this is an interesting, safe and friendly island with much less traffic than St. Martin, however, there are currently no moorings for yachts.
Statia welcomed its first (small) cruise ship in December 2012. The Lower Town pier has been extended and commercial traffic relocated.
Facts
St Eustatius is now part of the Netherlands and known as Statia (pronounced “STAY-SHA”).The island lies north of St Kitts in the Leeward Island chain and is just 5 miles long and 2.5 miles wide.The population of Statia is just under 4,000. The official language is Dutch, though English is spoken and school and used widely. An English-based Creole is also spoken.The US dollar is the official currency.Statia is in Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).Weather is Statia is dry and sunny with light SE trades. For more info see the weather.The only anchorage is off the main village of Oranjestad, in Oranje Baai. The swell usually makes itself felt.Services are quite basic. For more info. see Yachting Essentials.
Entrance Notes and Cautions:
If entering at night, cruisers recommend heading straight for the weak (3)15s white leading light on top of the old fort. This is difficult to make out against the street lights. Keep the Green Fl. buoy to starboard. It marks the end of the commercial pier and keeps you safely away from two big unlit cans South of it.
There are no mooring balls available for visiting yachts. Mooring balls near the harbour are either private (which will not hold the weight of a yacht) or dive-only moorings. All yachts coming in must anchor in the zone designated on the map.
Clearance
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
General Process:
Clearance is reported to be easy and straightforward.
On arrival proceed to Oranjestad, the Port of Entry, with the Q and courtesy flags flying. See Oranjestad for anchoring details.
Call St Eustatius Seaport on VHF Channel 16 with your notice of arrival.
Once you receive clearance to come on-island, take your dinghy to the main pier (on the right hand side as you enter the harbour), and pass through Customs and immigration.
Customs and Immigration are based in 3 modified white containers at the head of the main town dock (see the large “Customs” sign). The office is normally open 08:00-16:00, although there is often someone around out of hours. The Port Authority is next door.
See Fees.
CLEARING OUT
You can now clear out up to 24-hours before departure.
Documents
Necessary Documents for Statia:Passport for each passenger/ crew memberShip’s documentsPassenger and Crew ListClearance from your last port of call
Fees
There are no clearance fees with Customs and Immigration.
Port Authority: Harbour fee US$35
Statia Marine Park: US$10 per day (US$30 per week) includes the use of a buoy. Pay at the Marine Park office.
Immigration
Immigration Procedure:
Passports are required for all visitors.
Although Statia is now a municipality of the Netherlands, it is not part of the European Union nor part of the Schengen Agreement Area.
Visas are not required for citizens of most western and northern European countries as well Australia, New Zealand and Canada, for visits of up to 90 days.
Dutch and American citizens can visit for up to 6 months in a 12 month period.
For Customs and Immigration proceed to the Harbour Office (open Monday-Friday: 09:30 to 15:30, weekends: close at 11:00) for paperwork and registration. Contact on VHF ch. 14.
There is a phone located outside the office to notify the officials you need clearance.
Customs
Arriving by Yacht:
Check in with customs on arrival. There are no fees.
Other items:
Statia is no longer a duty-free port.
Allowances apply for the importation and exportation of tobacco (200 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 125g of loose tobacco) and alcohol (1L of spirits, 1L of liquor with less than 22% alcohol by volume, 2L of wine and 8L of beer).
Docking
Anchoring:
There are no mooring balls available for visiting yachts. Mooring balls near the harbour are either private (which will not hold the weight of a yacht) or dive-only moorings. All yachts coming in must anchor in the zone designated on the map.
The anchorage at Oranje Baai is reasonably safe except in really disturbed weather or when there is a strong northerly swell. Anchoring behind the breakwater will give protection from a southerly swell with good holding in a sandy bottom.
Do not anchor within 30 m (100 ft) of any mooring or regulatory buoy.
If in doubt where to anchor, call the Marine Park on VHF 17/16.
There is a Marine Park yacht fee of $10/night or $30/week – payable at the harbor office.
Some mooring balls are used by local boats and one has a floating fish cage attached to it.
Getting ashore:
There is a new concrete dinghy dock, however, swell can be a problem here (and impossible in a northerly) and a stern anchor should always be used. Dinghies can tuck inside the main pier, however, it’s not permitted to lock your dinghy here as the Harbour Master needs to be able to move it when required for ferries and workboats to have access.
Ashore:
There are toilets and showers at the Marine Park office, just up the road from the pier. The office is officially open Monday-Thursday: 0800 – 1700, and Friday: 0800 – 1600, although cruisers have reported that hours tend to be more like 09:30 to 15:30. Payment for your mooring should be made here.
Golden Rock Dive Center is located a few steps away from the dinghy dock. They can provide water (discounted if you dive with them). There is a restaurant also next to the dock.
Rules:You must wear a face mask when passing through Customs and Immigration and at all times on the City pier.No cleaning of hulls permitted in the marine park.No fishing in the marine park or reserve.Diving only allowed under supervision from the local dive schools.
BioSecurity
COVID-19: OPEN
Yachting Protocols:
October 2022May 11th, 2022, Statia lifted all existing travel requirements.The EHAS form, pre-arrival and post-arrival testing are no longer required.Clearance procedures have reverted to normal.
Yachting Essentials
Water
Water must be boiled before drinking.
Fuel
Available by jerry can.
Repairs
Engine and some mechanical repairs are possible.
Provisions
There are several supermarkets in Oranjestad.
Money
Netherlands Antilles guilders or florins.
It is tied to the US dollar at a fixed rate of $US1 = NAFL 1.80.
Communications
International Dialing Code for Statia is +599.
Mobile phone:
Not compatible with GSM handsets but some US handsets can be used. Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies.
Internet: Public access is available in the library.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
Ports of Entry -
West coast - Oranjestad
General Info
Description:
Oranjestad lies in the southwestern coast of the island. The old part of the town is well restored and has many attractive houses from its colonial past.
Cruisers report that this is an interesting, safe and friendly island with much less traffic than St. Martin, however, there are currently no moorings for yachts.
Statia welcomed its first (small) cruise ship in December 2012. The Lower Town pier has been extended and commercial traffic relocated.
Facts
St Eustatius is now part of the Netherlands and known as Statia (pronounced “STAY-SHA”).The island lies north of St Kitts in the Leeward Island chain and is just 5 miles long and 2.5 miles wide.The population of Statia is just under 4,000. The official language is Dutch, though English is spoken and school and used widely. An English-based Creole is also spoken.The US dollar is the official currency.Statia is in Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).Weather is Statia is dry and sunny with light SE trades. For more info see the weather.The only anchorage is off the main village of Oranjestad, in Oranje Baai. The swell usually makes itself felt.Services are quite basic. For more info. see Yachting Essentials.
Entrance Notes and Cautions:
If entering at night, cruisers recommend heading straight for the weak (3)15s white leading light on top of the old fort. This is difficult to make out against the street lights. Keep the Green Fl. buoy to starboard. It marks the end of the commercial pier and keeps you safely away from two big unlit cans South of it.
There are no mooring balls available for visiting yachts. Mooring balls near the harbour are either private (which will not hold the weight of a yacht) or dive-only moorings. All yachts coming in must anchor in the zone designated on the map.
Clearance
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
General Process:
Clearance is reported to be easy and straightforward.
On arrival proceed to Oranjestad, the Port of Entry, with the Q and courtesy flags flying. See Oranjestad for anchoring details.
Call St Eustatius Seaport on VHF Channel 16 with your notice of arrival.
Once you receive clearance to come on-island, take your dinghy to the main pier (on the right hand side as you enter the harbour), and pass through Customs and immigration.
Customs and Immigration are based in 3 modified white containers at the head of the main town dock (see the large “Customs” sign). The office is normally open 08:00-16:00, although there is often someone around out of hours. The Port Authority is next door.
See Fees.
CLEARING OUT
You can now clear out up to 24-hours before departure.
Documents
Necessary Documents for Statia:Passport for each passenger/ crew memberShip’s documentsPassenger and Crew ListClearance from your last port of call
Fees
There are no clearance fees with Customs and Immigration.
Port Authority: Harbour fee US$35
Statia Marine Park: US$10 per day (US$30 per week) includes the use of a buoy. Pay at the Marine Park office.
Immigration
Immigration Procedure:
Passports are required for all visitors.
Although Statia is now a municipality of the Netherlands, it is not part of the European Union nor part of the Schengen Agreement Area.
Visas are not required for citizens of most western and northern European countries as well Australia, New Zealand and Canada, for visits of up to 90 days.
Dutch and American citizens can visit for up to 6 months in a 12 month period.
For Customs and Immigration proceed to the Harbour Office (open Monday-Friday: 09:30 to 15:30, weekends: close at 11:00) for paperwork and registration. Contact on VHF ch. 14.
There is a phone located outside the office to notify the officials you need clearance.
Customs
Arriving by Yacht:
Check in with customs on arrival. There are no fees.
Other items:
Statia is no longer a duty-free port.
Allowances apply for the importation and exportation of tobacco (200 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 125g of loose tobacco) and alcohol (1L of spirits, 1L of liquor with less than 22% alcohol by volume, 2L of wine and 8L of beer).
Docking
Anchoring:
There are no mooring balls available for visiting yachts. Mooring balls near the harbour are either private (which will not hold the weight of a yacht) or dive-only moorings. All yachts coming in must anchor in the zone designated on the map.
The anchorage at Oranje Baai is reasonably safe except in really disturbed weather or when there is a strong northerly swell. Anchoring behind the breakwater will give protection from a southerly swell with good holding in a sandy bottom.
Do not anchor within 30 m (100 ft) of any mooring or regulatory buoy.
If in doubt where to anchor, call the Marine Park on VHF 17/16.
There is a Marine Park yacht fee of $10/night or $30/week – payable at the harbor office.
Some mooring balls are used by local boats and one has a floating fish cage attached to it.
Getting ashore:
There is a new concrete dinghy dock, however, swell can be a problem here (and impossible in a northerly) and a stern anchor should always be used. Dinghies can tuck inside the main pier, however, it’s not permitted to lock your dinghy here as the Harbour Master needs to be able to move it when required for ferries and workboats to have access.
Ashore:
There are toilets and showers at the Marine Park office, just up the road from the pier. The office is officially open Monday-Thursday: 0800 – 1700, and Friday: 0800 – 1600, although cruisers have reported that hours tend to be more like 09:30 to 15:30. Payment for your mooring should be made here.
Golden Rock Dive Center is located a few steps away from the dinghy dock. They can provide water (discounted if you dive with them). There is a restaurant also next to the dock.
Rules:You must wear a face mask when passing through Customs and Immigration and at all times on the City pier.No cleaning of hulls permitted in the marine park.No fishing in the marine park or reserve.Diving only allowed under supervision from the local dive schools.
BioSecurity
COVID-19: OPEN
Yachting Protocols:
October 2022May 11th, 2022, Statia lifted all existing travel requirements.The EHAS form, pre-arrival and post-arrival testing are no longer required.Clearance procedures have reverted to normal.
Yachting Essentials
Water
Water must be boiled before drinking.
Fuel
Available by jerry can.
Repairs
Engine and some mechanical repairs are possible.
Provisions
There are several supermarkets in Oranjestad.
Money
Netherlands Antilles guilders or florins.
It is tied to the US dollar at a fixed rate of $US1 = NAFL 1.80.
Communications
International Dialing Code for Statia is +599.
Mobile phone:
Not compatible with GSM handsets but some US handsets can be used. Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies.
Internet: Public access is available in the library.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
America.Rides.Maps
last year
St Lucia
Wayne’s Observations -
Ports of Entry -
Northwest coast - Castries
Northwest / Central coast - Marigot Bay
*Northwest tip - Rodney Bay
West coast / central - Soufriere
Vieux Fort
Castries:
St Lucia’s main port for commercial and cruise ship traffic. It is located on the northwest coast. It has a duty-free shopping center. Whilst Castries Harbour does have Customs officials, it is a commercial port and not geared towards yachts. Therefore it is easier to clear through Rodney Bay or Marigot. Customs and Immigration officials are available during office hours. Officials insist that yachts entering the harbor come directly to the Customs’ dock (if there is no room, anchor east of the Customs buoy). It is wise not to ignore this directive as a fine could be incurred.
Yachts can anchor in front of Castries Town or in Vigie Creek. See comments at bottom of the page from cruisers who have tried anchoring off Castries town – the bottom is reported to be very foul.
Vigie Creek (near GFL Charles Airport)
The facilities at Vigie are somewhat run down but basic yacht repair and replenishment facilities may be available. There is little space here however for anchoring and it can be rolly in northerly swells.
Castries Harbour
The main advantage of the Harbour anchorage is its close proximity to the capital of St Lucia. Note that there may be up to five cruise ships in port and anchoring may not be suitable during busy cruise ship periods.
When entering Castries Harbour, it is necessary to avoid the shoal that extends to the west of Tapion Peak. Vigie Hill has a light that flashes twice every 10 seconds, allowing you to easily identify the harbor at night.
Marigot Bay:
Marigot Bay is located mid-way along the NW coast of Saint Lucia. It lies approximately 3.4 miles to the SSW of Castries Harbour. It is a small inlet almost completely invisible from the sea until you are almost upon it.
James A Michener, the US Novelist, is famously quoted as describing it as “The Most Beautiful Bay in the Caribbean”, it is also a historic landmark has played a roll in a number of battles between the French and Royal Navy. Legend has it that a British admiral hid his fleet from the French here by tucking themselves inside the bay and tying palm fronds to their masts to camouflage them.
It is famed as the setting for the 1967 film version of Hugh Lofting’s classic Doctor Dolittle books, which starred Rex Harrison and Anthony Newley. The bay is used for the scenes involving the shipwreck, the fictional Great Pink Sea Snail and the construction of the harness for the Giant Lunar Moth.
Consequently, Marigot is the most visited bay on St. Lucia and popular with tourists, excursion boats and yachts alike.
When watching for the entrance, keep an eye open for the prominent house with the bright red roof on the cliff top at the southern entrance. The channel is lit with port and starboard markers (IALA B – American buoyage system – red right returning).
This port is a well known hurricane hole.
Clearance
Marigot Harbour is an official Port of Entry for Saint Lucia. The Customs and Immigration Office is located in the Marina Village. Remember you are now on Caribbean time, so don’t expect officers to be punctual. Opening time is listed as 8 am, however, it’s unlikely all officials will be present at that time. Cruisers have reported that if you arrive on a Sunday after Customs has closed (4 pm), it is perfectly fine to wait and clear in on Monday morning in order to avoid overtime rates.
Docking - Marigot Harbour is a completely sheltered anchorage and one of the best hurricane holes in the region.
Anchoring
It is possible to anchor in the outer bay outside of the channel near the entrance to the bay. The outer anchorage can be busy with numerous tourist boats and hotel guests in sailing dinghies. It can also get very crowded with yachts anchoring, so a watch is recommended.
Marina & Mooring Buoys
The marina and resort located in Marigot’s inner bay were taken over by Capella Hotels and Resorts in 2013. Hurricane season berthing is offered and the marina promotes itself as an exclusive superyacht facility.
Mooring buoys are provided by the marina in the inner bay. The nightly charge does include the use of the hotel facilities, which are very nice, although prices are not cheap. Pay at the marina office once you are tied up.
It is likely a number of small boats will approach you as you enter offering to help with mooring. One of these may well be from the marina mooring field in the inner bay. Others may be touting unofficial mooring balls, so take care.
Cruiser Notes or Cautions:
Incidents of theft and attempted theft, at night and when owners are ashore or away from the boat, have been reported over the past few years and continue to be reported to both CSSN and noonsite (see reports adjacent).
It is recommended you remove all unsecured items of value from the deck/cockpit before entering the bay, and keep a record of serial numbers/photos stored in a secure place for purposes of investigation and proof of ownership should a theft occur. Be sure to properly secure all hatches and doors when leaving the boat unattended or asleep, hide all valuables, and secure your dingy and outboard at all times.
Rodney Bay:
Description:
Rodney Bay is situated on the northwest coast of St Lucia and is a popular holiday and yachting center. It is also the home of the ARC Finish Line and always very crowded with yachts in December. Rodney Bay is the yachting center of Saint Lucia. The bay is over a 1.6 kms (one mile) long with a man-made causeway at the northern end that connects Pigeon Island to the mainland.
Cruiser Highlights:
Cruising guides, apps and happy-hour chitchat can all be good sources of information for sailors in the Caribbean. Tune into the St. Lucia Cruiser Net at 08:30 on VHF Channel 68, Monday to Saturday.
Entrance Notes or Cautions:
Regular dredging keeps the entrance to the lagoon at a depth of approximately 13 ft (4 m).
