Set between the Atlantic and the Caribbean, Martinique balances French influence with West Indies nature: sheltered west-coast anchorages, rainforest peaks, and reliable trade winds. It is a practical base for one-week loops around the south and west coasts, or a slightly longer hop to neighbouring Saint Lucia. Booking a charter in Martinique is easy and convenient, with many operators offering all-inclusive packages that make planning your sailing vacation simple and stress-free. Most yacht charters start from Le Marin on the southern coast, home to the island’s main marina and charter fleet.

Introduction to yacht chartering in Martinique: what to expect and why choose this destination

Martinique stands out as a premier destination for a Caribbean yacht charter, offering a captivating mix of French culture and West Indies charm. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the island’s natural beauty—lush rainforests, picture-perfect beaches, and vibrant marine life are all within easy reach. The southern coast, with its calm sailing conditions and well-equipped marina du marin, is perfect for those new to sailing holidays or looking for a relaxing escape. More experienced sailors can challenge themselves with the varied sailing conditions found further north, where the coastline becomes wilder and the winds more lively.

Fort de France, the island’s bustling capital, is a fantastic starting point for your sailing holiday. Here, you can soak up the local history, sample delicious cuisine at local restaurants, and enjoy the lively markets before setting sail. Martinique’s coastline is dotted with both black sand beaches and classic white sand stretches, while inland, hiking trails wind through lush rainforests and past soothing hot springs. With straightforward mooring fees, modern marinas, and a welcoming sailing community, Martinique makes boat rental and yacht charter easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of French culture in the Caribbean, Martinique is the perfect place to begin your next sailing experience.

When to go: dry season, average temperature and high season

Dry season (mid-December to May). Winds are steadier and rainfall is lower, which suits predictable sailing days. Typical coastal temperatures sit around 22–30 °C, with warm sea temperatures. Peak demand is December to March, with a quieter shoulder in April–May.

Wet season and hurricanes (June to November). Showers are more frequent and the tropical cyclone risk increases, especially around September. Many crews still sail then, but keep a close eye on forecasts and insurance terms.

Sailing conditions in Martinique: trade winds, channels and swell

Prevailing easterly trade winds blow year-round, typically from NE to SE. The leeward (Caribbean) coast offers calmer sailing conditions, while the Atlantic side and inter-island channels can be brisk and choppy, particularly in winter. Tides are small; anchorages and mooring buoys are widely available along the coast.

Charter bases and marinas: Le Marin, Fort-de-France and Pointe du Bout

Marina du Marin (Le Marin). The island’s primary charter hub with around 830 berths and 100 moorings, full technical services and customs on site. It sits in a deep, well-protected bay at the south of the island, making turnarounds simple and provisioning easy. Book early in winter.

Fort-de-France Bay and Pointe du Bout (Trois-Îlets). Smaller marinas and hotel quays across the bay from the capital, connected by frequent public ferries. Handy for crews who want a night ashore before or after the cruise.

Martinique yacht charter routes: south and west coasts, plus Saint Lucia

Sailing south from Le Marin: Sainte-Anne, Les Salines and the southern coast

Short legs and well-sheltered anchorages make this area ideal for the first day or two. Sainte-Anne and Les Salines deliver wide bays, clear water and easy holding. From Le Marin, you can be anchored within an hour of casting off.

Anse d’Arlet, Anse Dufour and Anse Noire: picture-perfect beaches and turtles

The Anses d’Arlet area combines postcard scenery with snorkelling. Anse d'Arlet is a picturesque beachside town known for its beautiful beaches, local restaurants, art galleries, and marina facilities, making it a charming and culturally rich destination. Anse Dufour and Anse Noire sit in neighbouring coves split by a lava headland; one has white sand, the other black sand. It’s a well-known spot for turtle sightings. Note that anchoring is prohibited in Grand Anse d’Arlet; pick up one of the managed mooring buoys instead.

Diamond Rock and the southern headlands

Sailing west you pass Diamond Rock, a volcanic pinnacle with historical significance and strong currents in the surrounding channel on lively days. Choose a settled forecast before lingering.

