Isles de la Petite Terre

Iles de la Petite Terre consists of two uninhabited green islands protected by a reef. The whole area is a national park with no fishing or taking of conchs or anything else from land or sea. Both islands are low, although cliffs at the eastern ends are about 40 feet high. The lighthouse (108 feet) is visible before the islands. A calm, protected anchorage lies between the islands, with clear water in turquoise, azure, and aquamarine hues. It is somewhat reminiscent of the Tobago Cays. Snorkeling is wonderful; it does not get clearer than this. Unless you get to the outer reef, the coral is mainly rubble, but it is full of brightly colored reef fish, many large. Turtles, sting rays, eagle rays, and even basking sharks hang out here.

A path leads from the palm-backed beach on Terre-de-Bas to the lighthouse. There are some dramatic tidal pools below the cliffs. While ashore, you will see the original West Indian iguanas, which are abundant on both islands, and oyster catchers. Banana quits will come aboard. You may not go ashore in Terre-de-Haut, because it is a protected nesting area. However, there is a small beach near the moorings on its south coast that you can land on to rest if you are swimming. Turtles often swim just west of this. To go ashore on the main beach, tie your dinghy on one of the little moorings close to the beach, by the “no craft” net. You are not supposed to pull it up the beach or use it beyond the mooring area. Snorkel from the main beach. If you start on the south side and head east, you can get close to the outside reef without much current, and then work your way out into a little current and either come back to the beach or swim for your boat. 

Large sailing day-charter catamarans make regular runs here from St. François. By late afternoon, all is quiet, and it is a lovely place to wake up in the morning.