Sailing in Martinique
The island state of Martinique is one of the most beautiful and exclusive sailing destinations in the Caribbean. Stunning white beaches framed by lush green palm trees and turquoise waters are just one aspect of this land. Vibrant nightlife and delicious local cuisine are as much part of the experience as everything else. A yacht charter in Martinique allows you to explore the island in your own time.
Things to do and see when sailing in Martinique
In Martinique, there are plenty of activities to indulge in that showcase the island's natural beauty, historical significance, and adventurous spirit. Whether you're looking to relax on stunning beaches, explore historical sites, or embark on exhilarating hikes, Martinique has something for everyone.
Activities in Martinique
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Visit Les baignoires Marigotines, an observation deck overlooking the sea and some interesting rock formations
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Go back in time by visiting the Ancien pont de la crabière
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Stroll around Jardin de Balata, the botanical garden of Martinique
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Rent a boat in Martinique to explore the most remote places you would otherwise miss
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Sail around the Caribbean and use Martinique as your base
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Explore the most southern town, Sainte-Anne, where you should relax on one of the pretty beaches and stroll along the beautiful streets to get some beautiful handcrafted items
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Enjoy a day in Saint-Pierre, which is not just known for its dramatic history and picturesque architecture. Mount Pelée, which is a volcano that erupted in 1902 and killed all of the town’s residents, should probably be best enjoyed from a distance
Beaches in Martinique
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Les Salines Beach: Paradise awaits at Les Salines, one of Martinique's most stunning beaches. With its pristine white sand, palm trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this beach is a true gem. The beach is easily accessible by boat and makes it a must-visit destination for beach lovers and those exploring the island on a beautiful yacht.
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Anse Couleuvre Beach: Nestled along the northern coast of Martinique, Anse Couleuvre offers a secluded and relatively untouched paradise. Surrounded by lush greenery and backed by rugged cliffs, this beach is known for its powdery white sand and tranquil atmosphere. Easily accessible by boat, this wonderful beach offers a serene escape from the crowds and will truly make you feel like you have arrived in paradise.
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Grande Anse d'Arlet Beach: Located in the charming fishing village of Grande Anse d'Arlet, this beach is renowned for its soft white sand and picturesque setting. Its calm and clear waters make it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. With its convenient access by boat, you can enjoy a day of relaxation and beachside bliss, but be aware that it is a very popular stop amongst sailors in the Caribbean.
Restaurants in Martinique
Casual dining in Martinique:
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Ti Cozy: The mouthwatering crepes will make you long for more. Enjoy a sweet or savory one depending on your personal preferences
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Restaurant La Kabananou: Try a chicken wrap on the go or sit down for a wholesome dinner after a long day out at sea
Best restaurants with a view in Martinique:
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Like at home, Soup & Cie: You can’t sit closer to the sea than this! Located right on the beach, this lovely restaurant charms you with the stunning views as well as delicious food
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Le Point de Vue: The rustic wooden and traditional look of this restaurant makes for an amazing dining experience in a stunning location. The cool sea breeze is an additional plus
Fine dining in Martinique:
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La Mandoline: Beautifully presented seafood dishes in an attempt to bring local and international cuisine together and the beautiful location make for a truly inspiring fine dining experience
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Delim's: The steak here is absolutely amazing and accompanied by some delicious sweet potatoes you have a lovely meal to enjoy
Bars and Clubs in Martinique
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Wahoo Café is absolutely woohoo! Enjoy a refreshing drink directly by the sea and make sure to stop by here just in time for the sunset. The straw huts just add to the additional charm
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Creole Arts Cafe: Grab a snack, a drink and enjoy the fun vibes in the center of Saint-Pierre
Explore historical Martinique
Due to its turbulent history, Martinique is actually part of the European Union and therefore the most remote location of this union. Begin your historical adventure in Fort-de-France, the capital city. Explore the iconic Fort Saint-Louis, a 17th-century fortress that played a significant role in protecting the island from invasions. A visit to Saint-Pierre is a must to delve deeper into Martinique's history. This once-thriving city was known as the "Paris of the Caribbean" until it was devastated by the eruption of Mount Pelée in 1902. All residents, except for one prisoner who was protected by the thick walls, died in this tragedy. Explore the ruins of several buildings that were preserved by the volcanic ash. Think of it as a modern day Pompeij, but on the other side of the world.
