Martinique, a French Caribbean island, is a sailor’s paradise with its beautiful waters and stunning coastline. The island offers a wide range of sailing destinations that are perfect for sailors of all levels. From the charming town of Saint-Pierre with its rich history to the crystal-clear waters of Les Anses d’Arlet, Martinique has something for everyone. The island’s unique blend of French and Caribbean culture makes it an ideal destination for sailors looking to experience a mix of European and tropical influences. In this article, we will explore some of the top sailing Destinations in Martinique (France), including popular places to visit, specialties of each destination, popular marinas, and recommendations for sailors.
Top 6 Sailing Destinations in Martinique (France)
Destinations in Martinique (France) have been a favorite sailing destination for sailors from across the world. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Here are some of the top sailing destinations in Martinique:
Fort-de-France
Fort-de-France is the capital of Martinique, and it’s a bustling city with plenty of attractions for sailors. Popular places to visit include the Fort Saint-Louis, which offers stunning views of the city and the sea, and the Cathédrale Saint-Louis, a beautiful 19th-century cathedral.
Specialty: Fort-de-France is known for its lively atmosphere, excellent shopping, and delicious cuisine.
Popular marinas: One of Fort-de-France’s most well-liked marinas is the Marina Pointe du Bout, which is conveniently situated close to a lot of the city’s attractions.
Recommendations: Sailors should take a day trip to the nearby island of Sainte-Lucie, which is noted for its gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear waters. They should also try some of the local cuisine, such as accras de morue (salt cod fritters) and boudin créole (Creole blood sausage) (Creole blood sausage).
Anse Mitan
Anse Mitan is a little harbor located on the western coast of Martinique, and it’s a popular location for sailors searching for a more relaxing atmosphere. The bay offers beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding hills.
Specialty: Anse Mitan is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.
Popular marinas: The Marina de la Pointe du Bout is the closest marina to Anse Mitan, and it’s just a short walk from the beach.
Recommendations: Sailors should explore the nearby town of Les Trois-Îlets, which is known for its rich history and charming architecture. They should also try some of the local rum, which is made from the island’s abundant sugar cane.
Le Marin
Le Marin is a little hamlet located on the southeastern coast of Martinique, and it’s a popular destination for sailors looking for a peaceful ambiance. The town has a large marina, which can accommodate boats of all sizes.
Specialty: Le Marin is noted for its superb sailing conditions, with steady trade winds and calm waters.
Popular marinas: The Marina du Marin is the largest marina in Martinique, and it’s a popular destination for sailors from around the world.
Recommendations: Sailors should explore the nearby mangrove forests, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including iguanas and tropical birds. They should also visit the nearby beaches, which offer some of the best snorkeling and diving in Martinique.
Les Anses d’Arlet
Les Anses d’Arlet is a picturesque fishing village located on the southwestern coast of Martinique. The village is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Specialty: Les Anses d’Arlet is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving, thanks to its beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Popular marinas: The Marina de la Pointe du Bout is about 30 minutes’ drive from Les Anses d’Arlet and is the closest marina to the resort.
Recommendations: Sailors should visit the nearby Petite Anse d’Arlet, which is known for its beautiful white sand beach and turquoise waters. They should also try some of the local seafood, which includes fresh fish and lobster.
Saint-Pierre
Saint-Pierre is a historic town located on the northwestern coast of Martinique. The town was once known as the “Paris of the Caribbean” and was considered one of the most beautiful cities in the region, until it was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1902.
Specialty: Saint-Pierre is known for its rich history and architecture, with many of its buildings dating back to the 19th century.
Popular marinas: The closest marina to Saint-Pierre is the Marina de Fort-de-France, which is located about 30 minutes away by car.
Recommendations: The old city’s ruins, which also include the remains of the prison and the old theater, should be explored by sailors. They should also try some of the local cuisine, such as acras de morue (salt cod fritters) and court-bouillon (a spicy fish stew).
Grand Anse d’Arlet
Grand Anse d’Arlet is a beautiful beach located on the southwestern coast of Martinique. The beach is known for its soft white sand and turquoise waters.
Specialty: Grand Anse d’Arlet is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, such as kayaking and windsurfing.
Popular marinas: The closest marina to Grand Anse d’Arlet is the Marina du Marin, which is located about 30 minutes away by car.
Recommendations: Sailors should visit the nearby Petite Anse d’Arlet, which is known for its beautiful white sand beach and turquoise waters. They ought to sample some of the fresh fish and lobster that are available locally.
Best Time to Sail
The best time to sail in Martinique is between December and May. During this period, the weather is dry and sunny, with mild winds and calm seas. The temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C), making it comfortable for sailors to spend time outdoors.
Martinique experiences higher humidity, sporadic rain showers, and stronger winds from June to November. This month is also the hurricane season in the Caribbean, which can result in strong seas and perilous conditions for sailors.
Therefore, it is advisable for sailors to plan their sailing trip to Martinique between December and May, when the weather conditions are ideal for sailing and exploring the beautiful destinations in the region. Additionally, it is important to monitor weather conditions and updates from the local authorities to ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.
In summary, Martinique offers a variety of sailing destinations for sailors of all skill levels, from the bustling city of Fort-de-France to the quieter towns of Anse Mitan and Le Marin. Each destination has its own particular appeal and specialties, and sailors may enjoy a range of activities, from seeing ancient sites to swimming, snorkeling, and sailing in the pristine waters of the Caribbean.
Visit our sailing destinations page for some incredible ideas and places to explore if you’re feeling motivated to organize your own sailing holiday. Start preparing for your upcoming sailing excursion right away with Ocean Wave Sail!
