Discover Martinique

The climate

Martinique enjoys a tropical climate. As such, temperatures are warmest between May and November, with lots of humidity and rain at the end of the day. From mid-August to mid-October, there is a "cyclonic period" during which sailing is not recommended, as the risks are high.

The other part of the year, between November and May, is drier and less hot, due to the arrival of the trade winds, typical of the tropics. This is the best time to sail in Martinique.

Geography

Martinique is a volcanic island. It is dominated by a central mountain range, of which Mount Pelé (1,397 m) is the highest point. Mount Pelé, which is still active, is a major geographical landmark for sailors, as it can be seen from afar. However, its presence is a reminder that the island can be prone to volcanic activity.

Martinique has a jagged, contrasting coastline that offers a variety of anchorages:

• The quieter south of the island, with sheltered bays such as Anses d'Arlet and Le Marin, is particularly popular with yachtsmen. The port of Le Marin is one of the largest and most modern in the Caribbean, offering a wide range of facilities for pleasure craft, as well as services for refuelling and boat maintenance.
• The wilder, mountainous north is often more exposed to winds and waves. The volcanic coasts around Mount Pele are impressive, but also present dangers for navigation, particularly with rocky areas and unpredictable currents. Conditions are sometimes even more difficult, especially during cyclones and storms. Mount Pele, which is still active, is a major geographical landmark for sailors, as it can be seen from afar. However, its presence is a reminder that the island can be prone to volcanic activity.

Risk zones: The island is surrounded by coral reefs and rocky areas, making certain parts of its coastline difficult to navigate, especially without a good knowledge of the seabed. Nautical charts and visual landmarks such as Mont Pelé are essential to avoid underwater dangers.

Sailors should also be aware of protected ecological zones, such as the Caravelle peninsula nature reserve, home to mangroves and protected islands, where navigation should be cautious and environmentally friendly. The island's southern shores, with their beaches and coral reefs, are particularly popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The formalities

For French nationals, for a tourist stay of less than 3 months, all travelers, including minors, must be in possession of a passport or national identity card valid for the entire duration of their stay. For other nationals, please contact the relevant authorities. Please note that proof of identity is required to embark with one of our rental partners.

Most people who decide to go on a cruise to Martinique want to discover the neighboring islands: St Lucia, St Vincent les Grenadines, Dominica: St Lucia, St Vincent les Grenadines, Dominica... In order to leave the marina and comply with the rules, you'll need to complete what's known as an exit clearance, and de facto an entry clearance for your various stops on the islands. For French nationals, a passport is mandatory.

Currency and exchange rate: Euro. In Martinique, credit cards are used almost everywhere. A shopkeeper is obliged to accept at least 2 means of payment: cash, check or credit card. On holiday resorts, some retailers do not respect this rule and impose cash. It's also worth noting that some retailers refuse to accept payment by credit card below a certain amount, generally €10 or €20.

If you're planning to visit the neighboring islands, we recommend that you exchange your currency for US dollars, rather than the local currency, the East Caribbean dollar (XCD, pronounced "here"). The cost of exchange will be lower, but the convenience will be greater, as all the islands accept US dollars and prices are displayed in US dollars in most tourist locations. You can also change your US dollars on your return.

What license do I need to sail?

In Martinique, as in mainland France, no license is required to sail a yacht. Most charter companies will ask you for a Nautical CV to prove your sailing ability. What's more, if you have more than 6 hp, you'll need a motorboat license (even for tenders on cruising catamarans).

There are several types of motorboat license: river, coastal and offshore.

Ports and marinas

In addition to Le Marin, Martinique has several other ports, including Fort-de-France, which is an important commercial port. However, Fort-de-France is less suitable for pleasure craft, due to its proximity to the city center and sometimes rougher conditions. The port of Robert to the northeast is also an interesting mooring point, although it is smaller and less busy.

Most of the time, sailors prefer to anchor in quiet, sheltered bays.

Advice for sailors wishing to visit the nearby islands: Pay particular attention to your choice of anchorage. Some anchorages can be dangerous and are not recommended.