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Meridiela.

Les Anses-d'Arlet

A southwestern fishing village whose church stands at the head of a pier over the bay.

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Typevillage and bay
WhereSouth-west
Nearest cityLes Anses-d'Arlet
Best seasonDecember to April
Time to allowHalf a day
Getting thereOn the southwestern coast road; ferry from Fort-de-France in season
EntryFree

Grande Anse d'Arlet is a wide bay on the leeward coast with a village along it and a wooden pier running out from the church, so that from the water the church tower sits at the end of the jetty, which is the image the island uses most. The bay is calm and turtles feed on seagrass off the northern end, where snorkellers see them regularly. Petite Anse round the point is a smaller working fishing beach.

What you actually see

  • The church and pier - the tower framed at the head of the wooden jetty.
  • The turtles - green turtles on the seagrass at the northern end of the bay.
  • The calm bay - sheltered leeward water good for swimming.
  • Petite Anse - the smaller working fishing beach around the point.

When to go

December to April is the drier season and calmest. Weekends and holidays fill the bay. Mornings are best for turtles and quiet.

Honest expectations

The bay is crowded with boats and swimmers in season and turtle-watching becomes a scrum. Parking in the village is very limited. Restaurant prices are high for what is served.

Nearby

Anse Dufour is north, and Les Trois-Îlets is northeast.

What to pack for Les Anses-d'Arlet

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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