Security
Thefts of dinghies and outboards from yachts at anchor continue to be reported here. Be sure to “lift it and lock it, or risk losing it” at all times. Don’t leave loose items in a secured dinghy as it’s likely they will be stolen. Attempted break-ins are also common.
Basically, if you don’t lock it here, it will most probably be stolen.
Clearance:
General Clearance:
All yachts must contact the dockmaster on VHF Channel 16 upon approaching the marina at which point a slip will be assigned. There is no docking charge if only coming to clear.
On arrival, the captain must go to the marina building and report to Health/Quarantine on the ground floor, Customs and Immigration upstairs (open 08:00-12:00, 13:00-16:30 every day including Sunday, except Friday when it is open until 18:00).
The crew must not disembark until formalities have been completed. There is no docking charge if only coming to clear.
Anchoring:
Anchoring is possible off Reduit Beach, Gros Islet or Pigeon Point and the Marina is the most convenient port of entry into Saint Lucia. Dinghy and outboard theft is prevalent in these anchorages, so be sure to haul your dinghy and outboard out of the water and lock them to the boat at night.
There is very limited or no anchoring possible in the lagoon.
There is a dinghy pontoon near the town where a helpful local will keep an eye on your dinghy for a few EC. Be sure to tip when you come back to your dinghy.
Moorings:
Within the bay is a large, completely protected inner lagoon, accessed via a narrow channel. This lagoon – known as Rodney Bay Marina – is dredged to 13ft (4 meters) in the main channel and at the main docks, so yachts with a very deep draft should proceed with caution.
Mooring buoys are available in the lagoon next to the marina. A tender service is provided on a request-only basis for owners flying out who need to be transferred to the marina and upon their return. There is no regular tender service; owners should use their dinghies for transfers between their yachts and the marina.
Soufriere:
Description:
Soufriere is a small, rustic, picturesque town, set amid a scenic wonderland dominated by the towering Pitons. When approaching Soufriere Bay from the North, beware of the shoal which extends out from the South side of Anse Chastanet.
The whole area between Anse Cochon and Gros Piton is part of the Soufriere Marine Management Area (SMMA) and anchoring is strictly controlled to preserve the underwater coral reefs.
Entrance Notes or Cautions:
Security:
This bay has a history of yacht break-ins and burglaries. Security over the years has been questionable, however, following an attack on a yacht by a group of youths in October 2017 the bay is now patrolled at night, much of the time in a coordinated way, between the SMMA officers and the police. Unfortunately boardings do continue however, the latest in February 2020 when a solo sailor was boarded by 3 armed men, assaulted and robbed. See Security reports for details.
In 2018 security at the dinghy dock was improved by moving the security gate and adding security cameras and security wardens who are in place from 9 am to 5 pm. Additional lighting has also been installed and a motion sensing light on the way. The Soufriere Dock Master can be reached on VHF 16 and contact is encouraged for those entering the bay.
Visit this area with due diligence however and if going ashore or leaving the boat at any time, keep a watchman on board (it is possible to speak with locals and hire a watchman).
Dinghy and outboard thefts continue to be a problem and it is vital to lift, lock and secure your dinghy at all times when it is unattended. Do not leave any items on deck or in cockpits that could be easy targets for would be thieves.
Clearance:
Customs are open seven days a week from 08:00-16:30, otherwise, Tel.+1 758 459 5656.
Immigration has moved further down the road and are now opposite the gas station in the area of the main dock.
Unfortunately, the authorities here do not use SailClear (unlike the other Ports of Entry in St. Lucia) so the slow process of filling out paper forms in quadruplicate is still required here.
The whole area between Anse Cochon and Gros Piton is part of the Soufriere Marine Management Area (SMMA) and anchoring is strictly controlled to preserve the underwater coral reefs.
https://www.facebook.com/SMMAInc
Moorings
Moorings have been laid down in Anse Chastanet, just north of Soufrière Bay, off the Hummingbird Beach Resort north of Soufrière town, Malgretout just south of Soufriere and between the Pitons. Although the mooring systems are well maintained by the SMMA, as indicated by a yellow tag on the pick-up line, make sure your buoy is holding the vessel as intended, and that the system is secure.
Important Note: In 2016 the marine park has had some management and finance problems and quite a few moorings have been lost. Locals have put down their own moorings to accommodate visiting yachts, but they are nothing to do with the SMMA and the moorings are of unknown quality/too close together. All the private moorings are right off Soufriere town, If a vendor approaches you to put you on a mooring say you want to be on an SMMA mooring, not a private one. Only give him the tie-up fee.
Fees
The use of the moorings requires a Coral Conservation Permit. The cost of the permit depends on vessel size and length of stay and must be purchased from a uniformed SMMA Ranger. Call SMMA on VHF channel 16 if in doubt.
Permit fees can be found at http://www.smma.org.lc/fee/
There is also a fee of US$2 per person/per day.
Anchoring is forbidden within the SMMA, except in the designated areas for which a permit is required. Anchoring is only permitted during daytime hours of 06:00 to 18:00. Due to the depth, it is necessary to tie off the stern of your boat to a palm tree.
Authorised members of the Soufrière Water Taxi Association will help tie stern lines and are available for all water transfer services. Rates are standard and they also provide watchman services when boat owners are ashore.
Vieux Fort:
Description:
Vieux Fort is located at the extreme southern end of the island by the international airport.
Entrance Notes or Cautions:
Security
Daytime break-ins have been reported from this port for over a decade and continue to be reported (see adjacent). In the past, armed boarders attacked a cruising couple who were anchored overnight, resulting in the death of the British skipper.
It is advisable to avoid using this port.
If you have to come here (and many yachts still do to collect or drop off crew for the airport), be sure to leave people on board at all times, conceal anything of value out of sight, lock everything and do not spend the night.
The Customs officers can be found down by the container terminal. While Immigration officers can often only be found at the airport. Clearance may be completed during office hours on weekdays only; at weekends it is necessary to clear at Hewannora Airport.
Clearance here often involves delays and may well require a wait overnight. This is not a safe port for overnighting following the death of a British cruiser in January 2014 who was trying to defend his wife from armed borders. See report.
This port is best avoided. Use Soufriere instead.
Vieux Fort has anchorages off the town’s commercial ship dock, or beside the Fisheries Complex.
Yachts can also anchor in the newly built “small craft port”, some two cable lengths NW of the commercial dock, behind a massive wave breaker. While landing the dinghy has always been the biggest difficulty, this little harbor has solved the problem.
The port is protected by security and is only one minute walking distance from the center of the town.
There is also an anchorage in the SE corner of the bay.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
Wayne’s Observations -
Ports of Entry -
Northwest coast - Castries
Northwest / Central coast - Marigot Bay
*Northwest tip - Rodney Bay
West coast / central - Soufriere
Vieux Fort
Castries:
St Lucia’s main port for commercial and cruise ship traffic. It is located on the northwest coast. It has a duty-free shopping center. Whilst Castries Harbour does have Customs officials, it is a commercial port and not geared towards yachts. Therefore it is easier to clear through Rodney Bay or Marigot. Customs and Immigration officials are available during office hours. Officials insist that yachts entering the harbor come directly to the Customs’ dock (if there is no room, anchor east of the Customs buoy). It is wise not to ignore this directive as a fine could be incurred.
Yachts can anchor in front of Castries Town or in Vigie Creek. See comments at bottom of the page from cruisers who have tried anchoring off Castries town – the bottom is reported to be very foul.
Vigie Creek (near GFL Charles Airport)
The facilities at Vigie are somewhat run down but basic yacht repair and replenishment facilities may be available. There is little space here however for anchoring and it can be rolly in northerly swells.
Castries Harbour
The main advantage of the Harbour anchorage is its close proximity to the capital of St Lucia. Note that there may be up to five cruise ships in port and anchoring may not be suitable during busy cruise ship periods.
When entering Castries Harbour, it is necessary to avoid the shoal that extends to the west of Tapion Peak. Vigie Hill has a light that flashes twice every 10 seconds, allowing you to easily identify the harbor at night.
Marigot Bay:
Marigot Bay is located mid-way along the NW coast of Saint Lucia. It lies approximately 3.4 miles to the SSW of Castries Harbour. It is a small inlet almost completely invisible from the sea until you are almost upon it.
James A Michener, the US Novelist, is famously quoted as describing it as “The Most Beautiful Bay in the Caribbean”, it is also a historic landmark has played a roll in a number of battles between the French and Royal Navy. Legend has it that a British admiral hid his fleet from the French here by tucking themselves inside the bay and tying palm fronds to their masts to camouflage them.
It is famed as the setting for the 1967 film version of Hugh Lofting’s classic Doctor Dolittle books, which starred Rex Harrison and Anthony Newley. The bay is used for the scenes involving the shipwreck, the fictional Great Pink Sea Snail and the construction of the harness for the Giant Lunar Moth.
Consequently, Marigot is the most visited bay on St. Lucia and popular with tourists, excursion boats and yachts alike.
When watching for the entrance, keep an eye open for the prominent house with the bright red roof on the cliff top at the southern entrance. The channel is lit with port and starboard markers (IALA B – American buoyage system – red right returning).
This port is a well known hurricane hole.
Clearance
Marigot Harbour is an official Port of Entry for Saint Lucia. The Customs and Immigration Office is located in the Marina Village. Remember you are now on Caribbean time, so don’t expect officers to be punctual. Opening time is listed as 8 am, however, it’s unlikely all officials will be present at that time. Cruisers have reported that if you arrive on a Sunday after Customs has closed (4 pm), it is perfectly fine to wait and clear in on Monday morning in order to avoid overtime rates.
Docking - Marigot Harbour is a completely sheltered anchorage and one of the best hurricane holes in the region.
Anchoring
It is possible to anchor in the outer bay outside of the channel near the entrance to the bay. The outer anchorage can be busy with numerous tourist boats and hotel guests in sailing dinghies. It can also get very crowded with yachts anchoring, so a watch is recommended.
Marina & Mooring Buoys
The marina and resort located in Marigot’s inner bay were taken over by Capella Hotels and Resorts in 2013. Hurricane season berthing is offered and the marina promotes itself as an exclusive superyacht facility.
Mooring buoys are provided by the marina in the inner bay. The nightly charge does include the use of the hotel facilities, which are very nice, although prices are not cheap. Pay at the marina office once you are tied up.
It is likely a number of small boats will approach you as you enter offering to help with mooring. One of these may well be from the marina mooring field in the inner bay. Others may be touting unofficial mooring balls, so take care.
Cruiser Notes or Cautions:
Incidents of theft and attempted theft, at night and when owners are ashore or away from the boat, have been reported over the past few years and continue to be reported to both CSSN and noonsite (see reports adjacent).
It is recommended you remove all unsecured items of value from the deck/cockpit before entering the bay, and keep a record of serial numbers/photos stored in a secure place for purposes of investigation and proof of ownership should a theft occur. Be sure to properly secure all hatches and doors when leaving the boat unattended or asleep, hide all valuables, and secure your dingy and outboard at all times.
Rodney Bay:
Description:
Rodney Bay is situated on the northwest coast of St Lucia and is a popular holiday and yachting center. It is also the home of the ARC Finish Line and always very crowded with yachts in December. Rodney Bay is the yachting center of Saint Lucia. The bay is over a 1.6 kms (one mile) long with a man-made causeway at the northern end that connects Pigeon Island to the mainland.
Cruiser Highlights:
Cruising guides, apps and happy-hour chitchat can all be good sources of information for sailors in the Caribbean. Tune into the St. Lucia Cruiser Net at 08:30 on VHF Channel 68, Monday to Saturday.
Entrance Notes or Cautions:
Regular dredging keeps the entrance to the lagoon at a depth of approximately 13 ft (4 m).
Security
Thefts of dinghies and outboards from yachts at anchor continue to be reported here. Be sure to “lift it and lock it, or risk losing it” at all times. Don’t leave loose items in a secured dinghy as it’s likely they will be stolen. Attempted break-ins are also common.
Basically, if you don’t lock it here, it will most probably be stolen.
Clearance:
General Clearance:
All yachts must contact the dockmaster on VHF Channel 16 upon approaching the marina at which point a slip will be assigned. There is no docking charge if only coming to clear.
On arrival, the captain must go to the marina building and report to Health/Quarantine on the ground floor, Customs and Immigration upstairs (open 08:00-12:00, 13:00-16:30 every day including Sunday, except Friday when it is open until 18:00).
The crew must not disembark until formalities have been completed. There is no docking charge if only coming to clear.
Anchoring:
Anchoring is possible off Reduit Beach, Gros Islet or Pigeon Point and the Marina is the most convenient port of entry into Saint Lucia. Dinghy and outboard theft is prevalent in these anchorages, so be sure to haul your dinghy and outboard out of the water and lock them to the boat at night.
There is very limited or no anchoring possible in the lagoon.
There is a dinghy pontoon near the town where a helpful local will keep an eye on your dinghy for a few EC. Be sure to tip when you come back to your dinghy.
Moorings:
Within the bay is a large, completely protected inner lagoon, accessed via a narrow channel. This lagoon – known as Rodney Bay Marina – is dredged to 13ft (4 meters) in the main channel and at the main docks, so yachts with a very deep draft should proceed with caution.
Mooring buoys are available in the lagoon next to the marina. A tender service is provided on a request-only basis for owners flying out who need to be transferred to the marina and upon their return. There is no regular tender service; owners should use their dinghies for transfers between their yachts and the marina.
Soufriere:
Description:
Soufriere is a small, rustic, picturesque town, set amid a scenic wonderland dominated by the towering Pitons. When approaching Soufriere Bay from the North, beware of the shoal which extends out from the South side of Anse Chastanet.
The whole area between Anse Cochon and Gros Piton is part of the Soufriere Marine Management Area (SMMA) and anchoring is strictly controlled to preserve the underwater coral reefs.
Entrance Notes or Cautions:
Security:
This bay has a history of yacht break-ins and burglaries. Security over the years has been questionable, however, following an attack on a yacht by a group of youths in October 2017 the bay is now patrolled at night, much of the time in a coordinated way, between the SMMA officers and the police. Unfortunately boardings do continue however, the latest in February 2020 when a solo sailor was boarded by 3 armed men, assaulted and robbed. See Security reports for details.
In 2018 security at the dinghy dock was improved by moving the security gate and adding security cameras and security wardens who are in place from 9 am to 5 pm. Additional lighting has also been installed and a motion sensing light on the way. The Soufriere Dock Master can be reached on VHF 16 and contact is encouraged for those entering the bay.
Visit this area with due diligence however and if going ashore or leaving the boat at any time, keep a watchman on board (it is possible to speak with locals and hire a watchman).
Dinghy and outboard thefts continue to be a problem and it is vital to lift, lock and secure your dinghy at all times when it is unattended. Do not leave any items on deck or in cockpits that could be easy targets for would be thieves.
Clearance:
Customs are open seven days a week from 08:00-16:30, otherwise, Tel.+1 758 459 5656.
Immigration has moved further down the road and are now opposite the gas station in the area of the main dock.
Unfortunately, the authorities here do not use SailClear (unlike the other Ports of Entry in St. Lucia) so the slow process of filling out paper forms in quadruplicate is still required here.
The whole area between Anse Cochon and Gros Piton is part of the Soufriere Marine Management Area (SMMA) and anchoring is strictly controlled to preserve the underwater coral reefs.
https://www.facebook.com/SMMAInc
Moorings
Moorings have been laid down in Anse Chastanet, just north of Soufrière Bay, off the Hummingbird Beach Resort north of Soufrière town, Malgretout just south of Soufriere and between the Pitons. Although the mooring systems are well maintained by the SMMA, as indicated by a yellow tag on the pick-up line, make sure your buoy is holding the vessel as intended, and that the system is secure.
Important Note: In 2016 the marine park has had some management and finance problems and quite a few moorings have been lost. Locals have put down their own moorings to accommodate visiting yachts, but they are nothing to do with the SMMA and the moorings are of unknown quality/too close together. All the private moorings are right off Soufriere town, If a vendor approaches you to put you on a mooring say you want to be on an SMMA mooring, not a private one. Only give him the tie-up fee.
Fees
The use of the moorings requires a Coral Conservation Permit. The cost of the permit depends on vessel size and length of stay and must be purchased from a uniformed SMMA Ranger. Call SMMA on VHF channel 16 if in doubt.
Permit fees can be found at http://www.smma.org.lc/fee/
There is also a fee of US$2 per person/per day.
Anchoring is forbidden within the SMMA, except in the designated areas for which a permit is required. Anchoring is only permitted during daytime hours of 06:00 to 18:00. Due to the depth, it is necessary to tie off the stern of your boat to a palm tree.
Authorised members of the Soufrière Water Taxi Association will help tie stern lines and are available for all water transfer services. Rates are standard and they also provide watchman services when boat owners are ashore.
