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MAP OF THE BEST ANCHORAGES & MARINAS IN
Martinique
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This guide automatically updates with your favourite ports & anchorages in Martinique, and a few ideas of activities ashore. Follow me for a short introduction, or chart your own course on the map. Please update a missing phone number if you can, or upload a few photos to guide the sailors coming after you.
![](https://blue.press/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/49377478826_7140c5012e_k.jpg)
Fort de France
Grab your curiosity (and maybe a fresh coconut), and get ready to explore the city – the imposing Fort Saint-Louis is guarding the bay. This fortress feature thick ramparts and hidden tunnels, ready for attacks that never quite materialised in the way they imagined. Today, its canons rest quietly, overlooking the same turquoise waters that, centuries ago, were fraught with danger and intrigue.
Visit
The Schoelcher Library is a marvel of iron and glass named after the French abolitionist who played a significant role in ending slavery in the French colonies. The entire structure was designed for the Exposition Universelle in Paris before being shipped to Fort-de-France, where it was reassembled.
Things to do
Hop on a ferry to the charming town of Trois-Îlets, home to La Pagerie Museum, the birthplace of Empress Joséphine, as well as the Pottery Village, where you can see artisans at work.
The best Anchorages & Marinas near Fort de France (Add a spot)
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Mike Baie de Carénage
Very convenient anchorage in Fort de France. You anchor just down the walls of the fortress. Long to... Read more about this listing
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Ponton pour annexe à proximité, Carrefour Express, station service. Très bon mouillage avec de la pl... Read more about this listing
Anse d’Arlet
This idyllic village is renowned for its stunning beach, but there’s so much more to discover. Historically, Anse d’Arlet was a quiet, modest fishing village, and that serene character remains a defining feature today.
Visit
The Church of Saint-Henri is a focal point of the village and offers a glimpse into local religious and cultural life. Its distinctive architecture and peaceful atmosphere make it a lovely spot to visit.
![](https://blue.press/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/51855750276_4e6e31ec0e_k.jpg)
The best Anchorages & Marinas in Anse d’Arlet (Add a spot)
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Un beau mouillage en Martinique. Bonne tenue sur sable. Attention cela dit où vous posez votre pelle... Read more about this listing
![](https://blue.press/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2048px-Ville_de_Saint-Pierre.jpg)
Saint Pierre
Known as the “Paris of the Caribbean” in its heyday, this charming town was once the island’s flourishing capital against the lush backdrop of Mount Pelée. But in 1902, this idyllic scene was shattered in an instant; the Mount Pelée erupted in one of the deadliest volcanic disasters of the 20th century. Yet, Saint-Pierre is far from being a ghost town.
Visit
The Volcano Museum might be small, it’s packed with relics from the devastating 1902 eruption, offering an eerie look at daily life before Mount Pelée’s wrath turned this bustling town to ash. From charred bottles to twisted metal, these objects give an intimate connection to the lives affected by one of the world’s deadliest eruptions.
Things to do
The Depaz Distillery offers tours that take you through the rum-making process, with tastings of their smooth agricole rum. A drink that is part of the culture – tied to the island’s sugarcane fields and its French-Caribbean identity.
Don’t miss
The haunting remnants of the Cachot de Cyparis (Cyparis’s prison cell) are a powerful reminder of one of the few survivors of the eruption – a prisoner who survived by sheer luck, shielded by his thick stone cell. It’s a surreal experience standing in a place where life and death balanced on such a fine line.
The best Anchorages & Marinas in Saint Pierre (Add a spot)
La Trinité
Once a thriving port, it was a key point for the sugar trade, and the legacy of that era can still be felt today in the old plantation houses that dot the area. These grand estates, many of which have been converted into museums or guesthouses, stand as silent witnesses to the complex history of colonisation, and the eventual rise of Creole culture.
Visit
Château Dubuc, the remnants of an 18th-century plantation, was once the heart of Martinique’s sugar industry. The estate’s ruins, now surrounded by lush greenery, tell the story of the island’s colonial past and its ties to the global sugar trade.
Hiking
The Caravelle Peninsula, a hike through this nature reserve is a must. The trails meander through mangroves, dry forests, and up to the Caravelle Lighthouse, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic. Along the way, you’ll encounter the ruins of an old sugar mill.
Don’t miss
The Saint-James Distillery. Located just a short drive away, this distillery has been producing rum since 1765 and offers tours that take you through the entire process, from cane to bottle. And, of course, you’ll get to sample some of their finest blends.
![](https://blue.press/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2560px-031_Pointe_de_la_Caravelle_Trinite_Martinique.jpg)
The best Anchorages & Marinas near La Trinité (Add a spot)
![](https://blue.press/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2048px-Sainte_Anne_Martinique-1024x1024.jpeg)
Sainte Anne
This charming town, often praised for its beautiful beaches and lively market scene, is a wonderful spot to dive into Martinique’s coastal allure. Historically, Sainte-Anne was a quiet village with roots that stretch back to the days when French settlers began to cultivate the land.
Beach
Les Salines Beach, a sweeping expanse of white sand stretching endlessly into the turquoise sea. Known for its gentle waves and inviting waters, this beach is a local favourite where families and visitors often set up picnic spots under the shade of palm trees.
