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.
Related Businesses
Marina Saint Laurent du Maroni
Address: 1 Esplanade Laurent Baudin BP230, Saint Laurent du Maroni CEDEX, French Guiana, 97393
1 Esplanade Laurent Baudin BP230, 97393 Saint Laurent du Maroni CEDEX, French Guiana
Tel: +594 (0) 694946157
Email: [email protected]
http://www.marinaslm.com
Secure mooring buoys, WiFi, secure dinghy dock, club house/cafe, check-in... Read More
Clearance
This is an official Port of Entry.
See French Guiana Formalities for detailed clearance information.
The customs and immigration offices are within a 3 minute walk from the jetty.
If staying at the Marina, they can assist with clearance procedures for a small charge.
Note, clearance is not obligatory for European citizens, but prevents issues when your next stop is Suriname.
Last updated: December 2018
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
The marina offers 20 mooring buoys and a laundry and cafe (open 11am to 8:30pm six days a week. Closed Saturdays). The swinging moorings are regularly inspected and can accommodate yachts up to 60 feet.
Fresh water is available to all yachts from the cafe during opening hours. Bulk water delivery can be arranged through the marina.
WiFi is offered free to marina clients.
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
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: Dec 2108
Related Businesses
Marina Saint Laurent du Maroni
Address: 1 Esplanade Laurent Baudin BP230, Saint Laurent du Maroni CEDEX, French Guiana, 97393
1 Esplanade Laurent Baudin BP230, 97393 Saint Laurent du Maroni CEDEX, French Guiana
Tel: +594 (0) 694946157
Email: [email protected]
http://www.marinaslm.com
Secure mooring buoys, WiFi, secure dinghy dock, club house/cafe, check-in... Read More