Anse à la Barque (Saint-François)
- Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
The break is located at the entrance of a narrow cove and is reef-based, with a launch described as a narrow rocky entrance or a small sandy patch inside the cove. Wave quality is generally described as good, with peeling reef waves and medium ride lengths. Reported optimal swell height is about 1.0–2.5 m and the most suitable swell directions are north to northeast, aligning with winter seasonal surf patterns.
- Winter north-swells are associated with the best quality
- Offshore wind tends to come from North/Northwest
- Left and right waves available from the reef
- Booties recommended for sea-urchins and rocky/reef entry
- Consistent surf during the winter season when swell conditions align
- Exposed reef break with both left and right waves
- Generally unlikely to be too crowded even when surf is up
- Clean water and tropical setting
- Reef hazards and rocky entry require caution
- Currents can be strong on larger swells
- No lifeguards reported
- Summer surf may be mostly flat
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds (Alizés) are the dominant pattern around Saint-François.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gusts reported.
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs around the cove can create wind shadows near the beach.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed — Conflicting reports: sand beach reported in one source, while rocks are reported in another; overall launch may include sandy patches within the cove and rocky reef surroundings.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Medium waves reported; overall surf can be pretty consistent when conditions are right.
- Launch
- Small — Narrow rocky entrance or a small sandy patch inside the cove.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Rocky/reef entry described as requiring moderate effort and caution.
Through the year
Generally low to moderate; can get busier on weekends with local riders.
Hurricane season typically runs from June to November.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break at the entrance of a narrow inlet/cove, with both left and right waves (right often more consistent). Summer is often mostly flat, while winter north swells are associated with more reliable surf.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NNE, NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best on mid tide reported.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef break.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds are from the North/Northwest; the typical East/Northeast trade winds are cross-shore to onshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells but becomes challenging due to the narrow entrance and currents.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Good wave quality reported; described as pretty consistent when surf is up.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power reported.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling reef waves; peeling on approach.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling waves reported at the cove entrance.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Rides typically medium; can range from about 50 to 100 meters depending on angle and power.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides can range from 50 to 100 meters depending on swell angle and power.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Anse à la Barque (Saint-François) in the full forecast view.
Anse à la Barque (Saint-François) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–15 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- ESE106°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2515 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.1 m6s period
- Temperature
- 26–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Anse à la Barque (Saint-François) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.7–1.1 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Rip currents
- Sharp coral reef
- Submerged rocks
- Sea urchins
- Strong currents during high swell
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability reported as none for the spot; regional rescue is coordinated by SNSM and local maritime authorities.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Saint-François. For major care, CHU de Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) is noted regionally; European numbers 112 and 15 (SAMU), and 18 (fire/rescue).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism reported; one note indicates the spot may be restricted to confirmed/experienced surfers.
Rules of the spot
Surf at your own risk on this reef entry; check currents and swell angle before committing to the water.
- Booties are highly recommended due to sea urchins and the rocky/reef entry.
- Keep an eye on the swell direction; north swells are typically best for quality.
- Unlikely to be crowded even when surf is up.
- Summer tends to be mostly flat.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Saint-François
- Nearest Town
- Saint-François
- Nearest Airport
- Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet International Airport (PTP)
- Parking
- Limited parking available on the side of the main road or in small dirt pull-offs.
- Public Transport
- Public bus services (Karu'Lis) connect major towns; rental car is recommended for transporting gear to different spots
- Access
- From Pointe à Pitre, take N4 toward Saint-François, then turn right just before the "Blonval" bus stop at the Anse à la Barque sign.
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous villas and hotels are available in Saint-François and Sainte-Anne.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities at the spot; restaurants and shops are located a short drive away in Saint-François.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental shops are available in Saint-François town center.
- Gear Storage
- Not specified for the spot itself.
- Gear Repair
- Basic sail and kite repairs are described regionally; spot-level surfing repair specifics are not provided.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Scenic peninsula with dramatic rock formations and hiking trails with panoramic views.
Boat excursions to the protected nature reserve of Petite Terre for snorkeling and wildlife spotting.
Hub of diverse restaurants ranging from traditional French cuisine to local Creole dishes.
Family-friendly beach dining.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Anse à la Barque (Saint-François)?
The best overall months at Anse à la Barque (Saint-François) are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Anse à la Barque (Saint-François)?
Anse à la Barque (Saint-François) works with N, NW winds.
What skill level is Anse à la Barque (Saint-François) suitable for?
Anse à la Barque (Saint-François) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.