Market
With stalls overflowing with colorful fruits, spices, and freshly caught seafood, the Saint Anne market is an excellent place to immerse yourself in the local flavors and pick up some ingredients for a homemade Creole meal.
Hiking
L’Étang des Salines, a nearby lagoon, provides a tranquil escape. The lagoon is ideal for birdwatching, with numerous species making their home in the area.
The best Anchorages & Marinas near Sainte Anne (Add a spot)
Le Marin
The town is famous across the island for its yachting culture, with the marina being one of the largest in the Caribbean. Here, the creak of masts and the clinking of rigging are part of the soundscape.
Maintenance
Le Marin is home to a wide range of services. If your boat needs any maintenance or repairs, the area is well-equipped with service providers who can take care of everything from routine maintenance to more complex repairs.
Charter
If you’re looking to rent your boat out or want a crewed charter, the town offers plenty of charter services.
![](https://blue.press/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/53728804416_6d4656f620_k-1.jpg)
The best Anchorages & Marinas in Le Marin (Add a spot)
Your favourite Anchorages in Martinique
(Add an anchorage)Discover the most beautiful spots in Martinique and nearby amenities. Try zooming in to avoid seaweed fields, tick to start your list of favourites, or upload your photos to guide the sailor coming after you.
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Mike Baie de Carénage
Very convenient anchorage in Fort de France. You anchor just down the walls of the fortress. Long to… Read more about this listing
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Ponton pour annexe à proximité, Carrefour Express, station service. Très bon mouillage avec de la pl… Read more about this listing
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Un beau mouillage en Martinique. Bonne tenue sur sable. Attention cela dit où vous posez votre pelle… Read more about this listing
The most popular Ports & Marinas
(Add a port)Find reviews & warnings left by other sailors, keeping an eye on the tide and weather forecast. Please update a missing phone number or VHF channel when you can.
Local boatyards
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What’s the regulation? What to do? Where to eat? And more? Follow the discussion on Martinique Sailing Group!Navigation
Infrastructure in Martinique is primed for maritime activities, with services ranging from boat repair to sophisticated marinas, catering to an international fleet of vessels. Le Marin stands out as a hub of nautical activity, boasting a full-service marina that facilitates everything from customs clearance to provisioning. Martinique’s history is marked by the tragic eruption of Mount Pelée in 1902. This catastrophic event obliterated the city of Saint-Pierre, once known as the “Paris of the Caribbean.” The eruption sent shockwaves through the region and decimated the local fleet.
Leeward coast
Martinique’s west coast offer a protection from the swell, and steady trade winds that offer predictable passages.
Windward coast
Martinique’s east coast, facing the Atlantic Ocean, offers a sailing experience that is markedly different from the island’s calmer Caribbean side. This stretch of coastline is less traveled but rewards the intrepid sailor with stunning natural beauty, unspoiled landscapes.
Here, the trade winds blow with more vigor, and the Atlantic swell shapes the journey. Navigation on the east coast demands attentiveness and respect for the sea’s power. Charts and GPS are indispensable tools as sailors contend with fewer marked channels and the need for precise course plotting.
The Presqu’île de la Caravelle, a nature reserve, offers stunning hiking trails that lead to rugged cliffs with expansive ocean views. The mangroves near Vauclin provide a sanctuary for birdlife and are best explored by kayak or paddleboard when the sea conditions permit.
In places like Le Robert and Le François, sailors can navigate a maze of small islets and dine on the freshest seafood.
The famous “Fonds Blancs,” shallow white sandbanks, are perfect for a midday swim in crystal-clear waters.
Though less populated, the east coast is home to a resilient community that has adapted to the Atlantic’s whims. In small fishing villages, you can witness the construction of traditional yoles—wooden boats used in the island’s iconic boat races. Sailing the east coast of Martinique isn’t for everyone. It’s for the sailors who crave authenticity and challenge.
Climates
Martinique enjoys a tropical climate where the sun is a near-constant, but the heat is often tempered by the cooling Alizés, making it a year-round destination.
Sailing Season
Rainy Season (June to October)
Characterized by higher humidity and frequent rain showers, especially in the northern parts of the island.
Dry Season (December to April)
Known as the “Carême,” this period sees less rain and more temperate conditions.
Prevailing winds
Two main winds influence sailing in Martinique:
Trade Winds
These easterly winds are consistent and moderate, especially during the high sailing season.
Hurricane Season
During this time, the winds can become erratic.
Storm Risks: The hurricane season can give rise to tropical storms and even hurricanes, leading to intense wind gusts. These storm systems can form rapidly and require careful monitoring for those on the water. Unlike the steady trade winds experienced during other months, the winds during the hurricane season can change quickly in both speed and direction.
Visa & Immigration
Official website for visas to France:
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas/home
FAQ
The water quality in Martinique is generally considered to be good, meeting the standards set by both local authorities and the European Union, of which Martinique is an overseas region.
Tap water in the main cities and towns, including the capital Fort-de-France, is typically safe to drink. However, in some remote areas, it might be advisable to use bottled water or water purification methods.
The standard voltage on the island is 230 V, with a standard frequency of 50 Hz, and the power plugs and sockets used are of type E.
Most marinas are equipped with shore power facilities, offering various amp options to suit different vessel needs.
In Martinique, sailors can find fuel of high quality, complying with international standards. Fuel is accessible at major marinas and ports across the island.