Vieux Fort:
Description:
Vieux Fort is located at the extreme southern end of the island by the international airport.
Entrance Notes or Cautions:
Security
Daytime break-ins have been reported from this port for over a decade and continue to be reported (see adjacent). In the past, armed boarders attacked a cruising couple who were anchored overnight, resulting in the death of the British skipper.
It is advisable to avoid using this port.
If you have to come here (and many yachts still do to collect or drop off crew for the airport), be sure to leave people on board at all times, conceal anything of value out of sight, lock everything and do not spend the night.
The Customs officers can be found down by the container terminal. While Immigration officers can often only be found at the airport. Clearance may be completed during office hours on weekdays only; at weekends it is necessary to clear at Hewannora Airport.
Clearance here often involves delays and may well require a wait overnight. This is not a safe port for overnighting following the death of a British cruiser in January 2014 who was trying to defend his wife from armed borders. See report.
This port is best avoided. Use Soufriere instead.
Vieux Fort has anchorages off the town’s commercial ship dock, or beside the Fisheries Complex.
Yachts can also anchor in the newly built “small craft port”, some two cable lengths NW of the commercial dock, behind a massive wave breaker. While landing the dinghy has always been the biggest difficulty, this little harbor has solved the problem.
The port is protected by security and is only one minute walking distance from the center of the town.
There is also an anchorage in the SE corner of the bay.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
America.Rides.Maps
last year
St. Kitts & Nevis
Wayne’s Observations -
Basseterre (St. Kitts) - Decent anchorage inside of cruise ship docks. Reported noisy music from marina at night. Several restaurants at the cruise ship point, market nearby.
* Whitehouse Bay (St. Kitts) - (Frigate Bay) - decent anchorage away from Bassterre (3 mi south along the coast), open to S / SW. Numerous (10) restaraunts along the beach. Watch for shallow spots, otherwise should be a good anchorage with little swell.
Charlestown (Nevis) - Gallows Bay - Town dinghy dock is located south of ferry pier. Several Restaurants located on this block - Tea House Chinese Restaurant - quick service. Rabbit Hole Cocktail Bar, Bodie’s Cafe - pizza, wings, Pas Bar - near Ferry dock, Sip on the Square - slow service, mixed reviews. Market on block. Jamaican Bakery is north of Ferry Dock.
St. Kitts
Ports of Entry:
west coast - Basseterre
PRE-ARRIVAL
At least 24 hours before departing for St. Kitts and Nevis, all crew must complete a Customs Border and Health Entry form (knatravelform.kn).
Sail Clear [www.sailclear.com] should also be completed before arrival to speed up Customs clearance, and this can also be used for departure clearance. Completing the online forms prior to checking in will save a lot of time at Customs. If you are unable to complete the forms online prior to arrival, Customs have a computer they will perit you to use. For a full explanation of this service and other web clearance services in the Caribbean see report: Eastern Caribbean Cruising: Clearance Procedures Simplified.
For advance Immigration clearance eAPIS should be used, however, Immigration officers tend to be relaxed about this if it’s not been possible to complete in advance.
Domestic Clearance
If moving between Nevis and St Kitts – clearance is not required.
Arrangements can also be made to visit anchorages outside the Ports of Entry after clearance for another country has been granted.
Cruisers report that clearance fees must be paid in cash (be sure to have small notes as change not given).
Documents
Crew/ Guest List
Copy of Passport page of all guests/ crew
Physical Address for all Guests & Crew
Vessel Registry
Last port of call clearance
Fees:
Customs:
Yachts and motor yachts less than 100 tons: $20 yacht fee, plus an inward and outward fee of $5 for the Customs officer – total $30.
Yachts and motor yachts over 100 tons: $20 yacht fee + $25 inward + $25 outward.
Yachts leaving seven (7) days after date of entry and outside the hours of 8:00am and 4:00 p.m. or weekends will attract an additional fee of $10.00.
See updated fees on the Customs website.
There is no charge for Immigration.
Port Authorities:
$20 USD (Zante Marina) – 2016
130 EC (Nevis – up to 20 tons)
Restrictions
Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (NASPA) installed 40 yacht moorings along the western or Caribbean coast of Nevis from Oualie Beach to Charlestown to provide safe anchorage for mariners visiting the island. See the NAPSA Website for full details.
Be aware that Black coral and most other corals, whether in chunks or in jewellery may not be purchased or collected.
No jet-skis or similar craft may be used by visiting yachts.
Scuba diving may only be done with a local dive shop.
It is an offence to dress in camouflage clothing (including children).
Local Customs
The people of St. Kitts and Nevis are devoutly religious. Several historic Anglican churches remain on Nevis, and fifty percent of the country’s population still practices the religion.
Places of interest:
Whitehouse Bay (anchorage) / Christophe Harbor (Marina)
Nevis
Ports of Entry:
west coast - Charlestown
All vessels approaching Nevis are required to contact the Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (NASPA) on VHF Channel 16 in order to be assigned a mooring within the first 24 hours upon arrival.
Customs, Immigration and the Port Authority are all located in the one building in Charlestown.
Customs will want to take clearance paperwork from your last port.
Christophe Harbour is a port of entry to St.Kitts, but currently the Customs and Immigration offices are not operational here.
Popular anchorages at Ballast Bay or Whitehouse Bay can be used with a taxi to Basseterre to complete the Customs and Immigration process.
Alternatively, it’s possible to anchor outside Port Zante Marina and use the Customs/Immigration office at the marina. This is reported to be the most convenient place to berth the boat and complete formalities, although prices are higher.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
Wayne’s Observations -
Basseterre (St. Kitts) - Decent anchorage inside of cruise ship docks. Reported noisy music from marina at night. Several restaurants at the cruise ship point, market nearby.
* Whitehouse Bay (St. Kitts) - (Frigate Bay) - decent anchorage away from Bassterre (3 mi south along the coast), open to S / SW. Numerous (10) restaraunts along the beach. Watch for shallow spots, otherwise should be a good anchorage with little swell.
Charlestown (Nevis) - Gallows Bay - Town dinghy dock is located south of ferry pier. Several Restaurants located on this block - Tea House Chinese Restaurant - quick service. Rabbit Hole Cocktail Bar, Bodie’s Cafe - pizza, wings, Pas Bar - near Ferry dock, Sip on the Square - slow service, mixed reviews. Market on block. Jamaican Bakery is north of Ferry Dock.
St. Kitts
Ports of Entry:
west coast - Basseterre
PRE-ARRIVAL
At least 24 hours before departing for St. Kitts and Nevis, all crew must complete a Customs Border and Health Entry form (knatravelform.kn).
Sail Clear [www.sailclear.com] should also be completed before arrival to speed up Customs clearance, and this can also be used for departure clearance. Completing the online forms prior to checking in will save a lot of time at Customs. If you are unable to complete the forms online prior to arrival, Customs have a computer they will perit you to use. For a full explanation of this service and other web clearance services in the Caribbean see report: Eastern Caribbean Cruising: Clearance Procedures Simplified.
For advance Immigration clearance eAPIS should be used, however, Immigration officers tend to be relaxed about this if it’s not been possible to complete in advance.
Domestic Clearance
If moving between Nevis and St Kitts – clearance is not required.
Arrangements can also be made to visit anchorages outside the Ports of Entry after clearance for another country has been granted.
Cruisers report that clearance fees must be paid in cash (be sure to have small notes as change not given).
Documents
Crew/ Guest List
Copy of Passport page of all guests/ crew
Physical Address for all Guests & Crew
Vessel Registry
Last port of call clearance
Fees:
Customs:
Yachts and motor yachts less than 100 tons: $20 yacht fee, plus an inward and outward fee of $5 for the Customs officer – total $30.
Yachts and motor yachts over 100 tons: $20 yacht fee + $25 inward + $25 outward.
Yachts leaving seven (7) days after date of entry and outside the hours of 8:00am and 4:00 p.m. or weekends will attract an additional fee of $10.00.
See updated fees on the Customs website.
There is no charge for Immigration.
Port Authorities:
$20 USD (Zante Marina) – 2016
130 EC (Nevis – up to 20 tons)
Restrictions
Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (NASPA) installed 40 yacht moorings along the western or Caribbean coast of Nevis from Oualie Beach to Charlestown to provide safe anchorage for mariners visiting the island. See the NAPSA Website for full details.
Be aware that Black coral and most other corals, whether in chunks or in jewellery may not be purchased or collected.
No jet-skis or similar craft may be used by visiting yachts.
Scuba diving may only be done with a local dive shop.
It is an offence to dress in camouflage clothing (including children).
Local Customs
The people of St. Kitts and Nevis are devoutly religious. Several historic Anglican churches remain on Nevis, and fifty percent of the country’s population still practices the religion.
Places of interest:
Whitehouse Bay (anchorage) / Christophe Harbor (Marina)
Nevis
Ports of Entry:
west coast - Charlestown
All vessels approaching Nevis are required to contact the Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (NASPA) on VHF Channel 16 in order to be assigned a mooring within the first 24 hours upon arrival.
Customs, Immigration and the Port Authority are all located in the one building in Charlestown.
Customs will want to take clearance paperwork from your last port.
Christophe Harbour is a port of entry to St.Kitts, but currently the Customs and Immigration offices are not operational here.
Popular anchorages at Ballast Bay or Whitehouse Bay can be used with a taxi to Basseterre to complete the Customs and Immigration process.
Alternatively, it’s possible to anchor outside Port Zante Marina and use the Customs/Immigration office at the marina. This is reported to be the most convenient place to berth the boat and complete formalities, although prices are higher.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
America.Rides.Maps
last year
Montserrat
Wayne’s Observations -
*Little Bay - This is the best anchorage with a point of land offering some protection from the swells which may wrap around the north end of the island. Swell more likely with northerly winds, good with east wind. Port Authority is close, a short walk from the ferry dock. There are several small restaurants along the road / beach. The best is the furthest (not far), Ponte’s Beach View, located atop a hill with a nice view. Summer Breeze Restaurant is closer, also looks good. Time Out Restaruant / Bar &Grill also gets good recommendation but reported long wait time. National Museum of Montserrat, Tourism Division, and Cultural Center, and a small market are also within short walking distance. Larger markets are nearby.
British Overseas Territory, English is the predmoninant language.
Ports of Entry:
Northwest coast - Little BayLittle Bay is now the island’s only Port of Entry. Port authority is near Ferry terminal.
Online Registration - Yes
http://www.sailclear.com/index
PRE-ARRIVAL
The SailClear advance web notification service for clearance is now operational in Montserrat.
All the SailClear online forms should be completed in advance. However there is a computer terminal at Customs in Little Bay where details can be entered on arrival.
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
Advance Notification:
Before arriving, it is recommended to contact the Port Authority on VHF Channel 16 to check on conditions. VHF Ch:16 is monitored 24/7 by the Port Authority.
General Process:
No crew or passengers must land before clearance is granted.
Customs and Immigration: Check in here first. As you come off the jetty you will see a sign over a door at the warehouse.Customs and Immigration are open 08:00-16:00 from Monday to Friday. Vessels arriving outside these hours can either wait aboard at anchor until the office re-opens or request an ‘out of hours’ check-in.There is no charge for clearance, unless outside of working hours and weekends. In the case of after-hours requests, Port Security will contact Customs Officers to facilitate this process.
Port Authority: After visiting the C&I officer, check in with the Port Authority who is also in the warehouse. Clearance from the previous port must be submitted to the Port Authority.All fees are paid to the Port Authority (see Fees below).To avoid being stopped at the port gates, check in with Port Security.Port Authority website: https://mpa.ms
Domestic Cruising:
If a visiting vessel intends to stay a few days in Montserrat, they can request and obtain a Coastal Cruising authorization from Customs and Immigration, which gives them permission to land at any authorized beach outside of the official Exclusion Zone for a period of up to seven days days. There is no cost for this permit.
Even if you intend to dinghy ashore to the beach in Little Bay this authorization is required.
CLEARING OUT
International Clearance:
Yachts can obtain clearance in and out at the same time if staying 72 hours or less. If staying longer, there is no additional charge, but you will have to return to Customs to do the paperwork again. Only Customs needs to be visited for departure. There is no departure tax.
See http://www.visitmontserrat.com/sea/
English is the official language.Currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD).It is a useful navigation mark for yachts plying between Antigua and Guadeloupe. There is no natural harbor but there are a few sheltered bays on the north-west coast with Old Road Bay, Bunkum Bay, Little Bay, and Rendezvous Bay being the major ones. However, winter swells can make anchorage untenable at certain times.Following the dramatic eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano in 1995, the southern two-thirds of the island was devastated, including the capital, Plymouth.There is an Exclusion Zone around the southern part of the island. This zone extends some way out to sea from Trants Bay in the east around the southern coast to Barton Bay in the west. There is considerable shoaling in the Old Road Bay and Plymouth areas, which will continue to extend for several years.It is important to check the current volcanic situation on the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) website and avoid entering the current exclusion zones without specific authority. There has been no significant volcanic activity in recent years.The northern part of the island was untouched and is an attractive and verdant land. Peaceful, quiet and uncrowded.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
Wayne’s Observations -
*Little Bay - This is the best anchorage with a point of land offering some protection from the swells which may wrap around the north end of the island. Swell more likely with northerly winds, good with east wind. Port Authority is close, a short walk from the ferry dock. There are several small restaurants along the road / beach. The best is the furthest (not far), Ponte’s Beach View, located atop a hill with a nice view. Summer Breeze Restaurant is closer, also looks good. Time Out Restaruant / Bar &Grill also gets good recommendation but reported long wait time. National Museum of Montserrat, Tourism Division, and Cultural Center, and a small market are also within short walking distance. Larger markets are nearby.
British Overseas Territory, English is the predmoninant language.
Ports of Entry:
Northwest coast - Little BayLittle Bay is now the island’s only Port of Entry. Port authority is near Ferry terminal.
Online Registration - Yes
http://www.sailclear.com/index
PRE-ARRIVAL
The SailClear advance web notification service for clearance is now operational in Montserrat.
All the SailClear online forms should be completed in advance. However there is a computer terminal at Customs in Little Bay where details can be entered on arrival.
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
Advance Notification:
Before arriving, it is recommended to contact the Port Authority on VHF Channel 16 to check on conditions. VHF Ch:16 is monitored 24/7 by the Port Authority.
General Process:
No crew or passengers must land before clearance is granted.
Customs and Immigration: Check in here first. As you come off the jetty you will see a sign over a door at the warehouse.Customs and Immigration are open 08:00-16:00 from Monday to Friday. Vessels arriving outside these hours can either wait aboard at anchor until the office re-opens or request an ‘out of hours’ check-in.There is no charge for clearance, unless outside of working hours and weekends. In the case of after-hours requests, Port Security will contact Customs Officers to facilitate this process.
Port Authority: After visiting the C&I officer, check in with the Port Authority who is also in the warehouse. Clearance from the previous port must be submitted to the Port Authority.All fees are paid to the Port Authority (see Fees below).To avoid being stopped at the port gates, check in with Port Security.Port Authority website: https://mpa.ms
Domestic Cruising:
If a visiting vessel intends to stay a few days in Montserrat, they can request and obtain a Coastal Cruising authorization from Customs and Immigration, which gives them permission to land at any authorized beach outside of the official Exclusion Zone for a period of up to seven days days. There is no cost for this permit.
Even if you intend to dinghy ashore to the beach in Little Bay this authorization is required.
CLEARING OUT
International Clearance:
Yachts can obtain clearance in and out at the same time if staying 72 hours or less. If staying longer, there is no additional charge, but you will have to return to Customs to do the paperwork again. Only Customs needs to be visited for departure. There is no departure tax.
See http://www.visitmontserrat.com/sea/
English is the official language.Currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD).It is a useful navigation mark for yachts plying between Antigua and Guadeloupe. There is no natural harbor but there are a few sheltered bays on the north-west coast with Old Road Bay, Bunkum Bay, Little Bay, and Rendezvous Bay being the major ones. However, winter swells can make anchorage untenable at certain times.Following the dramatic eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano in 1995, the southern two-thirds of the island was devastated, including the capital, Plymouth.There is an Exclusion Zone around the southern part of the island. This zone extends some way out to sea from Trants Bay in the east around the southern coast to Barton Bay in the west. There is considerable shoaling in the Old Road Bay and Plymouth areas, which will continue to extend for several years.It is important to check the current volcanic situation on the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) website and avoid entering the current exclusion zones without specific authority. There has been no significant volcanic activity in recent years.The northern part of the island was untouched and is an attractive and verdant land. Peaceful, quiet and uncrowded.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
America.Rides.Maps
last year
Martinique
Ports of Entry
West coast, on a point at south entrance to harbor - Anse Mitan
West coast - Fort-de-France
Harve de la Trinite
Le Marin
Las Anses d’Arlet
St. Pierre
Anse Mitan, Fort-de-France, Havre de la Trinite, Le Marin, Les Anses d’Arlet, St Pierre
General info:
Clearance
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
General process:
Upon arrival, vessels should fly the French courtesy flag (not the Martinique one) and proceed to a Customs and Immigration computer in one of the official ports of entry as soon after arrival as possible.
