Marigot Bay - General Info

Description:

Marigot Bay is located mid-way along the NW coast of Saint Lucia. It lies approximately 3.4 miles to the SSW of Castries Harbour. It is a small inlet almost completely invisible from the sea until you are almost upon it. This port is a well known hurricane hole.

James A Michener, the US Novelist, is famously quoted as describing it as "The Most Beautiful Bay in the Caribbean", it is also a historic landmark has played a roll in a number of battles between the French and Royal Navy. Legend has it that a British admiral hid his fleet from the French here by tucking themselves inside the bay and tying palm fronds to their masts to camouflage them.

It is famed as the setting for the 1967 film version of Hugh Lofting's classic Doctor Dolittle books, which starred Rex Harrison and Anthony Newley. The bay is used for the scenes involving the shipwreck, the fictional Great Pink Sea Snail and the construction of the harness for the Giant Lunar Moth.

Consequently, Marigot is the most visited bay on St. Lucia and popular with tourists, excursion boats and yachts alike.

Entrance Notes and Cautions:

When watching for the entrance, keep an eye open for the prominent house with the bright red roof on the cliff top at the southern entrance. The channel is lit with port and starboard markers (IALA B - American buoyage system – red right returning).

Security:

Incidents of theft and attempted boarding/theft, after dark and when owners are ashore or away from the boat, have been reported over the past few years and continue to be reported to both CSSN and Noonsite.  See Related Security Reports for the latest information.

It is recommended you remove all unsecured items of value from the deck/cockpit before entering the bay, and keep a record of serial numbers/photos stored in a secure place for purposes of investigation and proof of ownership should a theft occur. Be sure to properly secure all hatches and doors when leaving the boat unattended or asleep, hide all valuables, and secure your dinghy and outboard at all times.

Position:

13°58.1′N, 61°01.8′W (harbor entrance)