Petit Cul-de-Sac
A small rocky bay east of the lagoon, with tide pools and almost nobody in it.
Updated 3 September 2026
Petit Cul-de-Sac sits just east of the larger lagoon, a small bay of rock and coral rubble with pools in the shelf and a reef offshore, and almost nobody goes there because there is no proper beach. The water is clear and the pools hold small fish at low tide. It is one of the few places on the island where you can be on the coast alone in the high season.
Highlights
- The rock pools - the basins in the shelf holding fish at low water.
- The offshore reef - the coral closing the mouth of the bay.
- The rubble shore - coral and rock rather than sand.
- The emptiness - a coast with almost nobody on it.
When to go
December to April is the dry high season. Low tide is when the pools are best. June to November is the hurricane season.
Good to know
There is no sand beach here and the shore is uncomfortable underfoot. Swimming is awkward with rock and urchins about. There are no facilities of any kind.
Nearby
Grand Cul-de-Sac is west, and the Toiny coast is south.
What to pack for Petit Cul-de-Sac
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
