Martinique is the gateway to many Caribbean cruises. With its crystal-clear waters, top-quality nautical infrastructure and picturesque anchorages, it offers a splendid playground in its own right.
First-class marinas
Martinique stands out for the quality of its marinas, which cater for the varied needs of yachtsmen and yachtswomen. With modern facilities and adapted services, these marinas are an ideal starting point for exploring the island and its surroundings. Le Marin marina the island's largest, is an essential stopover for sailors, and home to most of the island's yacht charter companies. Located in the south of the island, it boasts an exceptional setting and a perfect geographical position for sailing to the Grenadines or along the Martinique coast.
Le Marin marina boasts a wide range of facilities, including modern pontoons, water and electricity supplies, as well as maintenance services for sailboats. The marina is also home to renowned shipchandlers, where yachtsmen can find everything they need for their boats. This privileged setting is also the venue for a number of sailing races, including the Transquadra, the only double-handed solo transatlantic race reserved for amateurs over the age of 40.
The port of Étang Z'abricots, located in Fort-de-France, is another strategic location for yachtsmen. Although smaller than the marina at Le Marin, it enjoys an excellent location as a starting point for those wishing to explore Martinique's Caribbean coast and its magnificent bays. The bay is also the finishing point for the famous Cap Martinique, a popular regatta for amateur sailors.
Protected areas and anchoring bans
In Martinique, anchoring is regulated. In theory, anchoring is authorized for boats of less than 50 meters, provided it does not harm protected coral species. However, certain areas are subject to strict restrictions to preserve the benthic biocenosis and limit the pressure exerted by human activities, in particular anchoring and pleasure boating.
Protected areas include zones such as the Prêcheur regional marine nature reserve, where anchoring is authorized only in areas of port development of departmental interest and existing professional anchorage zones. Outside these areas, anchoring is prohibited, except in the event of a breakdown. The Sainte-Anne islets nature reserve also prohibits anchoring within a 300-meter perimeter around each islet (Hardy, Percé, Burgaux, Poirier), with mooring restricted to buoys installed for the purpose of observing the natural environment.
Other remarkable sites, such as the historic wrecks of Saint-Pierre, are strictly protected and anchoring is totally forbidden. In addition, several areas are subject to specific prohibitions, such as the "cyclone holes" in the Cul-de-Sac du Marin or the Baie des Flamands in Fort-de-France, where anchoring is prohibited to avoid the risks associated with maritime traffic.
The Marin careening area and the Sainte-Luce marine protected area are also among the sectors where anchoring is regulated, or even prohibited, to protect fragile ecosystems. In Le Marin, boat anchoring is prohibited in the waters north of the line running from the mouth of the Trou Manuel ravine (point A) to the end of the fishing port's eastern wharf (point B).
In Sainte-Luce, the decree imposes a total ban on boat mooring in the entire marine protected area stretching from the south of Pointe Borgnèse to Pointe Philippeaux. Boat mooring is only authorized on buoys specially installed along the edge of this prohibited zone.
Finally, in Trésor Bay, anchoring is prohibited throughout the bay, except during the day in the northern part of the beach cove.
Bays and anchorages to discover
In spite of these restrictions, Martinique has a multitude of other places suitable for mooring, allowing yachtsmen to enjoy the island's beauty.
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Le Marin-Est
The Marin-Est anchorage in the south of the island is a popular stopover for yachtsmen. Protected from wind and swell, this spacious site is perfect for larger yachts, especially during the high season. The sandy bottom provides excellent anchorage. The landscape stretching out in front of the anchorage, with its green mountains and turquoise waters, adds further charm to this already privileged location.
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Sainte-Anne and Les Boucaniers
The nearby anchorages of Sainte-Anne and Les Boucaniers are protected from the trade winds and have sandy bottoms. On Sainte-Anne, the Pointe Marin beach stretches for over a kilometer, lined with lush tropical vegetation where coconut and grape trees create an idyllic atmosphere. This haven of peace, with its crystal-clear waters, is an ideal spot for yachtsmen in search of tranquillity and natural beauty.
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Marigot du Diamant
Marigot du Diamant, in the south of the island, is another anchorage not to be missed. Protected from wind and swell, it offers a muddy bottom, perfect for secure anchoring. This spacious, peaceful anchorage offers spectacular views of Morne Larcher, a verdant mountain that dominates the bay. Boaters can also explore Le Diamant beach or hike to the summit of Morne Larcher for breathtaking panoramic views over the bay and Martinique's south coast.
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Petite Anse d'Arlets and Grande Anse d'Arlets
At Petite Anse d'Arlet, the sandy seabed dotted with seaweed, although little protected from the wind, creates an idyllic setting for a swim. The clear waters are a veritable natural aquarium, where you can swim with sea turtles and a multitude of tropical fish. Grande Anse d'Arlets, meanwhile, boasts long white sandy beaches and a rich biodiversity. A team of 4 mooring attendants provide information and guidance in this area.
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Anse Noire
Anse Noire, in the west of Martinique, is a discreet anchorage. This sheltered bay offers a variety of bottoms, ideal for anchoring, and is overhung by dense vegetation that slopes gently down to the crystal-clear waters. The black sandy beach along Anse Noire invites you to relax, while divers and snorkelers can discover a rich and diverse marine fauna.
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Anse Mitan
Although its anchorage is not fully protected against wind and swell, Anse Mitan stands out for its idyllic setting and strategic position. The site is perfect for a day of relaxation, whether for swimming, snorkeling or paddling, or simply enjoying a refreshing dip. Its proximity to the Pointe du Bout marina adds to its appeal, with easy access to a variety of amenities: restaurants, shops and activities. Despite its high season, Anse Mitan remains a must-see, approved for its beauty and friendliness.
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Rade de Saint-Pierre Nord
In the north-west of the island, the Rade de Saint-Pierre Nord offers a rich natural and historical heritage. Although the anchorage offers little protection from the elements, its sandy bottom ensures good anchor holding. From your boat, you can admire the majestic Montagne Pelée volcano, whose eruption in 1902 marked Martinique's history by destroying the town of Saint-Pierre.
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Anse Couleuvre
Located in the north of the island, Anse Couleuvre is a true haven of peace, although protection from the wind is limited. Anchored in the sandy seabed, you can take full advantage of this heavenly spot. The beach, bordered by tropical forests, offers a complete change of scenery, with breathtaking panoramic views of the green mountains along the coast. For nature lovers, Anse Couleuvre is also the starting point for magnificent hikes. A path leads you to the waterfall of the Couleuvre River, where you can admire an impressive waterfall and cool off under its rushing waters. This wild, unspoilt spot is the ideal place to end a Martinique cruise in style.
A climate conducive to sailing
The north-easterly trade winds, regular and moderate at between 15 and 25 knots, create ideal conditions for sailing in Martinique all year round. Particularly constant between December and April, during the dry season, they provide pleasant sailing conditions for both day trips and longer cruises. On the other hand, the wet season, from June to November, brings more changeable conditions. The trade winds are still present, but mix with variable breezes.
The island's natural orientation, combined with a coastline rich in relief and shelter, allows sailing in all directions. Martinique offers sailing for all levels, with coastal routes ideal for relaxation, and wider crossings for more experienced yachtsmen.
A gateway to the Grenadines
Martinique is an ideal departure point for cruises to the paradisiacal Grenadines archipelago. Leaving from Le Marin marina, yachtsmen can easily reach neighboring islands such as Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Bequia, popular destinations for their pristine landscapes and protected anchorages.
