Soufriere : Profile

Location

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.

July 2008: Some cruisers have had their boats burgled while out at dinner when moored at the Bat Cave in Soufriere. However, for about $30EC, Benny at Harmony Beach will post a guard on your yacht for two and half hours.

Clearance

Soufrière is an official port of entry.

Customs are open 7 days a week from 0800-1630, otherwise Tel.+1 758 459 5656.

Docking

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. See their website for information for yachts.

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. Be sure, though, to test the security of the mooring before trusting it.

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. There is also a fee of US$2 per person/per day.

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.

Updated June 2011.

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