The computers can be found in chandleries, marinas, restaurants and tourist offices.
On the computer, you do your own entry, print it out and then have it stamped by a Customs officer or business owner/worker.
Computers are available in locations which include:
Fort de France: Sea Services Shipchandler.
Anse Mitan: Somatras Marina Office.
Grande Anse D’Arlet: Le Petit Bateau.
Le Marin: The Capitainerie.
Note: The Capitainerie officers may request to see the original ship’s registration papers as copies are not accepted.
St Pierre: L’Alsace A Kay Bar or Office Municipal de Tourisme.
Note: the tourism computer has been reported as frequently out of service.
CLEARING OUT
Clear out at one of the official port computers during business hours to obtain a clearance certificate.
Documents
Necessary Documents for Martinique:The original of your vessel documentation — with a current stamp — or state registration.
Passports for the entire crew.
Fees
Clearance Fee:
Free with small administrative charges at each location.
Port Tax:
Variable.
Customs Tax:
No customs charges are made for EU countries and US yachts, although yachts from some other countries may have to pay some fees calculated by day and tonnage.
Restrictions
Anchoring:
Yachts will be forbidden from anchoring in St. Anne from 2022. Mooring buoys must be used only.
Anse Mitan
General Info
Description:
Anse Mitan is the main tourist centre of Martinique and a popular spot with yachts. It is just south of Fort de France.
Clearance
See the main Martinique/Formalities page for full details.
Upon arrival vessels should fly the French courtesy flag (not the Martinique one) and proceed to a Customs and Immigration computer in the Somatras Marina Office. On the computer, you do your own entry, print it out and then have it stamped by a Customs officer or business owner/worker.
Fort de France:
Although the largest city in the French West Indies, Fort-de-France still retains its old quarter with its narrow streets and wrought-iron balconies. Best known for being the birthplace of Josephine, wife of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The city occupies a site on the northern side of a large bay on the west coast of Martinique.
Clearance is completed at the Cruise Ship dock, Port Customs office or with one of their agents; Centre d’Affaires Agora or at Sea Services Chandlery (right on the waterfront).
Customs have an office in the Express des Iles, inter-Island Ferry Terminal. This is where the Ferries leave to Dominica, St. Lucia, etc.
Docking
Fort de France is a lovely anchorage and the town is historic and quaint. There are large malls a short bus ride away providing a selection of products unavailable elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Anchoring:
Yachts should anchor away from the ferry dock as this area, just off the town, is very busy with ferries. The anchorage under the old fort is very popular and can get crowded. It can also be quite windy here for such limited space.
There is a prohibited anchoring area in front of the southern tip of the Fort St. Louis peninsula.
Yachts can also anchor in the north-east part of the bay or at any of the villages across the bay and take a ferry into town.
It may be possible to find a free visitor’s mooring.
Watch out if leaving your dinghy at the dinghy dock. The area is very popular for youngsters to dive and swim, especially after school, on weekends and holidays. Local youths are known to use unattended dinghies as diving platforms!
There is an alternative option for your dinghy in town, on the concrete wall just 50m west of the swimming dock. It has three ladders, about 2 metres high for convenient access to the concrete apron on shore. A stern anchor is recommended here as there are wake induced surges in this harbour. There are no swimmers in this area however it is recommended you secure the dinghy and outboard plus all loose objects in the dinghy and remove anything of value.
Marinas:
The new Marina Etang Z’Abricot is reported to be very reasonably priced but is a long walk from town.
Security:
Take care ashore as there have been reports of cruisers being mugged in the past. In June 2022 CSSN reported that a charter guest was held up at knife point on the dinghy dock at Fort de France.
Dinghies continue to be the focus of thefts and vandalism. The latest incident occurred in July 2022 at the main dinghy dock when a dinghy was stolen, despite being chain locked.
Previous reported thefts include a dinghy stolen in July 2021 that was chain locked to the Maxmarine dock and in two separate incidents in 2017, two dinghies left on the long dock ashore at Fort de France had their fuel tanks stolen. The padlock/cable securing the outboard and fuel tank had been broken open/cut.
Another boat reported an attempted theft of a fuel tank and fuel line from a securely locked dinghy at the dinghy dock near the fort in December 2019.
Harve de la Trinite -
Not much going on here.
Le Marin:
Le Marin lies at the head of a deep bay, Le Cul-de-Sac du Marin, on the southern end of Martinique. It is protected by fringing reefs and is a popular destination in the Southern Caribbean for yachts thanks to its excellent yachting infrastructure, mooring fields and large marina. The town of St Anne is at the bay’s entrance.
Cruiser Highlights:
Large cruising community; yachting infrastructure; chandlery; good provisioning; fuel; water; marinas; access to transportation; restaurants and bars; hiking and tourism activities.
Cruising guides, apps and happy-hour chitchat can all be good sources of information for sailors in the Caribbean. Tune into the Le Marin/St. Anne Cruiser Net at 08:30 on VHF Channel 08, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Entrance notes or cautions:
The approach into the Cul-de-Sac du Marin lagoon can be tricky to navigate because of the channel skirts reefs and shallow sand bars. Note: Buoyage is IALA-B (red right returning).
Las Anses d’Arlet:
Boat to big for mornings, no anchoring
St. Pierre:
Once the economic capital of the French West Indies, St Pierre was practically destroyed by a volcanic eruption 100 years ago. Once described as a small Paris, it is now a peaceful little community on the NW coast of the island. It’s a pretty town to visit, and nearby are a couple of interesting distilleries. The diving is good here too.
Clearance:
Checking in can be done at the Tourism office (which also has a customs computer), open mornings only.
The Tourism office is located at the end of the parking area to the right of the dinghy dock (2 minutes walk). It’s in a white building with a yellow roof.
The Customs hours are 0900-1400 local time.
Docking:
Anchoring:
This is principally an anchorage. There is reported to be good holding in the sand in three – nine meters (10 – 30 ft), either north or south of the town dock. The shore is fairly steep-to, so you will need to anchor close to the beach to find a depth of less than 10 to 12 meters (32 – 40 ft).
The 1902 volcanic eruption sank 12 ships at anchor, which is now a dedicated marine park and is marked by four large yellow buoys. No anchoring is permitted within this area, only use of the free public moorings while diving.
The substantial town pier/dock is used by charter boats and ferries most of the time. It may be possible to use the pier for a short period of time for loading/unloading. It can be used for dinghies, although avoid the “no dinghy” zone where the ferry ties up. You may need to use an anchor to prevent the dinghy from going under the pier.
Shopping is good for the size of the town and there is an excellent fresh fish/produce market. Technical services for yachts are limited. Fresh water taps on the dock are planned, as is better Wi-Fi in the anchorage.
Security:
In December 2021, a yacht that was moored and being minded was burgled while the owner was away and numerous items were stolen. See security reports for more details.
Attempted outboard thefts and successful outboard and dinghy theft were reported from this port in July 2019.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
Ports of Entry
West coast, on a point at south entrance to harbor - Anse Mitan
West coast - Fort-de-France
Harve de la Trinite
Le Marin
Las Anses d’Arlet
St. Pierre
Anse Mitan, Fort-de-France, Havre de la Trinite, Le Marin, Les Anses d’Arlet, St Pierre
General info:
Clearance
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
General process:
Upon arrival, vessels should fly the French courtesy flag (not the Martinique one) and proceed to a Customs and Immigration computer in one of the official ports of entry as soon after arrival as possible.
The computers can be found in chandleries, marinas, restaurants and tourist offices.
On the computer, you do your own entry, print it out and then have it stamped by a Customs officer or business owner/worker.
Computers are available in locations which include:
Fort de France: Sea Services Shipchandler.
Anse Mitan: Somatras Marina Office.
Grande Anse D’Arlet: Le Petit Bateau.
Le Marin: The Capitainerie.
Note: The Capitainerie officers may request to see the original ship’s registration papers as copies are not accepted.
St Pierre: L’Alsace A Kay Bar or Office Municipal de Tourisme.
Note: the tourism computer has been reported as frequently out of service.
CLEARING OUT
Clear out at one of the official port computers during business hours to obtain a clearance certificate.
Documents
Necessary Documents for Martinique:The original of your vessel documentation — with a current stamp — or state registration.
Passports for the entire crew.
Fees
Clearance Fee:
Free with small administrative charges at each location.
Port Tax:
Variable.
Customs Tax:
No customs charges are made for EU countries and US yachts, although yachts from some other countries may have to pay some fees calculated by day and tonnage.
Restrictions
Anchoring:
Yachts will be forbidden from anchoring in St. Anne from 2022. Mooring buoys must be used only.
Anse Mitan
General Info
Description:
Anse Mitan is the main tourist centre of Martinique and a popular spot with yachts. It is just south of Fort de France.
Clearance
See the main Martinique/Formalities page for full details.
Upon arrival vessels should fly the French courtesy flag (not the Martinique one) and proceed to a Customs and Immigration computer in the Somatras Marina Office. On the computer, you do your own entry, print it out and then have it stamped by a Customs officer or business owner/worker.
Fort de France:
Although the largest city in the French West Indies, Fort-de-France still retains its old quarter with its narrow streets and wrought-iron balconies. Best known for being the birthplace of Josephine, wife of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The city occupies a site on the northern side of a large bay on the west coast of Martinique.
Clearance is completed at the Cruise Ship dock, Port Customs office or with one of their agents; Centre d’Affaires Agora or at Sea Services Chandlery (right on the waterfront).
Customs have an office in the Express des Iles, inter-Island Ferry Terminal. This is where the Ferries leave to Dominica, St. Lucia, etc.
Docking
Fort de France is a lovely anchorage and the town is historic and quaint. There are large malls a short bus ride away providing a selection of products unavailable elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Anchoring:
Yachts should anchor away from the ferry dock as this area, just off the town, is very busy with ferries. The anchorage under the old fort is very popular and can get crowded. It can also be quite windy here for such limited space.
There is a prohibited anchoring area in front of the southern tip of the Fort St. Louis peninsula.
Yachts can also anchor in the north-east part of the bay or at any of the villages across the bay and take a ferry into town.
It may be possible to find a free visitor’s mooring.
Watch out if leaving your dinghy at the dinghy dock. The area is very popular for youngsters to dive and swim, especially after school, on weekends and holidays. Local youths are known to use unattended dinghies as diving platforms!
There is an alternative option for your dinghy in town, on the concrete wall just 50m west of the swimming dock. It has three ladders, about 2 metres high for convenient access to the concrete apron on shore. A stern anchor is recommended here as there are wake induced surges in this harbour. There are no swimmers in this area however it is recommended you secure the dinghy and outboard plus all loose objects in the dinghy and remove anything of value.
Marinas:
The new Marina Etang Z’Abricot is reported to be very reasonably priced but is a long walk from town.
Security:
Take care ashore as there have been reports of cruisers being mugged in the past. In June 2022 CSSN reported that a charter guest was held up at knife point on the dinghy dock at Fort de France.
Dinghies continue to be the focus of thefts and vandalism. The latest incident occurred in July 2022 at the main dinghy dock when a dinghy was stolen, despite being chain locked.
Previous reported thefts include a dinghy stolen in July 2021 that was chain locked to the Maxmarine dock and in two separate incidents in 2017, two dinghies left on the long dock ashore at Fort de France had their fuel tanks stolen. The padlock/cable securing the outboard and fuel tank had been broken open/cut.
Another boat reported an attempted theft of a fuel tank and fuel line from a securely locked dinghy at the dinghy dock near the fort in December 2019.
Harve de la Trinite -
Not much going on here.
Le Marin:
Le Marin lies at the head of a deep bay, Le Cul-de-Sac du Marin, on the southern end of Martinique. It is protected by fringing reefs and is a popular destination in the Southern Caribbean for yachts thanks to its excellent yachting infrastructure, mooring fields and large marina. The town of St Anne is at the bay’s entrance.
Cruiser Highlights:
Large cruising community; yachting infrastructure; chandlery; good provisioning; fuel; water; marinas; access to transportation; restaurants and bars; hiking and tourism activities.
Cruising guides, apps and happy-hour chitchat can all be good sources of information for sailors in the Caribbean. Tune into the Le Marin/St. Anne Cruiser Net at 08:30 on VHF Channel 08, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Entrance notes or cautions:
The approach into the Cul-de-Sac du Marin lagoon can be tricky to navigate because of the channel skirts reefs and shallow sand bars. Note: Buoyage is IALA-B (red right returning).
Las Anses d’Arlet:
Boat to big for mornings, no anchoring
St. Pierre:
Once the economic capital of the French West Indies, St Pierre was practically destroyed by a volcanic eruption 100 years ago. Once described as a small Paris, it is now a peaceful little community on the NW coast of the island. It’s a pretty town to visit, and nearby are a couple of interesting distilleries. The diving is good here too.
Clearance:
Checking in can be done at the Tourism office (which also has a customs computer), open mornings only.
The Tourism office is located at the end of the parking area to the right of the dinghy dock (2 minutes walk). It’s in a white building with a yellow roof.
The Customs hours are 0900-1400 local time.
Docking:
Anchoring:
This is principally an anchorage. There is reported to be good holding in the sand in three – nine meters (10 – 30 ft), either north or south of the town dock. The shore is fairly steep-to, so you will need to anchor close to the beach to find a depth of less than 10 to 12 meters (32 – 40 ft).
The 1902 volcanic eruption sank 12 ships at anchor, which is now a dedicated marine park and is marked by four large yellow buoys. No anchoring is permitted within this area, only use of the free public moorings while diving.
The substantial town pier/dock is used by charter boats and ferries most of the time. It may be possible to use the pier for a short period of time for loading/unloading. It can be used for dinghies, although avoid the “no dinghy” zone where the ferry ties up. You may need to use an anchor to prevent the dinghy from going under the pier.
Shopping is good for the size of the town and there is an excellent fresh fish/produce market. Technical services for yachts are limited. Fresh water taps on the dock are planned, as is better Wi-Fi in the anchorage.
Security:
In December 2021, a yacht that was moored and being minded was burgled while the owner was away and numerous items were stolen. See security reports for more details.
Attempted outboard thefts and successful outboard and dinghy theft were reported from this port in July 2019.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
America.Rides.Maps
last year
Guadaloupe
Wayne’s Observations -
Pointe-a-Pitre seems a dismal place. Primitive buildings, fewer options close to anchorage than suspected.
* Deshaies - a nice protected anchorage, much closer than Pointe-a-Pitre. Big dinghy dock. La Savane Restaurant is highly recommended as the best, near the dinghy dock, reservations suggested. Waitress spoke some english. Le Fournil has a good bakery, sandwhiches. Mahina Restaurant / Bar is on the water, don’t speak English. Paradise Kafé Baie de deshaies is short walk south from the dock, asian influenced foods and tapas, a little pricey, good drinks. Chez Lélette - Creole food, speak some english. There is a small Express Market south from the dock.
San Francois - Anchorage too shallow, marina approach too shallow.
Grand-Bourg - Small anchorage, reported uncomfortable swell and ferry wakes.
Isle-de-Saintes - no anchorage. Mooring balls only, reported big swell at night.
Ports of Entry:
Southwest tip of Basse Terre Island - Basse Terre
Northwest tip of Basse Terre Island - Deshaies
Terre-de-Haut Island, 6.2 miles south of Base Terre - Iles des Saintes
Southwest side of Marie Galante Island, 18 Nm south of Grand Terre, in Grand-Bourg - Marie Galante
South estuary of the river separating the big islands - Pointe-a-Pitre
South shore of point at southeast Grand Terre - Saint Francois
Basse Terre, Deshaies, Iles des Saintes, Marie Galante, Pointe-a-Pitre, Saint Francois
Basse Terre
Basse Terre is the capital of Guadeloupe and is on the western side at the southern tip of the island of the same name. This port is a well known hurricane hole.
General Clearance:
There is a Customs office in town, however, it is easier to use the clearance computer at the marina.
Docking
The town of Basse-Terre only has docking available for commercial traffic. All pleasure vessels must berth at the marina, south of the town.
Anchoring:
It is possible to anchor just north of the entrance to the marina. The holding here is good, but take care to remain on the shallower bank as the water around it is very deep.
Marina:
The marina is approximately 1.6 kms (one mile south) of the town in Gourbeyre. There is a pontoon at the entrance to the marina reserved for visiting yachts, which usually has space for a few nights. There is also a good fuel dock.
