Martinique

Martinique is a major cruising base in the eastern Caribbean, with activity centred on the large natural harbour at Le Marin in the south of the island. This area supports one of the most established concentrations of marinas, anchorages, and shore services in the region.

Beyond the southern cruising area, the island’s character changes markedly, with a more rugged and exposed coastline to the north and fewer facilities. Martinique’s scale, infrastructure, and transport links allow many visiting yachts to treat it as a long-stay base rather than a short stop.

Martinique Zoo, set within former plantation grounds surrounded by forest, showcases a range of Caribbean wildlife along shaded walking paths.

Near Fort-de-France, the botanical gardens at Jardin de Balata feature elevated walkways and a wide collection of tropical trees and plants from around the world.

For those interested in local spirits, Habitation Clement offers guided visits to its historic distillery and estate, providing insight into Martinique’s rum production heritage.

On the west coast in Saint-Pierre, the Memorial Catastrophe De 1902 documents the eruption of Mount Pelée and the destruction of the former capital, with exhibits focused on the events of 1902 and their impact on the town.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Baie de Genipa	4.6 ★	Review summary: This anchorage offers calm waters with minimal swell, making it a serene spot to relax. Multiple visitors highlighted the beauty of the surrounding mangroves and wildlife. Some caution is advised regarding anchor holding during strong winds.
	Anse Noir	4.5 ★	Review summary: Anchoring is available in a small, beautiful bay where conditions vary with wind direction. Holding can be problematic with heavy grass present in some spots. Visitors should expect a crowded atmosphere during the day, but quiet nights with ample opportunities for snorkeling.
	Les Anse d‘Arlet South	4.4 ★	Review summary: Anchoring conditions are variable, with good holding reported but challenges in rocky areas. The village nearby offers amenities, though caution is needed due to numerous fishing pots. Clear waters enhance snorkelling experiences, making it a pleasant but cautious stop.
	Le Marin South	4.4 ★	Review summary: Anchoring conditions in Le Marin South can be beneficial with protection offered by the surrounding structure. Visitors appreciate the ease of accessing professional services for boat work. Caution is advised due to plenty of derelict vessels in some areas.
	Petite Anse Arlet	4.4 ★	Review summary: Clear water and healthy coral support excellent snorkeling, with many turtles present. Anchoring can be problematic, particularly in the middle of the bay where dragging is a concern. Conditions seem better towards the north or south sides.
	Saint Pierre Anchorage	4.4 ★	Review summary: The anchorage features a good mooring field with a paid option available. Visitors appreciate the town's walkability, abundance of groceries, and various restaurants, particularly on weekends. Cleanliness of the water was a concern, as some noted it was less than ideal during their stay.
	Ilet Madame	4.3 ★	Review summary: The anchorage experiences significant day boat traffic, particularly on weekends. Visitors find it quiet after sunset, and while some note poor water clarity, others enjoy solitude once the day boats leave. Conditions vary based on visitor patterns and times.
	Grand Anse de Arlet	4.3 ★	Review summary: A variety of experiences characterize Grand Anse de Arlet. Many visitors reported excellent snorkeling opportunities and beautiful beach settings, while some noted rolly conditions, especially on the north side. Holding was generally good with ample marine life observed.
	Anse Meurnier	4.2 ★	Review summary: The anchorage offers good holding and sandy bottom conditions, with a depth of around 2.5 to 3 meters. It remains busy on weekends due to charter boats but is quiet during the week. Visitors appreciate the beautiful beach and tranquil surroundings.
	Sainte Anne	4.1 ★	Review summary: Anchoring conditions are generally favorable with good holding in sandy bottoms and ample space. There is a large dinghy dock available, but some boat congestion can occur. Visitors report the local town has limited grocery options and can be crowded.

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Marinas

	Marina AuPoint Du Bout	4.8 ★	Review summary: Accessing the marina is straightforward with nearby amenities such as restaurants and a beach. Staff interactions are positive. Visitors reported tight space conditions affecting draft management.
	Port de Plaisance de L'Etang Z'Abricots	3.8 ★	Review summary: The marina provides mooring options, including a mooring ball available for €9. Facilities include limited showers, often criticized for their condition. Staff are noted for their friendliness and helpfulness, although delays in service were experienced by some visitors.
	Marina le Marin	3.6 ★	Review summary: Staff interactions are friendly but experiences with the reservation process vary significantly. Some visitors praised the facility's amenities, while others reported delays and challenges, especially with securing slips. A variety of dining options and services are available nearby.

