At a glance
- Best for
- Romance, sunsets, sailing and a central base
- Nearest airport
- George F. L. Charles, about thirty to forty five minutes by taxi
- Time needed
- A few hours on a visit, or two to four nights as a base
- Best day
- Friday, to add the Anse La Raye fish fry
- Getting around
- Water taxis across the bay, taxis and minibuses on the main road
- Good base for
- Anse Cochon, Anse La Raye, Castries and day trips south
Why go
Marigot Bay is small, and that is the point. There is no beach strip and no town to speak of, just a marina village, a ribbon of sand on the far side, a handful of hotels and restaurants, and a view that changes colour through the day. It suits couples, sailors and anyone who wants a quiet base halfway between the north and Soufrière.
Around the bay
The road from the main highway winds down to the inner bay, where **Marigot Bay Marina** and its small village of shops, bars and restaurants sit beside the water. Little **water taxis** ferry people across to the palm shaded beach on the narrow spit at the mouth of the inner bay, where you can swim in calm water and watch boats come and go. Sunset from one of the waterside bars, or from the hillside viewpoint above, is the classic Marigot experience.
The bay has film history too. Parts of the original 1967 Doctor Dolittle were shot here, and a long running restaurant and bar on the water still carries the name.
Along the coast
**Anse Cochon**, to the south and best reached by boat, is a pretty bay with good snorkelling over reef and rocks, a popular stop on day sails. Further on, the fishing village of **Anse La Raye** hosts a lively **fish fry** every Friday evening, where stalls cook fish, lobster in season, octopus and bakes in the main street. It is smaller and more local than the Gros Islet party, and good for families.
Just outside Anse La Raye, **La Sikwi** is a historic sugar estate with a restored water wheel and gardens, and the road inland leads to the island's main rainforest areas.
On the water
Marigot is one of the best places on the island for boat trips. Sunset cruises, snorkelling trips and day sails to Soufrière and the Pitons leave from here or stop to pick up passengers. Diving operators visit the reefs and wrecks along this stretch of coast, including the **Lesleen M**, a freighter sunk as an artificial reef near Anse Cochon.
Food
Dining is mostly in the hotels and around the marina, with a few independent places up the hillside. Expect fresh fish, Creole dishes and international menus. For a cheaper, more local meal, go to the Friday fish fry in Anse La Raye or stop at roadside stalls along the coast road.
Who it suits
Marigot is ideal for couples, honeymooners and sailors. Families can enjoy it too, but children who want a long sandy beach and lots of activities may be happier in Rodney Bay.
Getting there and around
From George F. L. Charles Airport, Marigot Bay is around thirty to forty five minutes by taxi, depending on Castries traffic. From Hewanorra it is roughly an hour and a quarter. Minibuses on the west coast route between Castries and Soufrière stop at the junction at the top of the hill, but the walk down is steep. Once there, use water taxis to cross the bay.
Where to stay
Choices range from a large resort and marina hotel in the inner bay to boutique hotels, cottages and villas on the hillsides. Many rooms have views over the water. Check access carefully if you have limited mobility, as many hillside properties involve steep paths and steps.
Questions about Marigot Bay
Does Marigot Bay have a beach?
There is a small, palm shaded beach on the spit across the inner bay, reached by a short water taxi ride. It is good for a calm swim, but if you want a long beach, plan days at Reduit or Anse Cochon.
Is Marigot Bay a good base for seeing the island?
Yes. It sits roughly halfway between Rodney Bay and Soufrière, so day trips both north and south are manageable.
When is the Anse La Raye fish fry?
It is usually on Friday evenings. Check locally before you go, as timings can change around holidays.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
