 Degrad des Cannes : Profile
This is the main port of French Guiana, located on the NW bank of the Mahury river. The buoyed channel is excellent and well lit, although reports recommend to enter in daylight at slack flood as the tides run strong. It may be shallow at buoy 12 (mud bottom), however they dredge the channel often.
To clear in you have to go the main port. Go ashore at the floating pontoons and walk on the paved road turning right at every opportunity. You will arrive at the dock gates after approx. 2 km.
Clear in with the port captain first. There is no fee and the harbour master is reported to be very friendly. Next go to the Customs office (Douane's) about 1 block away from the harbour masters (blue and white building). Customs is on the first floor.
Unless you are French, cruisers have been advised not to bother with immigration (in the same building as customs). However Henry, the immigration official, is reported to be very helpful, therefore itīs worth checking with him to be sure.
Yachts usually anchor up the river past the commercial port in very soft mud. Good holding in 4 meters with about a 4 kn current. Beware of dragging in local squalls and for the dredger as it works daily in the harbour.
The floating pontoons opposite the anchorage are generally full of long term French boats, but they do have water and electricity (220V).
Local Services
Yachts at anchor can take water for free from the pontoons. Fuel by jerry can from petrol station about 4km away.
There are no shops around, except for a small restaurant in the commercial harbour, 2 km away. Nearest shops (with many French products) are 8 km away at Cayenne, "Core" is reported to be the best supermarket. Currency is in Euro and everything is about 40% higher than in France. There is a local bus-van service at about 3 Eu to Cayenne. It is safe to walk and many people hitch hike. There are no taxis, however it is possible to hire a car.
The chandlery (with a big Yamaha sign) just before the commercial port may be able to help with repair services if required. There is another chandlery on the way into Kourou - on your left with lots of small boats outside it, however you will need a car or transport.
Very little English spoken here.
Last updated August 2010.
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