Caribbean – Saint Lucia – Marigot Bay

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.

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 that has played a role 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.

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

Cruiser Notes or Cautions:

Incidents of theft and attempted theft, at night, 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 no onsite (see reports adjacent).

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 dingy and outboard at all times.