Degrad des Cannes - Docking
The Grand Port Maritime de la Guyane has banned the anchoring of pleasure craft within the port limits from January 1, 2023. The use of the marina pontoons is now exclusively reserved for authorized professional vessels.
The best anchorage is up-river in front of the Roura bridge, well sheltered, with a slipway on the right bank just before the bridge to disembark.
Currents can be very strong (> 3 knots) here. Give yourself plenty of swing room as boats turn at each tide and not necessarily at the same time nor in the same direction.
Another good anchorage is reported to be about 300m beyond the ‘marina’ and 150m off the north shore, where there is excellent holding in stiff mud in 4.5m (plus tide). Beware of dragging in local squalls and for the dredger as it works daily in the harbour. However, with the closing of the marina to visiting yachts, this area may also be out of bounds.
Local Services
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. There is a well stocked Carrefour Supermarket on the edge of town, beside the main Degrad/Cayenne road.
There is a local bus-van service at about 3 Eu to Cayenne. It is safe to walk and many people hitchhike. 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.
Other anchorages:
It is also possible to anchor further north on the Kourou river near the town of the same name and there is also a private Marina in Saint-Laurent du Maroni with moorings available.
Kourou and Saint-Laurent du Maroni, have the advantage of being located near the towns of the same name and therefore are easy to access on foot, unlike Dégrad des Cannes which is 6km away from the anchorage.
Last updated: September 2023
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The facilities and the marina is still open.
The new manager, Maurin is very friendly and can help you.
Easy to clear in.
I got a berth in april/may 2019 but all depends of availability.
But it is true that there are rumors that the authorities want to close the marina. They tripled the fee for the live aboards Several of them are leaving or are for anchor near the bridge. I paied about 18€/dayfor a stay of 9 days. 1 day was around 27€ for a 37ft. Anchoring = 1€/day for using the pontoon and getting water.
The harbour master is a very kind man but he depends of the port authorities. The last ones are situated 2.5 km from the marina and it is there where to pay the fees.
There is a local restaurent on 2 km with good wifi (open on weekdays till15.00). It us situated in front of the Yamaha dealer.
Laudry in Montjoly village about 5 km from the marina.
The harbour master can provide the adress of a rent a car in Cayenne town who asks 15€/day for old cars and more for newer ones.
The Cora supermarket changed names and is now a Super U but still with a very large choice.