Sailing north: Saint-Pierre, Mount Pelée and history above several shipwrecks

At the foot of Mount Pelée, Saint-Pierre combines a dramatic past with good holding off the town. Divers explore multiple shipwrecks sunk during the 1902 eruption, and on land you can visit museums and the volcano science centre. Conditions are typically calm close to shore on the west coast, with clearer water for snorkelling.

Extension to Saint Lucia: Rodney Bay and the Pitons

Confident crews often add Rodney Bay to a week’s plan. The Le Marin to Rodney Bay leg is about 22–30 nautical miles, most often a close or beam reach in the trades. Clear out/in with customs when crossing; both islands streamline formalities at main ports.

Anchorages, mooring buoys and marina nights: how it works

• Anchorages: You’ll find numerous sand-bottom anchorages along the west and south coasts, with small tidal range and generally modest sea state inside the bays.

• Mooring buoys: In popular or protected areas such as Grand Anse d’Arlet, use the managed mooring field instead of anchoring. Fees are modest and collected by harbour staff; some bays require advance contact by VHF or email.

• Marinas: Expect typical Caribbean stopover pricing and to reserve ahead in peak weeks, especially in Le Marin.

Boat types: monohulls, catamarans and skipper options

• Sailing yacht charter Martinique Efficient upwind and rewarding to hand-steer in the trades. A 36–45 ft monohull suits most crews of four to six, with comfortable cabins and economical running.

• Catamaran charter Martinique Very popular in Martinique for their living space, stable platforms at anchor and shallow draft for closer access to beaches. Great for families and mixed-experience crews, particularly on the calmer west coast.

• With or without skipper: Experienced sailors often choose bareboat charter Martinique; if your crew prefers a relaxed week or plans to cross to Saint Lucia, a skippered yacht charter Martinique can handle local formalities and routing.

Nature and activities: vibrant marine life, diving and hiking

• Snorkelling and turtles: The coves around Anse Dufour and Anse Noire are known for sea turtles and accessible reefs. Please keep distance, do not touch, and use reef-safe sunscreen.

• Diving: The Saint-Pierre wrecks are a signature dive experience that connects the bay’s calm water to the island’s history. Local operators can advise on certification and conditions.

• Hiking enthusiasts: On lay-days, try Mount Pelée via the Aileron route for panoramic views, choosing a stable weather window and proper footwear. Waterfall hikes around Didier are renowned, though access can close after heavy rain or for safety—check current guidance on the day.

Culture and food: French influence, local restaurants and markets

Expect a mix of French culture and Creole flavours. The influence of Paris is evident in Martinique’s culture, fashion, and cuisine, reflecting the island’s colonial history and its strong connection to French style and Parisian traditions. In Fort-de-France and the villages along the coast you’ll find bakeries, small supermarkets, and local restaurants serving grilled fish, accras and fresh fruit. Ferries shuttle across the bay, so it’s easy to combine a provisioning run with a quick street-food lunch.

Formalities and paperwork: French Antilles, clearance and documents

Martinique follows EU customs rules as an overseas department of France. For local cruising within Martinique, formalities are simple. If you sail to Saint Lucia or other islands, clear out and in as required, hoist the Q flag on arrival, and follow port instructions. Fees are modest and the process is well established at major marinas. Bring passports for all crew if you plan to leave French waters.

Practical tips for a smoother week

• Provisioning: Stock up fully at Le Marin on day 1; small top-ups are easy along the coast. Weather: Even in the dry season, brief squalls roll through. Reef early when sailing channels.

• Mooring etiquette: Have lines ready, approach into the wind, and confirm the buoy’s size limits. In managed fields like Grand Anse d’Arlet, follow harbour staff guidance. Conservation: Use pump-out where available, avoid anchoring on coral or seagrass, and respect turtle distances at snorkel sites.

Boat rental options and who Martinique suits

• Families and new crews value the calm sailing conditions on the west coast, short legs, and easy moorings.

• Sailors seeking a bit more bite can add a channel crossing to Rodney Bay or a windier day outside the southern headlands, then return to sheltered bays for the night.

Yacht charter and Boat rental in Martinique

Charter a yacht and explore Martinique! Prices start from 164 € per day. Choose from the largest selection of catamarans, sailboats, power catamarans and motor boats.

Popular cities are Le Marin, Fort-de-France and Le François.