Moorings

	St Pierre North	5.0 ★	Review summary: Mooring buoys are well maintained and available at a reasonable price. The staff shows kindness and helpfulness, with access to a garbage disposal and recycling. Fresh goods markets occur weekly, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
	St Pierre South	4.2 ★	Review summary: This mooring field has solidly anchored buoys, with most visitors reporting helpful staff from the Capitainerie. Some experienced rolling conditions and challenging dinghy dock access, especially at low tide. Local markets and restaurants contribute positively to the overall experience.
	Grande Anse D'Arlet	4.0 ★	Review summary: The area features restrictive mooring regulations, with anchoring preferred over mooring balls. Visitors reported good snorkeling conditions and pleasant swimming experiences, but noted the need for caution regarding swell and recent enforcement actions by the Coastguard. Facilities are basic, with few options for provisions.
	Le Marin Martinique	4.0 ★	Review summary: Mooring buoys are managed by the marina, which does not allow anchoring in the area. The price for mooring is approximately 13-30 euros per night, and includes access to sanitary facilities. Multiple Reviews indicate navigation caution due to nearby shoals.
	Port de plaisance de l'étang Z'abricots	3.1 ★	Review summary: This marina has inexpensive mooring options and is suitable for short stays. Some visitors found the facilities basic, with limited communication and responsiveness from staff. Proximity to amenities is a noted advantage, despite exposure to elements in the area.

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Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Chandlers

No image	Carene Shop	5.0 ★	Review summary: Paint and marine grade wood are available at this chandler. Visitors appreciated the selection of offcuts for small jobs and noted the presence of various lines and secondhand parts. The location offers a range of materials for maintenance tasks.
	Le Ship	5.0 ★	Review summary: Le Ship is a separate chandlery offering a variety of yacht items. It is located alongside Mecanique Plaisance and Caraibe Marine, which sell engines and outboard motors. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
No image	Polymar	5.0 ★	Review summary: This chandler specializes in fishing lures, available at reasonable prices. Visitors have noted the affordability of the products offered. Feedback indicates satisfaction with their inventory for fishing supplies.
	Yachting Engineering System	4.8 ★	Review summary: Service includes parts for watermakers and electrical work. Staff have been reported as helpful and knowledgeable in multiple cases, assisting with issues without requiring boat access. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
	Caraïbe Marine	4.4 ★	Review summary: The chandler provides a wide variety of parts and regularly has English-speaking staff available. Some reviews mention a large selection of useful items, but personal assistance can be limited during busy times due to low staffing.

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This table summarizes first-hand reviews from sailors who have checked in to Martinique.

Useful yacht clearance links

Waters around Martinique are generally well charted, but normal caution is still required. The trade winds prevail in this region, creating ideal sailing conditions during the winter months.

The off-season sees a reduction in yachting activity as Martinique is within the hurricane belt, prompting most cruisers to relocate. Those who remain aboard often base themselves in sheltered marinas in Le Marin or Fort-de-France.

• Best times of year to sail here: Late November through June.
• Most common type of shore power: 230V 50Hz
• Cost for provisioning: Medium, with higher costs for imported goods
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Personal security: Generally considered safe for visitors, with low overall crime and petty theft the main concern
• Emergency phone numbers:
  • Police: 17
  • Ambulance: 15
  • Fire: 18
  • Coast Guard: 196
• International dialing code: +596
• Time zone(s): UTC -4 (no daylight saving observed)

Early maritime activity in Martinique was dominated by the Indigenous Arawaks and Caribs who navigated the Caribbean Sea in dugout canoes, facilitating trade and communication across islands. With European exploration starting in the 15th century, Martinique became a strategic location for colonial powers seeking to exert control over the Caribbean.

The French established a strong presence in Martinique during the 17th century, significantly impacting the island's cultural and maritime landscape. Fortifications were built to protect valuable trade routes, and Martinique became a bustling port for the sugar trade, critical in the triangular trade between Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. Nautical advancements during this period increased both commercial and military maritime activities.

Modern maritime life in Martinique reflects its colonial past while embracing recreational sailing and yachting. Numerous marinas and boatyards support a vibrant sailing community that caters to both local and international sailors. Sailors today can explore historic sites like Fort-de-France, offering a glimpse into Martinique's layered colonial history and its long-standing relationship with the sea.