Around the marina is a bakery, butcher, vegetable shop, small chandlery, mini-mart as well as a plethora of bars. There is a nice little beach behind the marina. A half hour walk along the promenade takes you into town with larger supermarkets for full provisioning.
Deshaies
This sheltered bay is at the northern end of Basse-Terre Island. The popular UK television series “Death in Paradise” is filmed here.
Anchoring close to shore here is more difficult now that new mooring buoys have been laid. The majority of these moorings are used by local boats. The safest option is to anchor further out, away from the mooring field in approx. 30-40ft.
Once secure, dinghy ashore for clearance.
The dinghy dock is in the middle of the main town strip. Much more convenient than the old location up the small river.
There are now two choices for clearance.
The Police Municipale (turn left from the dinghy dock located in the building across from Le Mairie) have a computer for free clearance. Opening hours are more or less the same as the Pelican below.
The store “Le Pelican” has a computer at the back of their store where you can check in/out for €4. It is a brightly coloured building located on the ocean side of the main street south of the dinghy dock (picture above due to be updated as colours have changed). Open Monday to Saturday 0900-1200 and 1600-1900, closed Sundays.
Customs – Deshaies
Address: (office up the hill, on the S side of the town),
It is not always possible to find them as they are not often in the office.
Iles des Saintes
Description:
Located 10kms (6.2 miles) south of Guadeloupe, this picturesque group consists of two main islands, Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas, and seven smaller ones. There are about 3,000 inhabitants, split between the two main islands. There is just one doctor, and his home, on Terre-de-Haut, resembles a ship’s prow and is something of a local landmark.
Anchoring:
Anchoring in Les Saintes is now forbidden. All visiting yachts must use a mooring buoy.
Moorings:
Moorings can be booked in advance (details coming soon).
It is advisable to arrive as early in the day as possible, if you have not booked, as most moorings are occupied by midday. Moorings are white with a large metal ring on top, making pick up easy but the ring can cause problems if the wind drops by banging against your hull.
There are only a few moorings that can accommodate larger yachts. Best to call on VHF or telephone and ask for guidance.
Moorings have been installed in several anchorages:-In the harbour at Bourg des SaintesOn Terre D’en Haut, andAt the anchorage to the southwest of Ilet a Cabrit.Pain de Sucre
Prices depend on the size of the yacht and fees normally get collected by the owner (or paid to Les Saintes Multiservices (LMS)). Approx. 13 Euros per day; 60 Euros per week.
There are at present, no moorings at Anse Fideling on Terre D’en Bas.
Garbage can be collected for 2 Euro/day. There is recycling here, so be sure to separate your rubbish. Alternatively, take your garbage ashore to the dinghy dock where there is a map showing you the location of various recycling bins.
The LMS dinghy can deliver fresh bread from the bakery at 08:00 every morning.
Cruisers report the main anchorage to be rather uncomfortable due to the substantial ferry traffic.
Yacht Club des Saintes
Jerome has five moorings for rent, also water is available via a floating water buoy. Many other services, including laundry and help with repair problems. Bar and Restaurant.
Marie Galante
Description:
This quiet, lush, round island is a very peaceful backwater where you are likely to have a beach to yourself. It lies 18NM SE of Grande Terre.
Grand Bourg is the main town on the SW side. The other settlement being St Louis on the NW side.
General Clearance:
Checking in at St Louise in Marie Galante is possible at the boutique “Chez Zeles”, on the left side of the road when walking away from the pier “up” town. Opening times are restricted (in 2020 these were Tuesday through Sunday, between the hours of 10:00 and 11:00).
You will need your boat papers, passports and five euros.
Alternatively take a 15 to 20 minute bus ride (2.50 euros each way and the bus runs about twice an hour) from the bus stop in St Louis to Grand Bourg. The customs office (“Douane”) is 2 buildings “down” toward the water from the tourist office, a rather non-descript yellow building with a green metal gate in front. Push the gate button and ask for the “Douane” and that you would like to clear in.
Pointe-a-Pitre
General Info
Description:
This is Guadeloupe’s biggest town. It is a lively place with a large, well-protected harbor. It lies on the southern side of the link between Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre.
Entrance Notes and Cautions:
Approaching Pointe a Pitre from the south, the Caye Gros Loup (Sainte Marie – Capesterre Belle Eau) is now marked with a cardinal buoy lying to the east of the danger, which is lit at night.
Entrance into Marina Bas-du-Fort is via a 100m wide channel, with a depth of 10m and well marked by beacons. The docks are well-sheltered from the easterly winds and waves and within the marina there is only a low tidal range of less than half a metre.
General Clearance:
Check in at the Customs computer in the marina office and check out at the
same time if you are not changing crew or staying longer than two weeks. There is no longer any need to see either Customs or Immigration officials.
Ashore:
The yachting services here are some of the best in the Leeward Islands and they are experienced in dealing with many types of yachts. The marina site has many bars and eateries with free Wifi.
Marina Bas-du-Fort
A large marina with all services. Visitors’ berths are outside the office. Pick up a yellow buoy and go in stern-first. Fuel dock, chandleries, boatyard with 27-ton travelift, floating dock (800 tons), most repairs can be arranged. 24hr security, WiFi and regular internet. Excellent laundry with book swap. Good supermarket and a large Casino supermarket just ten minute walk away.
Saint Francois
General Clearance:
The harbor master’s office is located on the northern part of the Marina. You can get there from Europe Avenue or to starboard when arriving by boat. The offices are located on the ground floor of a four storey building overlooking the marina.
Docking
The marina here is well-protected. The channel is 400 metres long and runs from east to west.
Enter in good light as the channel is narrow.
Security:
Be aware that thieves operate here and it is advisable to lift and lock all valuables, even if berthed in the marina.
Facts
The largest of the Leeward Islands, Guadeloupe is a Departément d’Outremer (Overseas Department) of France and its inhabitants are French citizens. The department includes the neighbouring islands of Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, and La Désirade as well as St Barts and St Martin.The official language is French. Most people speak Creole. In tourist centres, they also speak English.Guadeloupe is a butterfly-shaped island, the two wings separated by the Rivière Salée, which is navigable by shallow-draft boats. Normally boats with a 6 ft (1.8 m) draft can negotiate the passage, even if occasionally they have to plough through the soft mud. The added advantage of taking this shorter route is that the sailing angle for boats continuing to Antigua is much more favourable. Note however that the river bridge is currently not opening until further notice due to maintenance. See the Marina Guadeloupe website for further info.Cruising attractions: a blend of French sophistication and Caribbean “Joie de Vivre” that has produced an atmosphere unmatched in any of the English-speaking Caribbean islands. The island and her dependencies offer everything a sailor could wish for, from secluded anchorages to the latest marinas, first-class repair facilities, good provisioning as well as an excellent cuisine suited to all pockets.Yachting facilities in Guadeloupe are excellent. There are several marinas (ports de Plaisance) and as Guadeloupe has been chosen as the finish of several transatlantic races from France, repair and service facilities are of a high standard. But note, it has been reported that propane tanks with American-style fittings cannot be filled here.Anchoring is now prohibited in many areas around the island including in the Parc National de la Guadeloupe. Mooring buoys must be used. See the Park’s website for information on current regulations for anchoring, fishing, diving and other activities.
Overall Crime and Safety
Petty street crimes, like purse snatching and some pick-pocketing, are the main crimes that befall tourists visiting Guadeloupe. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark. Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery with you.
Maritime Issues:
Locked dinghy and outboard thefts are a problem throughout the Caribbean, however, Guadeloupe tends to have less incidents reported than the other French Islands. Be sure to lift and chain and lock your dinghy and outboard at night and invest in a robust chain and lock for when leaving your dinghy ashore at local dinghy docks.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
Wayne’s Observations -
Pointe-a-Pitre seems a dismal place. Primitive buildings, fewer options close to anchorage than suspected.
* Deshaies - a nice protected anchorage, much closer than Pointe-a-Pitre. Big dinghy dock. La Savane Restaurant is highly recommended as the best, near the dinghy dock, reservations suggested. Waitress spoke some english. Le Fournil has a good bakery, sandwhiches. Mahina Restaurant / Bar is on the water, don’t speak English. Paradise Kafé Baie de deshaies is short walk south from the dock, asian influenced foods and tapas, a little pricey, good drinks. Chez Lélette - Creole food, speak some english. There is a small Express Market south from the dock.
San Francois - Anchorage too shallow, marina approach too shallow.
Grand-Bourg - Small anchorage, reported uncomfortable swell and ferry wakes.
Isle-de-Saintes - no anchorage. Mooring balls only, reported big swell at night.
Ports of Entry:
Southwest tip of Basse Terre Island - Basse Terre
Northwest tip of Basse Terre Island - Deshaies
Terre-de-Haut Island, 6.2 miles south of Base Terre - Iles des Saintes
Southwest side of Marie Galante Island, 18 Nm south of Grand Terre, in Grand-Bourg - Marie Galante
South estuary of the river separating the big islands - Pointe-a-Pitre
South shore of point at southeast Grand Terre - Saint Francois
Basse Terre, Deshaies, Iles des Saintes, Marie Galante, Pointe-a-Pitre, Saint Francois
Basse Terre
Basse Terre is the capital of Guadeloupe and is on the western side at the southern tip of the island of the same name. This port is a well known hurricane hole.
General Clearance:
There is a Customs office in town, however, it is easier to use the clearance computer at the marina.
Docking
The town of Basse-Terre only has docking available for commercial traffic. All pleasure vessels must berth at the marina, south of the town.
Anchoring:
It is possible to anchor just north of the entrance to the marina. The holding here is good, but take care to remain on the shallower bank as the water around it is very deep.
Marina:
The marina is approximately 1.6 kms (one mile south) of the town in Gourbeyre. There is a pontoon at the entrance to the marina reserved for visiting yachts, which usually has space for a few nights. There is also a good fuel dock.
Around the marina is a bakery, butcher, vegetable shop, small chandlery, mini-mart as well as a plethora of bars. There is a nice little beach behind the marina. A half hour walk along the promenade takes you into town with larger supermarkets for full provisioning.
Deshaies
This sheltered bay is at the northern end of Basse-Terre Island. The popular UK television series “Death in Paradise” is filmed here.
Anchoring close to shore here is more difficult now that new mooring buoys have been laid. The majority of these moorings are used by local boats. The safest option is to anchor further out, away from the mooring field in approx. 30-40ft.
Once secure, dinghy ashore for clearance.
The dinghy dock is in the middle of the main town strip. Much more convenient than the old location up the small river.
There are now two choices for clearance.
The Police Municipale (turn left from the dinghy dock located in the building across from Le Mairie) have a computer for free clearance. Opening hours are more or less the same as the Pelican below.
The store “Le Pelican” has a computer at the back of their store where you can check in/out for €4. It is a brightly coloured building located on the ocean side of the main street south of the dinghy dock (picture above due to be updated as colours have changed). Open Monday to Saturday 0900-1200 and 1600-1900, closed Sundays.
Customs – Deshaies
Address: (office up the hill, on the S side of the town),
It is not always possible to find them as they are not often in the office.
Iles des Saintes
Description:
Located 10kms (6.2 miles) south of Guadeloupe, this picturesque group consists of two main islands, Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas, and seven smaller ones. There are about 3,000 inhabitants, split between the two main islands. There is just one doctor, and his home, on Terre-de-Haut, resembles a ship’s prow and is something of a local landmark.
Anchoring:
Anchoring in Les Saintes is now forbidden. All visiting yachts must use a mooring buoy.
Moorings:
Moorings can be booked in advance (details coming soon).
It is advisable to arrive as early in the day as possible, if you have not booked, as most moorings are occupied by midday. Moorings are white with a large metal ring on top, making pick up easy but the ring can cause problems if the wind drops by banging against your hull.
There are only a few moorings that can accommodate larger yachts. Best to call on VHF or telephone and ask for guidance.
Moorings have been installed in several anchorages:-In the harbour at Bourg des SaintesOn Terre D’en Haut, andAt the anchorage to the southwest of Ilet a Cabrit.Pain de Sucre
Prices depend on the size of the yacht and fees normally get collected by the owner (or paid to Les Saintes Multiservices (LMS)). Approx. 13 Euros per day; 60 Euros per week.
There are at present, no moorings at Anse Fideling on Terre D’en Bas.
Garbage can be collected for 2 Euro/day. There is recycling here, so be sure to separate your rubbish. Alternatively, take your garbage ashore to the dinghy dock where there is a map showing you the location of various recycling bins.
The LMS dinghy can deliver fresh bread from the bakery at 08:00 every morning.
Cruisers report the main anchorage to be rather uncomfortable due to the substantial ferry traffic.
Yacht Club des Saintes
Jerome has five moorings for rent, also water is available via a floating water buoy. Many other services, including laundry and help with repair problems. Bar and Restaurant.
Marie Galante
Description:
This quiet, lush, round island is a very peaceful backwater where you are likely to have a beach to yourself. It lies 18NM SE of Grande Terre.
Grand Bourg is the main town on the SW side. The other settlement being St Louis on the NW side.
General Clearance:
Checking in at St Louise in Marie Galante is possible at the boutique “Chez Zeles”, on the left side of the road when walking away from the pier “up” town. Opening times are restricted (in 2020 these were Tuesday through Sunday, between the hours of 10:00 and 11:00).
You will need your boat papers, passports and five euros.
Alternatively take a 15 to 20 minute bus ride (2.50 euros each way and the bus runs about twice an hour) from the bus stop in St Louis to Grand Bourg. The customs office (“Douane”) is 2 buildings “down” toward the water from the tourist office, a rather non-descript yellow building with a green metal gate in front. Push the gate button and ask for the “Douane” and that you would like to clear in.
Pointe-a-Pitre
General Info
Description:
This is Guadeloupe’s biggest town. It is a lively place with a large, well-protected harbor. It lies on the southern side of the link between Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre.
Entrance Notes and Cautions:
Approaching Pointe a Pitre from the south, the Caye Gros Loup (Sainte Marie – Capesterre Belle Eau) is now marked with a cardinal buoy lying to the east of the danger, which is lit at night.
Entrance into Marina Bas-du-Fort is via a 100m wide channel, with a depth of 10m and well marked by beacons. The docks are well-sheltered from the easterly winds and waves and within the marina there is only a low tidal range of less than half a metre.
General Clearance:
Check in at the Customs computer in the marina office and check out at the
same time if you are not changing crew or staying longer than two weeks. There is no longer any need to see either Customs or Immigration officials.
Ashore:
The yachting services here are some of the best in the Leeward Islands and they are experienced in dealing with many types of yachts. The marina site has many bars and eateries with free Wifi.
Marina Bas-du-Fort
A large marina with all services. Visitors’ berths are outside the office. Pick up a yellow buoy and go in stern-first. Fuel dock, chandleries, boatyard with 27-ton travelift, floating dock (800 tons), most repairs can be arranged. 24hr security, WiFi and regular internet. Excellent laundry with book swap. Good supermarket and a large Casino supermarket just ten minute walk away.
Saint Francois
General Clearance:
The harbor master’s office is located on the northern part of the Marina. You can get there from Europe Avenue or to starboard when arriving by boat. The offices are located on the ground floor of a four storey building overlooking the marina.
Docking
The marina here is well-protected. The channel is 400 metres long and runs from east to west.
Enter in good light as the channel is narrow.
Security:
Be aware that thieves operate here and it is advisable to lift and lock all valuables, even if berthed in the marina.
Facts
The largest of the Leeward Islands, Guadeloupe is a Departément d’Outremer (Overseas Department) of France and its inhabitants are French citizens. The department includes the neighbouring islands of Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, and La Désirade as well as St Barts and St Martin.The official language is French. Most people speak Creole. In tourist centres, they also speak English.Guadeloupe is a butterfly-shaped island, the two wings separated by the Rivière Salée, which is navigable by shallow-draft boats. Normally boats with a 6 ft (1.8 m) draft can negotiate the passage, even if occasionally they have to plough through the soft mud. The added advantage of taking this shorter route is that the sailing angle for boats continuing to Antigua is much more favourable. Note however that the river bridge is currently not opening until further notice due to maintenance. See the Marina Guadeloupe website for further info.Cruising attractions: a blend of French sophistication and Caribbean “Joie de Vivre” that has produced an atmosphere unmatched in any of the English-speaking Caribbean islands. The island and her dependencies offer everything a sailor could wish for, from secluded anchorages to the latest marinas, first-class repair facilities, good provisioning as well as an excellent cuisine suited to all pockets.Yachting facilities in Guadeloupe are excellent. There are several marinas (ports de Plaisance) and as Guadeloupe has been chosen as the finish of several transatlantic races from France, repair and service facilities are of a high standard. But note, it has been reported that propane tanks with American-style fittings cannot be filled here.Anchoring is now prohibited in many areas around the island including in the Parc National de la Guadeloupe. Mooring buoys must be used. See the Park’s website for information on current regulations for anchoring, fishing, diving and other activities.
