Why Martinique?
Martinique is France in the Caribbean — genuinely French, from the boulangeries to the bureaucracy, but with volcanic mountains, rum distilleries, black-sand beaches, and sea turtles on every reef. It's the most culinarily sophisticated island in the Caribbean, and the charter sailing here — from the protected bay of Le Marin to the haunted harbour of Saint-Pierre — is exceptional.
Best Season
December through May. The dry season brings consistent 15-25 knot trade winds from the northeast and virtually no rain. Hurricane season (June–November) sees strong easterlies and occasional squalls — avoid August and September.
Perfect For
Foodies, francophiles, history buffs, and divers. Martinique combines Caribbean nature with European culture in a way no other island does. The wreck diving at Saint-Pierre is some of the best in the Caribbean. And the rhum agricole here is — objectively — the best in the world.
Must-Visit Spots
Where to Drop Anchor
Sample Itinerary
7 days in Martinique
Day 1: Le Marin → Sainte-Anne
Depart Le Marin marina. Short sail to Sainte-Anne, Martinique's southernmost village. Anchor in the bay, walk the white-sand beach, and dinner at a beachside creole restaurant. Order the accras de morue (salt cod fritters).
Day 2: Sainte-Anne → Les Anses-d'Arlet
Sail north along the Caribbean coast. Anchor off Les Anses-d'Arlet for a morning turtle snorkel — they graze the seagrass beds just metres from shore. Lunch at Ti Sable, afternoon swim, evening in the village square.
Day 3: Anses-d'Arlet → Anse Noire → Grand Anse
Two beach stops. Morning at Anse Noire's volcanic black sand (more turtles). Afternoon at Grand Anse d'Arlet — a long curve of silver-gold sand. Anchor for the night with views of Diamond Rock glowing at sunset.
Day 4: Grand Anse → Saint-Pierre
Full day sail north up the leeward coast. Arrive Saint-Pierre, the ghost city. Afternoon snorkelling the wrecks in the harbour (guided dive optional). Walk the ruins at dusk — the atmosphere is extraordinary.
Day 5: Saint-Pierre → Grand-Rivière → Le Prêcheur
Explore the wild northern coast. Anchor off Le Prêcheur beneath the volcano's slopes. Hike into the rainforest if conditions allow. View of Mount Pelée dominating the skyline.
Day 6: Le Prêcheur → Trois-Îlets → Anse Mitan
Sail south past Fort-de-France. Stop at Trois-Îlets, birthplace of Empress Joséphine. Anchor at Anse Mitan for the best dinner of the trip — the beachfront restaurants here are excellent.
Day 7: Anse Mitan → Le Marin
Leisurely morning sail back south. Stop at Diamond Rock for a final snorkel — circle the rock by dinghy and look up at its sheer walls. Return to Le Marin for checkout.
