DRIFT — Martinique Yacht Charter

Why Martinique?

Martinique is where the Caribbean gets a French accent. Volcanic peaks draped in rainforest, seaside villages where fishermen sell the morning catch from painted boats, and anchorages where you're the only yacht. Add Parisian-quality pastries and ti'punch at sunset — this is the Caribbean's most underrated charter destination.

Best Season

December through May. Steady 15–20 knot trade winds. The leeward (Caribbean) coast is calm and protected year-round. Dry season means blue skies and low humidity.

Perfect For

Francophiles, foodies, couples, and anyone who wants a Caribbean charter that feels genuinely different. Less crowded than the BVI, more cultural depth, and arguably better food than anywhere else in the islands.

Must-Visit Spots

Where to drop anchor

Les Anses-d'Arlet

A postcard village with a church steeple, colored fishing boats, and a long crescent beach. The snorkeling right off the beach is exceptional — sea turtles feed in the seagrass just 20 meters from shore.

Saint-Pierre

Once called the 'Paris of the Caribbean' before Mount Pelée's 1902 eruption destroyed everything. Now a haunting, beautiful town with underwater ruins you can snorkel. The waterfront anchorage has Pelée as a dramatic backdrop.

Anse Noire & Anse Dufour

Twin coves side by side — one black volcanic sand, one white. Tiny, intimate, and home to hawksbill sea turtles. Anchor offshore and dinghy in.

Diamond Rock (Rocher du Diamant)

A 175-meter volcanic plug rising from the sea. The British Navy once commissioned it as a warship (HMS Diamond Rock) to blockade the French. Incredible diving around its base.

Baie du Marin

The main sailing hub with excellent marina facilities, provisioning, and waterfront restaurants. Ti'punch at sunset in the cockpit — Martinique's rum is the finest in the Caribbean.

Sample Itinerary

7 days in Martinique

Day 1: Le Marin → Grande Anse d'Arlet

Depart Le Marin, the sailing capital of Martinique. Short coastal sail to Grande Anse d'Arlet — anchor in the wide bay and swim ashore for lunch at a beachfront restaurant.

Day 2: Anse d'Arlet → Fort-de-France → Anse Mitan

Sail north to the capital. Stroll the Spice Market, visit the Schœlcher Library (a Parisian iron masterpiece), then cross the bay to Anse Mitan for the night.

Day 3: Anse Mitan → Saint-Pierre

Coast along Martinique's dramatic western shore to Saint-Pierre. Snorkel the submerged ruins of the old city. Dinner ashore — the rebuilt town has genuine charm.

Day 4: Saint-Pierre → Le Prêcheur → Anse Couleuvre

Sail north to Martinique's wildest coast. Anse Couleuvre is a black-sand beach backed by thick jungle — hike to waterfalls if you're feeling adventurous.

Day 5: Anse Couleuvre → Case Pilote

Sail south along the coast. Case Pilote has one of the oldest churches in the French Antilles (1640). Quiet anchorage, excellent local seafood.

Day 6: Case Pilote → Diamond Rock → Sainte-Anne

Pass Diamond Rock (HMS Diamond Rock — snorkel or dive if conditions allow). Round the southern tip to Sainte-Anne's turquoise lagoon — the finest swimming beach on the island.

Day 7: Sainte-Anne → Le Marin

Lazy morning at Sainte-Anne beach. Short sail back to Le Marin for checkout. Pick up a bottle of Rhum Clément at the airport distillery.

Martinique