Overall Crime and Safety
Petty street crimes, like purse snatching and some pick-pocketing, are the main crimes that befall tourists visiting Guadeloupe. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark. Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery with you.
Maritime Issues:
Locked dinghy and outboard thefts are a problem throughout the Caribbean, however, Guadeloupe tends to have less incidents reported than the other French Islands. Be sure to lift and chain and lock your dinghy and outboard at night and invest in a robust chain and lock for when leaving your dinghy ashore at local dinghy docks.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
America.Rides.Maps
last year
Dominica
Ports of Entry:
Northwest tip - Portsmouth
Southwest coast- Roseau
Clearance
PRE-ARRIVAL:
Complete Sail Clear www.sailclear.com before arrival as this is now required for clearance in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Completing the online forms prior to checking in may save a lot of time at Customs. Computer terminals to check-in via SailClear are available at both main ports of entry (Roseau & Portsmouth). For a full explanation of this service and other web clearance services in the Caribbean see report: Eastern Caribbean Cruising: Clearance Procedures Simplified.
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES:
General Process:Working hours for the authorities are Monday-Friday, 8:00-16:00 hrs.An agent is recommended, but not compulsory.If you have proof of vaccination, this should be presented to Health on entering the country, before proceeding to Customs/Immigration.If requested, you can get your passport stamped at the Immigration office at the police station in town.On arrival, ask for a cruising permit to cover all the places the yacht plans to visit. A cruising permit is needed to go from Roseau to Portsmouth.
CLEARING OUT
Clearing in and out can be done at the same time if not planning to stay for more than one week.
Documents
Necessary Documents for Dominica:Passport for each passenger/crew memberPassenger and Crew listNegative RT-PCR testVaccination cards for each passenger/crew memberBoat Documentation
Fees:
Customs Clearance
EC$4 per person plus EC$1.50 per vessel cleared (Eastern Caribbean Dollars EC$ ONLY).
Customs Clearance Overtime Fees (Per Vessel Function)
Monday (5pm-7pm): EC$25
Tuesday – Friday (4pm-6.59pm): EC$25
Monday – Friday (7pm-7.59am): EC$30
Saturday – Monday (8am-7.59am): EC$30
Holidays: EC$30
Note: Overtime fees in Roseau are charged threefold (i.e. EC$75 for 1 Officer/Supervisor in Attendance, 1 Officer/Clearing Ship & 1 Boarding Officer admitting to Pratique).
Cruising Permit / Coast-wise Permit
Free during working hours (Monday-Friday) 8:00-16:00 Hrs
Weekends and after hours (Saturday) EC$75 per Clearing vessel
(Sunday & Holidays) EC$90 per Clearing Vessel
Overtime is charged outside of office hours.
Other Fees
Environmental tax per person: EC$4
Documentation: EC$2
Arrival/Departure tax per person: EC$59 (note – this only applies if crew join or leave the yacht here).
Restrictions:
There are four zones within Soufriere-Scott’s Head Marine Reserve (SSMR) on the SW tip of the Island. Each set aside for its own particular activity.
https://www.avirtualdominica.com/project/soufriere-scot.... nursery area – No fishing allowed in this region.Recreation Area – located at the beach called “Tous sable” is set aside as a recreational area for swimming and snorkeling from shore.Fishing priority area – is set aside for the local fishery, there are strict guidelines governing this region.Scuba Diving – There are several areas set aside for scuba diving activities, these are all demarcated by a buoy placed there for dive boats only.A permit is required for fishing or trolling and also for scuba diving unless with a local company.Do not jet ski in the marine reserve.Do not moor or anchor in the reserve without permission from the Fisheries Division.Damaging the corals and the use of a spear gun for the purpose of fishing is forbidden.
Local Customs:
Holidays and important religious ceremonies are celebrated with the slaughtering of livestock and the preparation of large meals. Guests visit homes throughout the day and are given food, desserts, and alcoholic beverages or other drinks. Catholics make offerings of fruits and vegetables during church services or special masses.
Clearance Agents
Dominica Yacht Services: Contact Hubert Winston [info@dominicayachtservices.com], 17672752851 mobile/ WhatsAppNewtown Association of Yacht Security and Services (NAYSS)
Newly formed, NAYSS provide security, moorings, tours, and yacht services in Newtown to Loubiere Bay.
Portsmouth
General Info:
Description:
Portsmouth lies on the north-west corner of the island and is an interesting mixture of old and new, rich and poor. It is a lively place to visit.
There is an informal cruising net on VHF Channel 62.
Entrance Notes and Cautions:
If arriving at night, take care as there are a lot of unlit abandoned boats in the bay.
Clearance
The captain should go ashore to obtain clearance with Customs. The Customs station is located at the head of the commercial dock about half a mile south of the town.
Office hours are 0830-1300, 1400-1600 Tuesday to Friday (to 1700 Mondays). Outside of these hours, there is an overtime charge. Normally the Customs office will pass on the paperwork to Immigration, so there will be no need to visit them unless instructed to do so.
Immigration is upstairs on the main street, Michael Douglas Blvd, opposite the dinghy dock.
Portsmouth Association of Yacht Services (PAYS)
Address: Purple Turtle Beach, Prince Rupert's Bay, Lagoon, W.I, Portsmouth, Dominica,
A non-profit organization that provides security and yacht services to boat cruisers anchored in Prince Rupert’s Bay. Its members can provide marine services including clearance assistance, water, fuel, water taxi plus tours, assistance with provisioning and more.
Docking:
Moorings
Portsmouth Association of Yacht Services (P.A.Y.S.) are based here. This is a group of trained certified guides and local businesses that also patrol the north end of Prince Rupert Bay at night during the winter sailing season (November to the end of May) and offer a number of services to cruising boats (formalities, ice, garbage, laundry, fuel, water etc.).
A new mooring field was installed in Prince Rupert Bay at the end of 2015.
As you enter Prince Rupert Bay you will likely be approached by a PAYS member in their water taxi. They can be identified by the PAYS logo on their boat. Alternatively, call them on VHF. Ch.16 and they will assist with tying up to their maintained moorings.
The PAYS office is located on Purple Turtle Beach in Prince Rupert’s Bay. They have an internet café and showers. Their charge is EC$25.00 a night, including all the services above and the mooring. PAYS accept USD, EURO and GBP (British Pound Sterling).
On Sundays, they run a popular BBQ, cost $50EC each for all you can eat and drink (rum punch only!).
Anchoring
Prince Rupert Bay is a popular choice with yachts for anchoring, which is free. The holding is variable as some of the sand is mixed with coral rubble. Closer to the beach is generally the best holding.
PAYS staff are trying to monitor this area for yacht security, both during the daylight hours and overnight. However, it’s a very large bay, so please help them out by anchoring close to them in the northernmost portion of Prince Rupert Bay, from the concrete fishing dock northward toward Purple Turtle.
Take care anchoring amidst the mooring buoys at the north end of the bay, and remember to allow 360 degrees of swing room to avoid entanglement with the markers.
Remember also that whilst you will see anchored boats all facing West during the day when the western sea breeze stops at dusk, everyone turns back east overnight. Eastern squalls often blow through the anchorage during the night, so it’s important that you set your anchor and chain correctly.
It is not advisable to anchor in the south of Prince Rupert Bay where yacht thefts and boardings have been reported.
Note that Wednesday and Saturday nights are “Loud music nights”, so best to moor further offshore if you prefer the quiet.
In addition, it is common for local children to play around the dinghy docks unsupervised, so take care when tying up your dinghy.
WiFi is available in the harbour – see comment below.
Security
Yacht burglaries and boardings have been reported here and dinghy and outboard theft are relatively common (see reports adjacent and comments below). Be sure to lock up before leaving your boat and secure your valuables at all times, in particular when leaving your dinghy ashore on a dinghy dock.
Roseau
General Info:
Description:
Roseau, the capital of Dominica, is on the west coast of the Island towards the southern tip. It has some wonderfully attractive old buildings, many of which have been recently restored. The whole town has an authentic Caribbean atmosphere.
Roseau has most of the major tourist sites boasting the Boiling Lake, Ti Tou Gorge, Champagne Reef, Soufriere Pinnacle, Bubble Beach in Soufriere, Middle Ham Falls, Trafalgar Falls, Victoria Falls, Carib Indian Model Village, the Botanical Gardens, and many more.
Clearance
General Procedure:
Customs and Immigration are located in the Cruise Ship Terminal. There is a dinghy dock outside Customs.
There is a one week “in/out” clearance available upon request.
To move your vessel to one of the other three ports requires a 24-hour cruising permit. This can be obtained in Roseau or Portsmouth.
Roseau is the most reliable port of entry for clearing visiting yachts, however, commercial traffic does get priority. If a ferry is arriving or has arrived, yacht crew must wait till the customs building is cleared of ferry passengers before they will be allowed to enter the premises to perform yacht clearance.
If there is a cruise ship in port, from around 0700-0830 the customs officers close their office to board the cruise ship for the ship’s clearance. All yacht crew performing clearances would have to wait till they return.
Opening hours:
The office is usually open Monday 08:00-13:00,14:00-17:00, Tuesday-Friday 08:00-13:00, 14:00-16:00. On weekends, the office is only opened when the ferry is arriving. Overtime fees apply on Saturdays and Sundays.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
Ports of Entry:
Northwest tip - Portsmouth
Southwest coast- Roseau
Clearance
PRE-ARRIVAL:
Complete Sail Clear www.sailclear.com before arrival as this is now required for clearance in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Completing the online forms prior to checking in may save a lot of time at Customs. Computer terminals to check-in via SailClear are available at both main ports of entry (Roseau & Portsmouth). For a full explanation of this service and other web clearance services in the Caribbean see report: Eastern Caribbean Cruising: Clearance Procedures Simplified.
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES:
General Process:Working hours for the authorities are Monday-Friday, 8:00-16:00 hrs.An agent is recommended, but not compulsory.If you have proof of vaccination, this should be presented to Health on entering the country, before proceeding to Customs/Immigration.If requested, you can get your passport stamped at the Immigration office at the police station in town.On arrival, ask for a cruising permit to cover all the places the yacht plans to visit. A cruising permit is needed to go from Roseau to Portsmouth.
CLEARING OUT
Clearing in and out can be done at the same time if not planning to stay for more than one week.
Documents
Necessary Documents for Dominica:Passport for each passenger/crew memberPassenger and Crew listNegative RT-PCR testVaccination cards for each passenger/crew memberBoat Documentation
Fees:
Customs Clearance
EC$4 per person plus EC$1.50 per vessel cleared (Eastern Caribbean Dollars EC$ ONLY).
Customs Clearance Overtime Fees (Per Vessel Function)
Monday (5pm-7pm): EC$25
Tuesday – Friday (4pm-6.59pm): EC$25
Monday – Friday (7pm-7.59am): EC$30
Saturday – Monday (8am-7.59am): EC$30
Holidays: EC$30
Note: Overtime fees in Roseau are charged threefold (i.e. EC$75 for 1 Officer/Supervisor in Attendance, 1 Officer/Clearing Ship & 1 Boarding Officer admitting to Pratique).
Cruising Permit / Coast-wise Permit
Free during working hours (Monday-Friday) 8:00-16:00 Hrs
Weekends and after hours (Saturday) EC$75 per Clearing vessel
(Sunday & Holidays) EC$90 per Clearing Vessel
Overtime is charged outside of office hours.
Other Fees
Environmental tax per person: EC$4
Documentation: EC$2
Arrival/Departure tax per person: EC$59 (note – this only applies if crew join or leave the yacht here).
Restrictions:
There are four zones within Soufriere-Scott’s Head Marine Reserve (SSMR) on the SW tip of the Island. Each set aside for its own particular activity.
https://www.avirtualdominica.com/project/soufriere-scot.... nursery area – No fishing allowed in this region.Recreation Area – located at the beach called “Tous sable” is set aside as a recreational area for swimming and snorkeling from shore.Fishing priority area – is set aside for the local fishery, there are strict guidelines governing this region.Scuba Diving – There are several areas set aside for scuba diving activities, these are all demarcated by a buoy placed there for dive boats only.A permit is required for fishing or trolling and also for scuba diving unless with a local company.Do not jet ski in the marine reserve.Do not moor or anchor in the reserve without permission from the Fisheries Division.Damaging the corals and the use of a spear gun for the purpose of fishing is forbidden.
Local Customs:
Holidays and important religious ceremonies are celebrated with the slaughtering of livestock and the preparation of large meals. Guests visit homes throughout the day and are given food, desserts, and alcoholic beverages or other drinks. Catholics make offerings of fruits and vegetables during church services or special masses.
Clearance Agents
Dominica Yacht Services: Contact Hubert Winston [info@dominicayachtservices.com], 17672752851 mobile/ WhatsAppNewtown Association of Yacht Security and Services (NAYSS)
Newly formed, NAYSS provide security, moorings, tours, and yacht services in Newtown to Loubiere Bay.
Portsmouth
General Info:
Description:
Portsmouth lies on the north-west corner of the island and is an interesting mixture of old and new, rich and poor. It is a lively place to visit.
There is an informal cruising net on VHF Channel 62.
Entrance Notes and Cautions:
If arriving at night, take care as there are a lot of unlit abandoned boats in the bay.
Clearance
The captain should go ashore to obtain clearance with Customs. The Customs station is located at the head of the commercial dock about half a mile south of the town.
Office hours are 0830-1300, 1400-1600 Tuesday to Friday (to 1700 Mondays). Outside of these hours, there is an overtime charge. Normally the Customs office will pass on the paperwork to Immigration, so there will be no need to visit them unless instructed to do so.
Immigration is upstairs on the main street, Michael Douglas Blvd, opposite the dinghy dock.
Portsmouth Association of Yacht Services (PAYS)
Address: Purple Turtle Beach, Prince Rupert's Bay, Lagoon, W.I, Portsmouth, Dominica,
A non-profit organization that provides security and yacht services to boat cruisers anchored in Prince Rupert’s Bay. Its members can provide marine services including clearance assistance, water, fuel, water taxi plus tours, assistance with provisioning and more.
Docking:
Moorings
Portsmouth Association of Yacht Services (P.A.Y.S.) are based here. This is a group of trained certified guides and local businesses that also patrol the north end of Prince Rupert Bay at night during the winter sailing season (November to the end of May) and offer a number of services to cruising boats (formalities, ice, garbage, laundry, fuel, water etc.).
A new mooring field was installed in Prince Rupert Bay at the end of 2015.
As you enter Prince Rupert Bay you will likely be approached by a PAYS member in their water taxi. They can be identified by the PAYS logo on their boat. Alternatively, call them on VHF. Ch.16 and they will assist with tying up to their maintained moorings.
The PAYS office is located on Purple Turtle Beach in Prince Rupert’s Bay. They have an internet café and showers. Their charge is EC$25.00 a night, including all the services above and the mooring. PAYS accept USD, EURO and GBP (British Pound Sterling).
On Sundays, they run a popular BBQ, cost $50EC each for all you can eat and drink (rum punch only!).
Anchoring
Prince Rupert Bay is a popular choice with yachts for anchoring, which is free. The holding is variable as some of the sand is mixed with coral rubble. Closer to the beach is generally the best holding.
PAYS staff are trying to monitor this area for yacht security, both during the daylight hours and overnight. However, it’s a very large bay, so please help them out by anchoring close to them in the northernmost portion of Prince Rupert Bay, from the concrete fishing dock northward toward Purple Turtle.
Take care anchoring amidst the mooring buoys at the north end of the bay, and remember to allow 360 degrees of swing room to avoid entanglement with the markers.
Remember also that whilst you will see anchored boats all facing West during the day when the western sea breeze stops at dusk, everyone turns back east overnight. Eastern squalls often blow through the anchorage during the night, so it’s important that you set your anchor and chain correctly.
It is not advisable to anchor in the south of Prince Rupert Bay where yacht thefts and boardings have been reported.
Note that Wednesday and Saturday nights are “Loud music nights”, so best to moor further offshore if you prefer the quiet.
In addition, it is common for local children to play around the dinghy docks unsupervised, so take care when tying up your dinghy.
WiFi is available in the harbour – see comment below.
Security
Yacht burglaries and boardings have been reported here and dinghy and outboard theft are relatively common (see reports adjacent and comments below). Be sure to lock up before leaving your boat and secure your valuables at all times, in particular when leaving your dinghy ashore on a dinghy dock.