Sailing conditions in Martinique
Sailing in Martinique offers favorable conditions for a memorable nautical adventure in the Caribbean. The weather in Martinique is typically warm and tropical all year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F. The island enjoys a pleasant trade wind that blows from the northeast, providing consistent wind that makes for ideal sailing conditions and a cooler breeze when the sun is hitting hard.
The waters surrounding Martinique are known for their clarity and vibrant turquoise shades of blue. The Caribbean Sea offers excellent visibility and hidden gems in the water, making it ideal for snorkeling and exploring the diverse marine life beneath the surface. The sea temperature averages around 80°F, providing a comfortable environment for swimming and all kinds of water activities.
Be aware that hurricane season in Martinique and all over the Caribbean generally lasts between June and November, peaking in August and October. It is definitely too dangerous to go out on a boat during this time of year. The best time to sail in Martinique is December and May, making it the ideal spot for a winter escape. After all, what is better than exchanging gloomy, gray winter days for sunshine and turquoise waters?
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Martinique?
Martinique, like other destinations in the Caribbean, is not exactly known as a budget friendly destination, but you can still find some great deals with Borrow A Boat all year round.
You can rent a sailboat in Martinique for around 2000 EUR per week, making these one of the most affordable options. As there are multiple beds on board, you can even split the costs with anyone else vacationing with you.
If you want to rent something a little more luxurious and the budget basically doesn’t have a limit, you can always charter a luxury yacht in Martinique. These will cost between 16.000 EUR and 40.000 EUR per week. Luxury catamarans in Martinique also come with multiple beds, so you can either vacation with your family or friends.
What type of boat is best for sailing in Martinique?
Martinique is obviously best known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters and delicious food. However, different people might require different amenities. Different boats can accommodate different needs, therefore it is crucial to decide what kind of boat holiday in Martinique you envision before deciding on the right kind of water vessel for you.
Rent a sailboat in Martinique
Pros of renting a sailboat in Martinique
Rent a sailboat in Martinique to explore the coast and experience a real adventure. If you stock up on enough groceries, water and other necessities, you can easily sail for a week without having to be close to a marina. This gives you a lot of independence and flexibility on your sailing trip.
Do you care about the environment and want to incorporate that into your vacation? A sailboat rental in Martinique allows you to sail across the ocean without producing additional CO2-emissions. Your only fuel is the wind. This isn’t only great, because you sail more sustainably, it is also great, because it makes for a cheaper trip.
Cons of renting a sailboat in Martinique
One of the downsides of a sailboat charter in Martinique is the fact that sailboats solely run on wind. While you do get a lot of flexibility, you are also highly dependent on the weather. If the wind suddenly stops blowing you don’t have a choice but to patiently wait until the wind picks up again. If the wind is too strong and a storm is brewing you really shouldn’t be out on the water. It could even be life threatening.
If you’re planning on exploring all the amazing beaches Martinique has to offer, including Plage de l'Autre Bord or Plage de l'Anse Azérot, you might only be able to see them from a distance with a sailboat charter in Martinique. Sailboats have a keel, making it difficult or even dangerous to sail too close to the shore.
Keep in mind that sailing a sailboat in Martinique requires you to have certain skills as you can’t just push a button and you’re ready to go. Therefore it is only recommended that you head out on a sailboat rental in Martinique if you know what you’re doing. Sure, you could be a novice sailor too, but you should at least know about the most important knots, how to read the wind and the waves, as well as when and how to set your sail.
Sailboat charter in Martinique
Rent a catamaran in Martinique
Pros of renting a catamaran in Martinique
A catamaran charter in Martinique is the perfect choice for those lovers of the sea that seek to enjoy a relaxing boat vacation, but with an option to live out their adventurous dreams - at least to a certain extent. Catamarans are equipped with an engine as well as a sail, making them incredibly versatile and flexible water vessels. Depending on the weather conditions and your personal preferences or mood, you get to decide how you want to move your yacht from place to place.
