Explore: Saint Laurent du Maroni
General Info
Photo courtesy of Terry Teperson.
Saint Laurent lies on French Guiana’s biggest river, the Maroni, which marks the border with Suriname. The port is about 15 miles from the entrance and is opposite the town of Albina in Suriname.
It contains many restored buildings from the period when it served as a French penal colony and is a wonderful historical centre with lots of character.
A new small marina opened here in 2015 which offers lots of services to cruisers.
Position 5°30.2′ N, 54° 1.5′ W.
Clearance
This is an official Port of Entry.
See French Guiana Formalities for detailed clearance information.
David (of the Marina/Moorings and Nereid Rally) takes care of all clearance procedures for cruisers, whether you are at anchor or on one of his moorings (for a small charge). He will do all the paperwork and drive you to the PAF (police aux frontières ) at the car ferry dock, to have your passport stamped (entry and exit).
Note, this is not obligatory for European citizens but prevents issues when your next stop is Suriname.
Last updated December 2016.
Docking
Approach
A buoyed channel for cargo vessels marks the route. Following the latest survey of the Maroni River, the minimum depth at high tide is over 4m. The survey and buoy positions can be obtained at: http://marinaslm.com/rally/Downloads.php
If in doubt (buoys are widely spaced), keep as close as possible to the French side of the river.
Beware of fishing nets when approaching the Maroni river’s safe water mark.
While night entry is possible, it is not recommended as buoys closer to Saint Laurent are not lit.
Docking
A new marina opened here early 2015 with 20 mooring buoys and a clubhouse/restaurant. The swinging moorings are regularly inspected and can accommodate yachts up to 60 feet.
The marina can now supply fresh water from one of their floating docks. Yachts can now come along-side to fill up (no more jerry jugs from the marina office!). The charge is Euro 0.03 / Litre and is available for all yachts, even if not staying at the marina.
Anchoring
Anchoring is not allowed within the marina zone. Whilst there is no official anchorage, yachts will be asked to move if they drop their hook within 150m of the mooring field.
The Gendarmerie and the Municipal police can issue fines to yachts that do not comply.
Security
The first-known security incident against cruisers occurred here in March 2016 when four crew were robbed of their personal items whilst venturing up the Maroni River in their dinghy. See report here.
Last updated November 2017.