Roseau
General Info:
Description:
Roseau, the capital of Dominica, is on the west coast of the Island towards the southern tip. It has some wonderfully attractive old buildings, many of which have been recently restored. The whole town has an authentic Caribbean atmosphere.
Roseau has most of the major tourist sites boasting the Boiling Lake, Ti Tou Gorge, Champagne Reef, Soufriere Pinnacle, Bubble Beach in Soufriere, Middle Ham Falls, Trafalgar Falls, Victoria Falls, Carib Indian Model Village, the Botanical Gardens, and many more.
Clearance
General Procedure:
Customs and Immigration are located in the Cruise Ship Terminal. There is a dinghy dock outside Customs.
There is a one week “in/out” clearance available upon request.
To move your vessel to one of the other three ports requires a 24-hour cruising permit. This can be obtained in Roseau or Portsmouth.
Roseau is the most reliable port of entry for clearing visiting yachts, however, commercial traffic does get priority. If a ferry is arriving or has arrived, yacht crew must wait till the customs building is cleared of ferry passengers before they will be allowed to enter the premises to perform yacht clearance.
If there is a cruise ship in port, from around 0700-0830 the customs officers close their office to board the cruise ship for the ship’s clearance. All yacht crew performing clearances would have to wait till they return.
Opening hours:
The office is usually open Monday 08:00-13:00,14:00-17:00, Tuesday-Friday 08:00-13:00, 14:00-16:00. On weekends, the office is only opened when the ferry is arriving. Overtime fees apply on Saturdays and Sundays.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
America.Rides.Maps
last year
Antigua / Barbuda -
Antigua Ports of Entry:
West coast, Jolly Harbor
South Coast, English Harbor
South Coast - Falmouth Harbor
Jolly Harbor
General clearance:
It has been reported that officials in Jolly Harbour do not respond to any hails on any VHF channel.
Customs, Immigration and the Port Authority have a newly built designated dock which is situated adjacent to the Superyacht Terminal. The Port of Entry dock is well marked with a sign. The dock lights, flag and building are all yellow.
The whole boat must report, either with the vessel or in the dinghy, to the yellow customs house in Jolly Harbour. There is dock space for approx. 2-3 boats.
The offices are open daily (in general) from 08:30-16:00,
No yacht may enter the harbor after 18:00.
Clearance is also available at Jolly Harbour Marina and Boatyard.
You are required to clear out within 12 – 24 hours of your departure time.
International clearance:
Yachts arriving here from a foreign port are expected to go directly to this dock for a visual inspection and to clear-in. If you have a large yacht, go directly to the Superyacht Terminal. If the offices are closed, please stay on the clearance dock until all paperwork has been completed.
Be sure to clear in within 24 hours of your arrival.
Skippers that pre-cleared with eSeaClear have reported not having a problem with anchoring and taking the dinghy to the clearance dock.
Note: Officials do not use the radio here.
English Harbor
Entry Notes or Cautions:
Entering English Harbour during daylight is straightforward if you favour the Berkeley Point side of the channel (referred to on some charts as Barclay Point). On the Fort Charlotte side there is a reef.
A clear navigation channel must be maintained from Fort Berkeley to the inner harbour. Yachtsmen are requested not to obstruct the free passage of vessels to and from the inner harbour. The channel is now marked with red and green buoys
Falmouth Harbor
Description:
Falmouth Harbour is a horseshoe-shaped bay and natural harbour on the southern coast of Antigua. The town and port of Falmouth are situated on the northern shore while nearby English Harbour is located close to the eastern shore.
Cruiser Highlights:
Duty free fuel is available in all marinas. Visiting cruisers are welcome at the Antigua Yacht Club.
Entrance Notes and Cautions:
Antigua uses the American system of buoyage colouring which means the red buoys are to starboard on entry and the green ones to port. The opposite way around to the U.K., Europe and most of the rest of the world.
When entering Falmouth Harbour be wary of Bishop Shoal which lies to the east of the entrance and is marked by a large, red buoy. Leave the buoy to starboard. The shoal is easily spotted, except in the calmest waters, as waves break over it.
The approach to Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Catamaran Marina and Falmouth Harbour Marina are marked by red and green channel buoys
To enter Antigua Yacht Club Marina or Falmouth Harbour Marina, after Bishop Shoal buoy, leave the next red buoy to port and follow the buoyed channel which leads to both marinas. To enter the Catamaran Marina leave the red buoy after the Bishop Shoal buoy to starboard and line up the two orange triangles on the hillside above the Catamaran Marina. These will lead you to the dock. There are leading lights to the Catamaran marina for night entry.
Online registration - Yes
eSeaclear -https://www.eseaclear.com/home/index.cfm
PRE-ARRIVAL
First hand reports indicate that those onboard private yachts are still being asked to show Covid vaccination documentation (even though all restrictions were lifted in August 2022). See Biosecurity for details.
Antigua & Barbuda is currently the only country using the eSeaClear system for pre-arrival customs notification. This service allows the Captain to submit an electronic notification to Antigua Customs Officers, which aims to speed up the process of clearing into the country by around 75%. In actual fact, cruisers have reported that as well as entering information electronically, forms are then printed, need to be signed and then processed by each department. The process is still cumbersome.
The eSeaClear website can be found at www.eseaclear.com. eSeaClear now have offices in English Harbour.
Do note that the most commonly used clearing in system is SailClear so once you move to another Island you may need to register your information again depending on which system is used.
For a full explanation of eSeaClear’s service and other web clearance services in the Caribbean see report Eastern Caribbean Cruising: Clearance Procedures Simplified
Clearance in Barbuda:
Barbuda is listed on the Antigua & Barbuda Government website as a Port of Entry. However it is advisable to check with Customs and Immigration in Barbuda before arriving. They can be contacted on +1-268 460 0085 and +1-268 460 0354.
The Barbuda Immigration Office operates for limited hours on Saturdays and Sundays. However if there are circumstances where service is required, Immigration can facilitate in conjunction with the assistance of Customs and Port Authority. Contact can be made by telephoning + 1-268-764-2161.
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES:
Ports of Entry:
St. Johns has been closed to private yachts since Spring 2021. English Harbour and Jolly Harbour are the only entry ports for private yachts at this time.
There are certain clearance procedures common to all ports for vessels clearing into any port in Antigua.
Advance Notification:
All marine pleasure craft entering the waters of Antigua and Barbuda officially should contact the Antigua Port Authority, using VHF Channel 16, at least six (6) hours prior to arrival at the chosen port of entry. In reality this is not an easy task in English Harbor as it is surrounded by hills – and – in Jolly Harbor they don’t use the radio – so it’s highly unlikely you will get an answer. As it may be difficult to connect with port authorities six hours before arrival vessels should continue to attempt VHF contact while approaching English or Jolly Harbour. VHF contact will likely only be possible during regular business hours. Vessels arriving after those hours, or, for any reason have not made VHF contact before arrival; should anchor, hoist the “Q” flag and remain in quarantine until VHF communication is made and further arrival instructions are received.
General Process:
The Q flag must be flown and the Antigua courtesy flag. All crew must remain on board until clearance is completed by the Captain. Be sure to clear in within 24 hours of your arrival.The Captain of the boat must clear into Antigua in person with Customs and Immigration, with all ship’s papers including eSeaClear documentation, passports, clearance certificate (zarpe) from last port, as well as airline tickets for any crew disembarking in Antigua. The unique EseaClear ID number must be presented to Customs for collection of clearance documents, before proceeding to Immigration. Present Clearance from last port and receive and fill out the General Declaration Form.If EseaClear is not available then the following must be presented to the Immigration Officer:Crew/passenger listsPassportsVessel registration
5. Acquire and fill out Entry/Departure cards..
6. Go back to Customs for final approval.
7. Proceed to Port Authority. Pay fees for clearance, garbage, anchorage or moorage and your cruising permit. See Fees for details.
Notes:If a vessel arrives after hours, the captain must ensure that no crew goes ashore until clearance has been completed at the first opportunity (i.e., immediately the next morning).Crew leaving a boat by plane must have a valid airline ticket to a country that will accept them without question (no chance of being refused entry). This ticket must be presented to the Immigration official at the time of arrival to Antigua.Captains wishing to exchange crew members with another vessel must do so in the presence of an immigration official. Heavy fines have been levied in both Jolly Harbour and English Harbour ($5,000 EC), against yachts whose crew leave the boat before Customs clearance, or against Captains who send a crew to complete clearance.
Domestic Cruising:
Every vessel in Antigua & Barbuda’s waters must carry a valid cruising permit. Vessels anchored in English Harbour or Falmouth Harbour or berthed at Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua Slipway, Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Falmouth Harbour Marina and Catamaran Marina are subject to National Parks Authority fees in addition to Port Authority Fees.
CLEARING OUT
Once registered with eSeaClear outgoing clearance and later re-entry is straightforward.
International Clearance:
Every vessel clearing out of Antigua and Barbuda must prepare and present a Customs Outbound declaration form and must depart within 24 hours of completing the clearance procedures.
All departing vessels will be obliged to pay harbour dues before departing. Receipts for all Port and National Parks fees must be shown even if clearing out through a different port from the original Port of Entry.
Children are not considered crew by the Antigua authorities, because they are too young to work. Instead they are deemed passengers and incur an additional charge of 75EC per passenger on clearing out.
If a vessel arrives after hours and there are crew/passengers who are leaving the country by air, then special arrangements can be made to facilitate this. Departure of crew/passenger will not be facilitated without entry clearance of the vessel. In the case of a departing vessel awaiting crew or passengers, passports/IDs must be seen along with other requited documents, by Immigration to facilitate the clearance.
Note: Customs and Immigration must be notified of the impending arrival and changes in arrival times.Antigua Port Authority Marine Dept.
Contact: Chief Pilot Sam Beresford – samberesford900@gmail.com
Tel: 1 268 732-4157Antigua Coastguard
VHF Ch 16 or call 268 462 3206/2841/2843 and 268 462 067
BARBUDA
Yachts must clear customs in Antigua first before proceeding to Barbuda as cruising permits are not available there.
There is only one customs station based in Codrington.
Locations -
Codrington - only town, west coast, shallow lagoon, anchor off barrier Islands, dinghy in. Island destroyed by Hurricane Irma.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
Antigua Ports of Entry:
West coast, Jolly Harbor
South Coast, English Harbor
South Coast - Falmouth Harbor
Jolly Harbor
General clearance:
It has been reported that officials in Jolly Harbour do not respond to any hails on any VHF channel.
Customs, Immigration and the Port Authority have a newly built designated dock which is situated adjacent to the Superyacht Terminal. The Port of Entry dock is well marked with a sign. The dock lights, flag and building are all yellow.
The whole boat must report, either with the vessel or in the dinghy, to the yellow customs house in Jolly Harbour. There is dock space for approx. 2-3 boats.
The offices are open daily (in general) from 08:30-16:00,
No yacht may enter the harbor after 18:00.
Clearance is also available at Jolly Harbour Marina and Boatyard.
You are required to clear out within 12 – 24 hours of your departure time.
International clearance:
Yachts arriving here from a foreign port are expected to go directly to this dock for a visual inspection and to clear-in. If you have a large yacht, go directly to the Superyacht Terminal. If the offices are closed, please stay on the clearance dock until all paperwork has been completed.
Be sure to clear in within 24 hours of your arrival.
Skippers that pre-cleared with eSeaClear have reported not having a problem with anchoring and taking the dinghy to the clearance dock.
Note: Officials do not use the radio here.
English Harbor
Entry Notes or Cautions:
Entering English Harbour during daylight is straightforward if you favour the Berkeley Point side of the channel (referred to on some charts as Barclay Point). On the Fort Charlotte side there is a reef.
A clear navigation channel must be maintained from Fort Berkeley to the inner harbour. Yachtsmen are requested not to obstruct the free passage of vessels to and from the inner harbour. The channel is now marked with red and green buoys
Falmouth Harbor
Description:
Falmouth Harbour is a horseshoe-shaped bay and natural harbour on the southern coast of Antigua. The town and port of Falmouth are situated on the northern shore while nearby English Harbour is located close to the eastern shore.
Cruiser Highlights:
Duty free fuel is available in all marinas. Visiting cruisers are welcome at the Antigua Yacht Club.
Entrance Notes and Cautions:
Antigua uses the American system of buoyage colouring which means the red buoys are to starboard on entry and the green ones to port. The opposite way around to the U.K., Europe and most of the rest of the world.
When entering Falmouth Harbour be wary of Bishop Shoal which lies to the east of the entrance and is marked by a large, red buoy. Leave the buoy to starboard. The shoal is easily spotted, except in the calmest waters, as waves break over it.
The approach to Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Catamaran Marina and Falmouth Harbour Marina are marked by red and green channel buoys
To enter Antigua Yacht Club Marina or Falmouth Harbour Marina, after Bishop Shoal buoy, leave the next red buoy to port and follow the buoyed channel which leads to both marinas. To enter the Catamaran Marina leave the red buoy after the Bishop Shoal buoy to starboard and line up the two orange triangles on the hillside above the Catamaran Marina. These will lead you to the dock. There are leading lights to the Catamaran marina for night entry.
Online registration - Yes
eSeaclear -https://www.eseaclear.com/home/index.cfm
PRE-ARRIVAL
First hand reports indicate that those onboard private yachts are still being asked to show Covid vaccination documentation (even though all restrictions were lifted in August 2022). See Biosecurity for details.
Antigua & Barbuda is currently the only country using the eSeaClear system for pre-arrival customs notification. This service allows the Captain to submit an electronic notification to Antigua Customs Officers, which aims to speed up the process of clearing into the country by around 75%. In actual fact, cruisers have reported that as well as entering information electronically, forms are then printed, need to be signed and then processed by each department. The process is still cumbersome.
The eSeaClear website can be found at www.eseaclear.com. eSeaClear now have offices in English Harbour.
Do note that the most commonly used clearing in system is SailClear so once you move to another Island you may need to register your information again depending on which system is used.
For a full explanation of eSeaClear’s service and other web clearance services in the Caribbean see report Eastern Caribbean Cruising: Clearance Procedures Simplified
Clearance in Barbuda:
Barbuda is listed on the Antigua & Barbuda Government website as a Port of Entry. However it is advisable to check with Customs and Immigration in Barbuda before arriving. They can be contacted on +1-268 460 0085 and +1-268 460 0354.
The Barbuda Immigration Office operates for limited hours on Saturdays and Sundays. However if there are circumstances where service is required, Immigration can facilitate in conjunction with the assistance of Customs and Port Authority. Contact can be made by telephoning + 1-268-764-2161.
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES:
Ports of Entry:
St. Johns has been closed to private yachts since Spring 2021. English Harbour and Jolly Harbour are the only entry ports for private yachts at this time.
There are certain clearance procedures common to all ports for vessels clearing into any port in Antigua.
Advance Notification:
All marine pleasure craft entering the waters of Antigua and Barbuda officially should contact the Antigua Port Authority, using VHF Channel 16, at least six (6) hours prior to arrival at the chosen port of entry. In reality this is not an easy task in English Harbor as it is surrounded by hills – and – in Jolly Harbor they don’t use the radio – so it’s highly unlikely you will get an answer. As it may be difficult to connect with port authorities six hours before arrival vessels should continue to attempt VHF contact while approaching English or Jolly Harbour. VHF contact will likely only be possible during regular business hours. Vessels arriving after those hours, or, for any reason have not made VHF contact before arrival; should anchor, hoist the “Q” flag and remain in quarantine until VHF communication is made and further arrival instructions are received.
General Process:
The Q flag must be flown and the Antigua courtesy flag. All crew must remain on board until clearance is completed by the Captain. Be sure to clear in within 24 hours of your arrival.The Captain of the boat must clear into Antigua in person with Customs and Immigration, with all ship’s papers including eSeaClear documentation, passports, clearance certificate (zarpe) from last port, as well as airline tickets for any crew disembarking in Antigua. The unique EseaClear ID number must be presented to Customs for collection of clearance documents, before proceeding to Immigration. Present Clearance from last port and receive and fill out the General Declaration Form.If EseaClear is not available then the following must be presented to the Immigration Officer:Crew/passenger listsPassportsVessel registration
5. Acquire and fill out Entry/Departure cards..
6. Go back to Customs for final approval.
7. Proceed to Port Authority. Pay fees for clearance, garbage, anchorage or moorage and your cruising permit. See Fees for details.
Notes:If a vessel arrives after hours, the captain must ensure that no crew goes ashore until clearance has been completed at the first opportunity (i.e., immediately the next morning).Crew leaving a boat by plane must have a valid airline ticket to a country that will accept them without question (no chance of being refused entry). This ticket must be presented to the Immigration official at the time of arrival to Antigua.Captains wishing to exchange crew members with another vessel must do so in the presence of an immigration official. Heavy fines have been levied in both Jolly Harbour and English Harbour ($5,000 EC), against yachts whose crew leave the boat before Customs clearance, or against Captains who send a crew to complete clearance.
