The geography of Guadeloupe has dictated the development of the sailing infrastructure. The main economic and tourist centres are on Grande Terre, the coasts of which are quite exposed and, other than the roadstead of the Pointe-à- Pitre, short of natural havens. The latter, at the head of an inlet, is off the main route between Guadeloupe and the islands N and S of it, Antigua and Martinique respectively. That said, the opening of the large Bas du Fort marina in 1978 and the concentration of relevant yachting services in the area was bound to attract both yachtsmen and charter companies. Even so, the marina is relatively remote, stuck at the end of the Petit Cul-de-Sac Marin, egress N being limited by the Rivière Salée.

Pointe-à-Pitre Harbour
After following the buoyed, lit channel as far as buoy No.5 (Fl(2)R.25s), a secondary buoyed, lit channel opens up to starboard leading to the Bas du Fort Marina.

Bas du Fort Marina
The Port de Plaisance was created by dredging two basins out of the sand. A natural barrier closes off the S part resulting in a truly artificial lagoon, the Lagon Bleu. There are now over 1000 berths, on 8 pontoons in the N basin and 3 pontoons in the S basin of the Lagon Bleu.
Ashore A technical services area (zone technique), including both numerous specialists and a boatyard, lies E and N of the basin. The fuel dock is on the opposite side of the basin, where the furthest point of the pontoon meets the shore.
This concentration of yachting services, with provisioning in the marina supermarket as well as those at Gosier and Pointe-à-Pitre itself, make Bas du Fort Marina one of the best-equipped stops around for a yacht. On the quay and in elegant small shopping arcades you’ll find several shops, a laundry, minimarket, etc. Numerous restaurants offer varied menus and specialties over the whole price range. Until quite late in the evening they are very busy with yachties and locals, giving the whole area around the marina a great atmosphere.

Rivière Salée Note The opening of the Gabarre Bridge (Pont de la Gabarre) controls access to the S end of the Rivière Salée. This road bridge has now been supplemented by a second bridge (Pont de l’Alliance) just N of the airport which in turn controls access coming from the N. The result is a pattern of alternate openings from Monday to Saturday in high season: Pont de la Gabarre: 0500 Pont de l’Alliance: 0430-0530

For more details on these morings and the others :
- Petit Cul de Sac Marin
- Grand Cul de Sac Marin
- Ilet Gosier – Petit Havre
- Sainte-Anne – Saint-François
- Le Moule