Anse Charpentier (Sainte-Marie)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Medium waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
For surfing, the spot is described as an exposed reef/reef-influenced break that stays powerful and can become heavy on bigger swells. Optimal swells are associated with north to east directions, with a typical working swell height window around 1.0 to 2.5 meters, and all-tides guidance is given. Wind effects are noted: stronger offshore grooming conditions can occur with south or southwest winds. For kitesurfing and other wind-driven disciplines, the dominant east / north-east trade winds often align with the spot’s practical wind range (about 15–25 knots). However, the combination of wave power, strong currents (baïnes), and limited launch space makes it an advanced destination rather than a beginner-friendly one. Water quality is frequently reported as dirty or fair, and the river mouth can contribute to murkiness and debris after rainfall. Safety guidance is consistent across sources: swimming is dangerous and often prohibited, and emergency response is not provided by dedicated on-site wind-sport rescue. Specific local cautions include staying within the marked bather zone (yellow buoys) and managing obstacle hazards in the take-off area (including palm trees).
- Trade winds from the east/north-east with typical 15–25 knots during the dry season
- Warm water year-round (about 26–29°C)
- Powerful surf with reef break characteristics and potential for maneuvers and occasional barrel sections
- Dangerous currents/undertow; swimming prohibited
- Consistent trade-wind pattern with typical 15–25 knots for wind/wave sports
- Powerful, exposed surf with reef-oriented waves and a known working swell window
- Warm water year-round (roughly 26–29°C), enabling lighter exposure protection
- Swimming is dangerous and often prohibited due to very strong rip currents/baïnes
- Strong currents and powerful waves make it unsuitable for beginners
- Small launch area with obstacles near take-off/landing
- Water can be murky and debris can increase after rainfall (river mouth influence)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ENE, E
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds (Alizés) from the east / north-east, often reinforced by a mild daytime sea-breeze.
- Reliability
- High during the trade wind season
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Reported as light-gusts.
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–11 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Small — Relatively narrow sandy beach bordered by vegetation and a river mouth; limited space.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate launch difficulty in one report; difficult in another report due to currents and approach/terrain.
Through the year
Mostly deserted year-round; more surfers on big swell days in winter/spring. Can be busier with local surfers on weekends.
July to November
By sport
What to expect for each.
Advanced wave/kitesurfing conditions with strong currents and wave power; small launch area with vegetation/palm obstacles requires caution. Not suitable for beginners.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–11 m²
Exposed Atlantic conditions with challenging bump-and-jump / wave riding for experienced riders.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Possible but challenging due to shore break and swell; depth is sufficient once past the initial break.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed Atlantic spot with powerful waves and strong currents/undertow. Surf is reef-oriented and can become heavy on bigger swells.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NE, E
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach/reef setting with little shelter from wind/swell.
- Wind Effect
- South or Southwest winds provide more optimal offshore conditions for grooming waves.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and difficult to manage with significant size; spot is noted as renowned on big swell days.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Ride Length Details
- Provides sections for maneuvers and occasional barrel sections on the reef.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Anse Charpentier (Sainte-Marie) in the full forecast view.
Anse Charpentier (Sainte-Marie) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–13 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- E101°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2513 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–1.7 m7s period
- Temperature
- 26–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Anse Charpentier (Sainte-Marie) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 1.2–1.7 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- Very strong rip currents / baïnes (powerful undertow)
- Powerful surf conditions
- Rocks/submerged reef sections
- Sea urchins in shallow water
- Murky water after heavy rain (river mouth influence)
- Palm trees in the take-off/landing area (obstacle hazard)
- Debris near the river mouth
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated rescue/on-site rescue service.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number: 112 or 15 (SAMU).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Local decree/protection around dangerous conditions; mild localism mentioned in safety guidance.
Rules of the spot
Swimming is dangerous and often prohibited due to very strong currents (baïnes). Do not cross the yellow buoys marking the bather zone.
- Swimming prohibited
- No dedicated kite zones
- Do not cross yellow buoys
- Check water clarity; the river mouth can make water murky and bring in debris after rainfall.
- Be extremely careful with rip currents; they can be very powerful.
- Use caution around palm trees in the launch/take-off area.
- Do not cross the yellow buoys (bather zone).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Sainte-Marie
- Nearest Town
- Le Marigot
- Parking
- Small parking lot / dedicated lot near the beach and the adjacent restaurant.
- Access
- Descend from national road N1, follow sign for restaurant Le Point de Vue; small parking lot, then access through woods opposite the restaurant (also described as easy access via N1 between Sainte-Marie and Marigot with a dedicated lot near the beach).
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Gites, eco-lodges, small hotels, and resorts/guesthouses in Sainte-Marie and the nearby Marigot area.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurant nearby at/near the spot entrance (Creole cuisine).
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment is available through local surf clubs and specialized shops in the Sainte-Marie / Trinité area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The area blends rugged Atlantic coastline with nearby cultural and rum-related attractions, plus outdoor hiking options.
A natural sand bridge connecting the mainland to Îlet Sainte-Marie, walkable only during the dry season.
A historic distillery offering tours, tastings, and a museum about Martinique’s rum history.
Amerindian archaeological sites.
Extensive trail network through mangroves and dry forests with views of the Atlantic.
Hiking along the 800m North Atlantic coastal pathway.
Traditional Creole restaurants serving local seafood and 'accras'.
Creole gastronomy institution.
Educational farm and museum dedicated to banana cultivation in the Caribbean.
Scenic coastal walks (swimming prohibited).
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Anse Charpentier (Sainte-Marie)?
The best overall months at Anse Charpentier (Sainte-Marie) are December, January, February, March, April, May, June. The best wind months are December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July.
Which wind directions work at Anse Charpentier (Sainte-Marie)?
Anse Charpentier (Sainte-Marie) works with NE, ENE, E winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Anse Charpentier (Sainte-Marie)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Anse Charpentier (Sainte-Marie): Kitesurfing: 7–11 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Anse Charpentier (Sainte-Marie) suitable for?
Anse Charpentier (Sainte-Marie) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.