Domestic Cruising:
Every vessel in Antigua & Barbuda’s waters must carry a valid cruising permit. Vessels anchored in English Harbour or Falmouth Harbour or berthed at Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua Slipway, Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Falmouth Harbour Marina and Catamaran Marina are subject to National Parks Authority fees in addition to Port Authority Fees.
CLEARING OUT
Once registered with eSeaClear outgoing clearance and later re-entry is straightforward.
International Clearance:
Every vessel clearing out of Antigua and Barbuda must prepare and present a Customs Outbound declaration form and must depart within 24 hours of completing the clearance procedures.
All departing vessels will be obliged to pay harbour dues before departing. Receipts for all Port and National Parks fees must be shown even if clearing out through a different port from the original Port of Entry.
Children are not considered crew by the Antigua authorities, because they are too young to work. Instead they are deemed passengers and incur an additional charge of 75EC per passenger on clearing out.
If a vessel arrives after hours and there are crew/passengers who are leaving the country by air, then special arrangements can be made to facilitate this. Departure of crew/passenger will not be facilitated without entry clearance of the vessel. In the case of a departing vessel awaiting crew or passengers, passports/IDs must be seen along with other requited documents, by Immigration to facilitate the clearance.
Note: Customs and Immigration must be notified of the impending arrival and changes in arrival times.Antigua Port Authority Marine Dept.
Contact: Chief Pilot Sam Beresford – samberesford900@gmail.com
Tel: 1 268 732-4157Antigua Coastguard
VHF Ch 16 or call 268 462 3206/2841/2843 and 268 462 067
BARBUDA
Yachts must clear customs in Antigua first before proceeding to Barbuda as cruising permits are not available there.
There is only one customs station based in Codrington.
Locations -
Codrington - only town, west coast, shallow lagoon, anchor off barrier Islands, dinghy in. Island destroyed by Hurricane Irma.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
America.Rides.Maps
last year
Anguilla
-Ports of Entry:
West coast , Road Bay
Anchor and take the dinghy to the dinghy dock.
Both Customs and Immigration are in the same building by the dinghy dock, open 0830-1200, 1300-1600.
General Process:
Yachts must proceed directly to Road Bay and clear in at the Customs and Immigration office at Sandy Ground.
Both Customs and Immigration are in the same building by the dinghy dock, open 0830-1200, 1300-1600.
You will be asked for 4 copies of the crew list and may be asked for the same of the clearance from your last port of call.
Because of the serious concern over drug traffic, yachts must be sure to clear in properly. Failure to do so could result in a fine, and the boat being confiscated.
Domestic Cruising:
Inform the authorities if wishing to go anywhere outside of Road Bay as a cruising permit will be necessary. Since most other anchorages/moorings are in a marine park, a daily fee is payable.
CLEARING OUT
If staying less than 24 hours, one can clear Customs in and out at the same time. A departure tax of US$3 per person is payable.
SailClear
http://www.sailclear.com/
Documents:
Unless only visiting Road Bay, a cruising permit is required. This is issued by the Customs Officer.
Cruising Permit fees: depends on tonnage and the duration of a visit, e.g. a boat from 5 to 20 tons for a week would pay EC$750 (EC$275 if under 5 tons). The permit can be obtained on arrival. It also counts as a clearance certificate and with it, it is not necessary to check out with Customs when leaving Anguilla.
Last updated May 2017.
Fees:
Overtime: EC$30 at Road Bay outside of office hours and on Sundays and holidays.
Cruising Permit: Approx. US$56/night
All yachts must pay for a cruising permit if wishing to visit areas outside Road Bay (even in a dinghy). There are no exemptions for cruising yachts with the owner on board. The amount depends on the yacht’s tonnage and is charged by the day – Note: a day is a midnight to midnight – which means that 1 overnight stay is 2 days.
There are mooring buoys in marine parks. The fee for their use is now included in the cruising permit. These buoys are white and designed to take boats up to 55 feet (18m). They can be booked in advance.
AASPA Security Fees/Emb Tax/Port dues: US$41
Entry Testing + Private Nurse: US$50 per person
Agency Fees for clearance: Approx. US$150
Diving Fee: Approx US$5 per person/per dive.
Restrictions:
There are several areas where anchoring is prohibited or severely restricted. These include Little Bay, around Sandy Island, Prickly Pear Cays and Seal Island reefs, Dog Island and Rendezvous Bay.
Anguillian waters are all protected as a national park.
The rules for the Marine Park are:-Please do not stand or lean on coralsPlease do not break off live or dead coralPlease do not anchor on any reef or seagrass areas – sandy areas onlyPlease do not throw garbage into the seaVisitors are NOT permitted to fish within Marine Park boundariesNO flora, fauna, or artefact found within any of the Marine Parks may be removed or damagedActivities that may lead to the damage of any flora, fauna, or artefact found within any of the Marine Parks is PROHIBITEDWater skiing is NOT allowed within Marine Park boundariesJetskiing is NOT allowed in any of Anguilla’s watersFires are NOT allowed on any of Anguilla’s beachesAbsolutely no anchoring in Little Bay
Visitors are prohibited from spearfishing and the collection of coral and shellfish.
There are also restrictions on waste disposal for which there is a charge.
Wide Caribbean’s Marine Protected Areas (CaMPAM)
Local Customs:
Dress Code
This is casual, and, when in The Valley, in good taste (no short-shorts, bikinis, bra-type tops or shirtless men).
Nudity (and toplessness for women) is illegal for everybody in all public places, including remote beaches.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
-Ports of Entry:
West coast , Road Bay
Anchor and take the dinghy to the dinghy dock.
Both Customs and Immigration are in the same building by the dinghy dock, open 0830-1200, 1300-1600.
General Process:
Yachts must proceed directly to Road Bay and clear in at the Customs and Immigration office at Sandy Ground.
Both Customs and Immigration are in the same building by the dinghy dock, open 0830-1200, 1300-1600.
You will be asked for 4 copies of the crew list and may be asked for the same of the clearance from your last port of call.
Because of the serious concern over drug traffic, yachts must be sure to clear in properly. Failure to do so could result in a fine, and the boat being confiscated.
Domestic Cruising:
Inform the authorities if wishing to go anywhere outside of Road Bay as a cruising permit will be necessary. Since most other anchorages/moorings are in a marine park, a daily fee is payable.
CLEARING OUT
If staying less than 24 hours, one can clear Customs in and out at the same time. A departure tax of US$3 per person is payable.
SailClear
http://www.sailclear.com/
Documents:
Unless only visiting Road Bay, a cruising permit is required. This is issued by the Customs Officer.
Cruising Permit fees: depends on tonnage and the duration of a visit, e.g. a boat from 5 to 20 tons for a week would pay EC$750 (EC$275 if under 5 tons). The permit can be obtained on arrival. It also counts as a clearance certificate and with it, it is not necessary to check out with Customs when leaving Anguilla.
Last updated May 2017.
Fees:
Overtime: EC$30 at Road Bay outside of office hours and on Sundays and holidays.
Cruising Permit: Approx. US$56/night
All yachts must pay for a cruising permit if wishing to visit areas outside Road Bay (even in a dinghy). There are no exemptions for cruising yachts with the owner on board. The amount depends on the yacht’s tonnage and is charged by the day – Note: a day is a midnight to midnight – which means that 1 overnight stay is 2 days.
There are mooring buoys in marine parks. The fee for their use is now included in the cruising permit. These buoys are white and designed to take boats up to 55 feet (18m). They can be booked in advance.
AASPA Security Fees/Emb Tax/Port dues: US$41
Entry Testing + Private Nurse: US$50 per person
Agency Fees for clearance: Approx. US$150
Diving Fee: Approx US$5 per person/per dive.
Restrictions:
There are several areas where anchoring is prohibited or severely restricted. These include Little Bay, around Sandy Island, Prickly Pear Cays and Seal Island reefs, Dog Island and Rendezvous Bay.
Anguillian waters are all protected as a national park.
The rules for the Marine Park are:-Please do not stand or lean on coralsPlease do not break off live or dead coralPlease do not anchor on any reef or seagrass areas – sandy areas onlyPlease do not throw garbage into the seaVisitors are NOT permitted to fish within Marine Park boundariesNO flora, fauna, or artefact found within any of the Marine Parks may be removed or damagedActivities that may lead to the damage of any flora, fauna, or artefact found within any of the Marine Parks is PROHIBITEDWater skiing is NOT allowed within Marine Park boundariesJetskiing is NOT allowed in any of Anguilla’s watersFires are NOT allowed on any of Anguilla’s beachesAbsolutely no anchoring in Little Bay
Visitors are prohibited from spearfishing and the collection of coral and shellfish.
There are also restrictions on waste disposal for which there is a charge.
Wide Caribbean’s Marine Protected Areas (CaMPAM)
Local Customs:
Dress Code
This is casual, and, when in The Valley, in good taste (no short-shorts, bikinis, bra-type tops or shirtless men).
Nudity (and toplessness for women) is illegal for everybody in all public places, including remote beaches.
Attribution: The bulk of this information is gleaned from Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool. It is reposted here for reference use as our travels will often take us to places with no cell or internet access. See Noonsite for full information and subscription details. It is a highly valuable and useful site.
America.Rides.Maps
last year
Saba
Ports of Entry:
southwest coast - Fort Bay
In bad weather, it may be necessary to carry on to the more protected anchoring area on the NW side of the island, between Ladder Bay and Well’s Bay, where several moorings (yellow with blue stripe) have been laid for visiting yachts. Make sure you get a taxi telephone number, so you can get back to Fort Bay from there for clearance. Fort Bay offers better protection in strong NE winds, while Ladder and Wells Bays are more sheltered in SE winds. The anchorage here is only really comfortable in calm weather.
Dingy Dock:
Dinghies can be landed inside the breakwater at the tender dock. If you need fuel it’s found at the gas station on the road heading east out of the port.
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES:
All yachts should proceed to Fort Bay for clearance. Contact the Harbour Master at Fort Bay on Channels 16 or 11. Once contact has been made safely moor the boat.
See Fort Bay Clearance for possible mooring options.
In bad weather, it may be necessary to carry on to the more protected anchoring area on the NW side of the island, between Ladder Bay and Well’s Bay, where several moorings (yellow with blue stripe) have been laid for visiting yachts. Make sure you get a taxi telephone number, so you can get back to Fort Bay from there for clearance.
General Process:
Clear with Customs and Immigration, then check in/out with the harbour master. If Customs and Immigration are not available, then the HM deals with all formalities. Customs and Immigration are located in the ground floor of the Harbor Office.
The Harbour Office is open 0600-1800 Monday to Saturday.
Clearing in and out at the same time is possible, even if you are staying a few days.
Yachts must also clear in with the Marine Park at the office in Fort Bay.
Due to the number of forms to be completed (with multiple copies), clearance can take a surprisingly long time. It speeds things up to have the forms ready. Find links to downloadable forms here.
See https://www.sabaport.com/visiting-yachts for the latest information.
Fees:
There is a Marine Park fee of $3 per person per week for mooring maintenance, plus $1/per person per night for nature management.
There is a visa fee of 35 euro.
The harbour fee depends on the tonnage of the vessel (prices subject to change):
0 – 40 US$ 20
40 – 60 US$ 40
60 – 80 US$ 60
80 – 100 US$ 80
100+ US$ 100
Departure Tax: An Airport and Harbour departure tax fee of $10.00 is payable when departing Saba. There are no ATM’s at the airport and harbour.
Description:
The port of Fort Bay on the SW coast of Saba is the busiest place on the island; used by fishermen, dive companies, ferries, shipping companies and yachts. Wednesdays are particularly busy as it’s when deliveries occur. The port’s facilities have recently expanded and the island’s power plant has been relocated, resulting in a more peaceful environment.
The port is located behind two breakwaters and has space for landing dinghies. There are also several mooring balls available off the coast just outside the breakwater.
Cruiser Highlights:
Harbor Office; Customs & Immigration; Saba Marine Park Office; fuel; shower facilities; hyperbaric chamber; shops and restaurants; hiking; scuba diving; snorkelling.
Entrance notes or cautions:
This port is not recommended in moderate or strong winds.
The port’s official website has some good images and information. See https://www.sabaport.com/
Restrictions
All the waters around Saba were made a national marine park in 1987 and anchoring is restricted to sandy areas where the coral will not be damaged. Spearfishing and the taking of coral or shells are prohibited. Marine Park officials patrol the anchorages and welcome yachts.
A fee is charged for the maintenance of the underwater park.
The moorings in the Park are 45cm (18in) float balls with a blue reflective band and are colour-coded to indicate the varied user groups. White and red moorings are for licensed diving vessels only. Yellow moorings are specifically for use by visiting yachts up to 18m (59ft). They cannot be reserved and are on a first-come, first served basis. Vessels are allowed to occupy these moorings for up to seven (7) days.
Local Customs
Bathing suits should not be worn within the villages and actually going shirtless is illegal.
Ports of Entry:
southwest coast - Fort Bay
In bad weather, it may be necessary to carry on to the more protected anchoring area on the NW side of the island, between Ladder Bay and Well’s Bay, where several moorings (yellow with blue stripe) have been laid for visiting yachts. Make sure you get a taxi telephone number, so you can get back to Fort Bay from there for clearance. Fort Bay offers better protection in strong NE winds, while Ladder and Wells Bays are more sheltered in SE winds. The anchorage here is only really comfortable in calm weather.
Dingy Dock:
Dinghies can be landed inside the breakwater at the tender dock. If you need fuel it’s found at the gas station on the road heading east out of the port.
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES:
All yachts should proceed to Fort Bay for clearance. Contact the Harbour Master at Fort Bay on Channels 16 or 11. Once contact has been made safely moor the boat.
See Fort Bay Clearance for possible mooring options.
In bad weather, it may be necessary to carry on to the more protected anchoring area on the NW side of the island, between Ladder Bay and Well’s Bay, where several moorings (yellow with blue stripe) have been laid for visiting yachts. Make sure you get a taxi telephone number, so you can get back to Fort Bay from there for clearance.
General Process:
Clear with Customs and Immigration, then check in/out with the harbour master. If Customs and Immigration are not available, then the HM deals with all formalities. Customs and Immigration are located in the ground floor of the Harbor Office.
The Harbour Office is open 0600-1800 Monday to Saturday.
Clearing in and out at the same time is possible, even if you are staying a few days.
Yachts must also clear in with the Marine Park at the office in Fort Bay.
Due to the number of forms to be completed (with multiple copies), clearance can take a surprisingly long time. It speeds things up to have the forms ready. Find links to downloadable forms here.
See https://www.sabaport.com/visiting-yachts for the latest information.
Fees:
There is a Marine Park fee of $3 per person per week for mooring maintenance, plus $1/per person per night for nature management.
There is a visa fee of 35 euro.
The harbour fee depends on the tonnage of the vessel (prices subject to change):
0 – 40 US$ 20
40 – 60 US$ 40
60 – 80 US$ 60
80 – 100 US$ 80
100+ US$ 100
Departure Tax: An Airport and Harbour departure tax fee of $10.00 is payable when departing Saba. There are no ATM’s at the airport and harbour.
Description:
The port of Fort Bay on the SW coast of Saba is the busiest place on the island; used by fishermen, dive companies, ferries, shipping companies and yachts. Wednesdays are particularly busy as it’s when deliveries occur. The port’s facilities have recently expanded and the island’s power plant has been relocated, resulting in a more peaceful environment.
The port is located behind two breakwaters and has space for landing dinghies. There are also several mooring balls available off the coast just outside the breakwater.
Cruiser Highlights:
Harbor Office; Customs & Immigration; Saba Marine Park Office; fuel; shower facilities; hyperbaric chamber; shops and restaurants; hiking; scuba diving; snorkelling.
Entrance notes or cautions:
This port is not recommended in moderate or strong winds.
The port’s official website has some good images and information. See https://www.sabaport.com/
Restrictions
All the waters around Saba were made a national marine park in 1987 and anchoring is restricted to sandy areas where the coral will not be damaged. Spearfishing and the taking of coral or shells are prohibited. Marine Park officials patrol the anchorages and welcome yachts.
A fee is charged for the maintenance of the underwater park.
The moorings in the Park are 45cm (18in) float balls with a blue reflective band and are colour-coded to indicate the varied user groups. White and red moorings are for licensed diving vessels only. Yellow moorings are specifically for use by visiting yachts up to 18m (59ft). They cannot be reserved and are on a first-come, first served basis. Vessels are allowed to occupy these moorings for up to seven (7) days.
Local Customs
Bathing suits should not be worn within the villages and actually going shirtless is illegal.