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	4.5 ★	Review summary: Anchoring in Baie de Genipa offers a calm and serene experience, with no swell and peaceful conditions. Several Reviews note the anchorage's excellent holding and solitude. Visitors often enjoy exploring the nearby mangroves and find it a quiet escape from busier areas.
	Les Anse d‘Arlet South	4.4 ★	Review summary: Access to Les Anse d'Arlet South anchorage can present challenges due to a propensity for boats to swing extensively. While anchorage holding is generally reliable, caution is advised around numerous fishing pots and variable currents. The area offers clear waters and good snorkeling opportunities.
	Le Marin South	4.4 ★	Review summary: Anchoring in Le Marin South offers a well-protected experience for vessels with careful navigation due to nearby reefs. The location is favorable for water sports activities like kiting and foiling. Space can be limited, and the presence of derelict vessels might impact conditions.
	Ilet Madame	4.3 ★	Review summary: Visitors find this anchorage becomes quiet after day cruisers leave. It is important to anchor carefully as shallow sections can be difficult to identify. With the anchorage to themselves later, visitors can enjoy the tranquil setting.
	Anse Noir	4.3 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Anse Noir often involves securing further out to utilize wind and avoid clustering with neighbors. Visitors enjoy the snorkelling, noting marine life along the southern edge of the bay. The location becomes quieter in the evenings with reduced boat traffic.
	Grand Anse de Arlet	4.3 ★	Review summary: Visitors frequently anchor at Grand Anse de Arlet for its excellent holding and abundant sea life, including turtles. Snorkeling and beach access are popular activities, though the presence of fishing buoys and fish pots requires navigational caution. Connectivity issues with Digicel are noted.
	Anse Meurnier	4.2 ★	Review summary: Anchoring in Anse Meurnier is often peaceful during the week with excellent holding on a sandy bottom. Weekends bring a busier atmosphere with increased beach activity, including parties. Some visitors note variability in swell and mention patches of eel grass in certain areas.
	Sainte Anne	4.0 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Sainte Anne offers ample space with good holding in sand, suitable for extended stays. Visitors frequently take dinghy rides to the nearby town and Le Marin for supplies and amenities, though it can be a wet journey. The area is busy, yet maintains a Caribbean atmosphere.
	Petite Anse Arlet	4.0 ★	Review summary: Anchoring near Petite Anse Arlet requires careful selection of the spot due to marginal holding conditions, particularly in the middle of the bay. Visitors have found better success when anchoring north or south. The sand and weed bottom necessitate vigilant checks on anchor security.
	Schœlcher north/ Anse Madame	4.0 ★	Review summary: Anchoring near Anse Madame offers varied conditions, with visitors frequently finding good holding in sandy areas mixed with seagrass. Although provisioning is somewhat challenging, quiet waters provide a peaceful atmosphere. Exploring the town reveals basic amenities, including two grocery stores and several dining options.

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Marinas

	Marina AuPoint Du Bout	4.7 ★	Review summary: A compact marina offering necessary amenities including showers and shops. Visitors find it has strategic value with accessible clearance facilities. However, care is required when mooring due to its shallow waters.
	Port de Plaisance de L'Etang Z'Abricots	3.7 ★	Review summary: Visiting Port de Plaisance de L'Etang Z'Abricots is characterized by affordable pricing with power and water included in the mooring fees. Staff frequently receive commendations for their friendliness and efficiency. Reservations are advisable as communication or availability issues have been noted in several Reviews.
	Marina le Marin	3.4 ★	Review summary: Booking and service issues have been noted, such as difficulties with reservations and office queues. However, the marina has efficient guidance into slips and a range of convenient amenities like restaurants, bars, and marine services. Some users find the power setup limiting for running high-consumption appliances.

Moorings

	St Pierre South	4.2 ★	Review summary: Visitors frequently use mooring buoys at St Pierre South and appreciate their well-maintained condition. The Capitainerie staff provide helpful assistance. However, some find the anchorage rolly, especially for monohulls, and access to the fixed dinghy dock can be challenging due to its height.
	Grande Anse D'Arlet	4.0 ★	Review summary: Anchoring is well-sheltered at Grande Anse D'Arlet, offering good holding conditions in sandy areas as stated by multiple visitors. Be aware, mooring use is prohibited, and boats should be prepared to anchor instead. Snorkeling opportunities are notable, particularly on the bay's south side.
	Le Marin Martinique	4.0 ★	Review summary: Mooring buoys at this location offer access to marina facilities including restrooms and showers, enhancing convenience for visitors. These services are appreciated as they add value to the mooring experience despite varying opinions on the setting.
	Port de plaisance de l'étang Z'abricots	3.1 ★	Review summary: Staying at Port de plaisance de l'étang Z'abricots offers visitors the opportunity for a quiet and inexpensive mooring, at around 6 euros per night. Proximity to Fort de France and nearby car rental agencies is convenient, although communication through radio may require patience.

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Boatyards and 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: Carene Shop serves as a chandler offering a variety of marine supplies, including paint and marine-grade wood. They also provide lines and secondhand marine parts. The shop features a selection of wood offcuts, which can be useful for small projects.
	Le Ship	5.0 ★	Review summary: Le Ship is a chandlery located within a complex that includes Mecanique Plaisance and Caraibe Marine. This location provides a variety of yacht items and supplies. For shoppers, the proximity of these separate establishments offers a comprehensive shopping experience.
No image	Polymar	5.0 ★	Review summary: Polymar is a chandler where visitors can purchase fishing lures. This service is available, suggesting it may cater to fishing enthusiasts seeking supplies.
	Akwaba Pêche Caraïbes	5.0 ★	Review summary: Akwaba Pêche Caraïbes services are available. Due to limited Review data, specific experiential conditions or evaluations cannot be discussed. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
	Yachting Engineering System	4.8 ★	Review summary: The chandler is noted for its electrical and plumbing services, with availability of parts and helpful service. Visitors mention knowledgeable staff able to assist with solar panels and water maker issues. Located in an accessible spot, English-speaking staff are a notable benefit.

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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.