A catamaran rental in Martinique comes with another great advantage. You can explore all the beautiful beaches on the island you always dreamed of seeing. Plage de Cosmy and Plage de Cap Macré are just two beautiful beaches you have to visit here. Catamarans have a shallow draft, allowing you to sail closer to the shore.
Another great thing about a catamaran hire in Martinque is the simple fact that catamarans are often more spacious than other types of boats. The two hulls they are standing on doesn’t just make them feel a lot more stable, they also allow for more space on board. Stretch your legs as much as you want, enjoy some delicious meals on deck with your loved ones without having to worry about squeezing everyone in.
Cons of renting a catamaran in Martinique
One of the downsides of chartering a catamaran in Martinique is the fact that catamarans are quite sizable and not the easiest to maneuver in small spaces. Navigating your catamaran around a small marina might pose some unexpected challenges and requires a certain kind of skill set.
Catamaran hire in Martinique
A luxury yacht rental in Martinique
If you don’t have to think about the budget and want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a luxury yacht vacation in Martinique, you should opt for a luxury yacht rental. These luxury yachts come with more than a basic kitchen and sundeck. More often than not a full crew is included in the price, taking care of operating and navigating the boat, as well as preparing your meals and anything else you might need during your stay. Some luxury yacht charters in Martinique even come with a pool or jacuzzi on board to make your vacation extra comfortable.
What kind of boat license do you need when renting a boat in Martinique?
If you want to rent a boat in Martinique you are not required to carry a valid boat license to do so. However, it obviously comes in handy to have at least some sailing skills and helps to keep you and other sailors safe.
If you have sailing experience, but prefer to enjoy a more relaxed boat vacation in Martinique, you can always hire a skipper in addition to your bareboat charter. A skipper doesn’t just take care of navigating and operating your boat, a skipper is also going to take you to the most beautiful and scenic spots you would only find as a local.
Sailing routes in Martinique
Whether you want to start your sailing adventure in the North or the South of Martinique, there are plenty of beautiful beaches, coastline and towns to discover here. There is a beautiful route taking you from Le Marin around all the following locations: Sainte-Luce - Les Trois-Îlets - Anse d'Arlet - Grande Anse d'Arlet - Le Diamant - Anses-d'Arlet - Le Marin
Day 1 - Sail from Le Marin to Sainte-Luce: Le Marin is particularly popular for all kinds of water and outdoor activities. Whether you want to go hiking or swimming, there is something for everyone. Sainte-Luce is a charming coastal village with beautiful beaches and relaxed vibes. Explore the town and enjoy the local cuisine.
Day 2 - Sail from Sainte-Luce to Les Trois-Îlets: Les Trois-Îlets is a lively town that is particularly known for its historical sites and water sports activities. Visit the Pagerie Museum, the birthplace of Empress Josephine, and enjoy the beaches.
Day 3 - Sail from Les Trois-Îlets to Anse d'Arlet: Anse d'Arlet, a tranquil fishing village with a picturesque bay, is a wonderful spot to stop on your sailing adventure in Martinique. Anchor here and spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
Day 4 - Sail from Anse d’Arlet to Grande Anse d'Arlet: Don’t miss out on visiting this stunning beach with crystal-clear waters and a laid-back atmosphere. Relax on the shore and soak up the sun's rays. It is a popular anchoring spot for yachts cruising the Caribbean, so be prepared to share the space with other adventurers.
Day 5 - Sail from Grande Anse d’Arlet to Le Diamant: A village known for its iconic rock formation and beautiful beach, Le Diamant is exactly what you would expect of a town in the Caribbean. Explore the town and take in the breathtaking views of Point de Vue Rocher du Diamant, a stunning observation deck overlooking the sea.
Day 6 - Sail from Le Diamant to Anse d'Arlet: Return to this charming coastal village that offers several beaches to explore. Enjoy water activities, indulge in local cuisine, and relax on the sandy shores.
Day 7 - Sail from Anse d’Arlet to Le Marin: Time to return to Le Marin and conclude your sailing adventure in Martinique. Take the opportunity to explore the marina, stock up on supplies, and bid farewell to this beautiful island.