Yacht Charter Martinique with or without skipper

Sailing Boat Hire in Martinique

In Martinique, Filovent offers you two types of sailing vessels, perfectly suited to the island's configuration and Caribbean sailing conditions: regular trade winds, sheltered moorings on the leeward coast, and reasonable distances between stops.

• The monohull sailing boat: it offers a true sailing experience in tune with the trade winds, with excellent manoeuvrability to access the most secluded coves. It is the ideal option for crews seeking adventure and sporty sailing.
• The catamaran: more spacious and stable, it is perfect for leisurely family or group cruises. Its minimal heel and generous living spaces make it the reference vessel for the Caribbean. Catamaran hire is indeed the most sought-after booking type in Martinique. Available models include Bali, Lagoon, Excess and Elba, all recent and well-equipped.

Depending on your crew, we offer vessels from 2 to 6 cabins and more, suited to couples as well as large families or groups of friends. The sailing boats available in Martinique are generally recent, well-equipped and designed for cruising in the Caribbean Sea.

Services Offered for Your Sailing Boat Hire in Martinique

Here are the various services we offer:

• Hire without skipper: If one of your crew members has the required experience and licences, you can hire your sailing boat with complete autonomy. The boat is entirely private and you sail freely between stops of your choice, according to the weather and your wishes.
• Hire with skipper: If you do not wish to sail yourself or if you want to discover the best moorings without worrying about manoeuvres, we can provide a professional skipper. They know the area perfectly and will advise you on stops, restaurants and the most sheltered moorings around the island.
• Hire with crew: This service is mainly offered on larger vessels. It may include a skipper, hostess and cook depending on the model. The crew takes care of navigation and on-board comfort for a premium cruise in Martinique.
• Cabin cruise: You book a cabin on board a sailing boat shared with other travellers and a professional crew. A cabin cruise in Martinique is an excellent option if you are travelling as a couple or if you do not wish to charter an entire boat.

What Is the Price of Sailing Boat Hire in Martinique?

The table below gives an indication of costs for a one-week hire in Martinique. Prices vary according to the season, the year of the boat, the model and availability.

The price includes: the boat hire and the main equipment on board (sails, crockery, bedding, dinghy, outboard motor).

The price does not include: insurance, port and mooring fees, skipper, hostess, final cleaning (often included in a mandatory package), extras (paddleboard, kayak…) and provisioning.

We strongly recommend taking out our cancellation insurance, which covers all crew members, unlike individual insurance or credit card insurance, which only protects the cardholder. We also recommend the security deposit waiver insurance: at sea, even experienced sailors can fall victim to a breakdown. This insurance will allow you to recover a significant portion of your deposit in the event of a navigation-related claim.

Where to Sail in Martinique?

Martinique offers a wide variety of stops depending on whether you sail along the leeward coast, which is more sheltered, or the Atlantic coast, which is wilder and more technical.

• The south-west coast is the favourite sailing ground in Martinique. Anse Dufour is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and regular presence of sea turtles. The Anses-d'Arlet mooring charms with its fishing village atmosphere, whilst Grande Anse beaches make an ideal stop for a leisurely day. Baie du Diamant, dominated by its famous rock, is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Further south, Sainte-Anne and its craft market are a must-visit before reaching Le Marin, Martinique's main marina and the departure base for most sailing boats. Trois-Îlets and the bay of Fort-de-France offer another face of Martinique: just a few cables from the capital, this picturesque village and its tranquil moorings make it a popular stop for leisure sailors. The bay of Fort-de-France, one of the largest in the Caribbean, offers many anchoring possibilities.
• The Caravelle Peninsula and the Atlantic coast attract lovers of wild nature. The Caravelle nature reserve, accessible on foot from the Tartane mooring, offers remarkable scenery. Sailing here is more technical due to the well-established trade winds on the eastern side, and is suited to more experienced crews.
• Saint-Pierre, to the north-west, is a historically rich stop: once the capital of Martinique, it was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Pelée in 1902 and today is home to several wrecks ranked among the best diving sites in the Caribbean.
• From Martinique, it is also possible to explore the neighbouring islands: Saint Lucia to the south, Dominica to the north, and further afield the Grenadines or Guadeloupe, for those with two weeks or more. Not to be missed either: la Baignoire de Joséphine, a submerged sandbank in the middle of the bay of Fort-de-France where you can paddle in knee-deep water, one of the most unusual and photogenic spots in the Caribbean.

When to Sail in Martinique?

The sailing season in Martinique extends throughout the year, thanks to temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30°C depending on the month. The dry season (December to May) is the ideal period: the trade winds blow regularly between 15 and 25 knots, the sky is clear and the well-formed sea offers pleasant sailing along the leeward coast. It is also the peak tourist season, with higher prices.

The rainy season (June to November) corresponds to the hurricane season in the Caribbean. Whilst the risk of a direct hurricane remains statistically low in Martinique, this period is generally less favourable for sailing. The months of May and November, as transitional months, offer good weather conditions with more accessible prices: this is the period we recommend first and foremost for the best value for money.

Below is an average of temperatures recorded in Martinique over recent years:

Sailing Conditions in Martinique

Sailing in Martinique is generally accessible and pleasant, particularly along the leeward coast (west coast), naturally sheltered from the trade winds. Moorings are plentiful and well protected, distances between stops remain short and sailing is done mainly by sight.

Sailing in Martinique or Guadeloupe is dominated by the trade wind, an easterly to east-north-easterly wind, regular and predictable, blowing between 10 and 25 knots depending on the season. On the Atlantic coast, conditions are more exposed and the sea can build up more, making sailing more technical. During summer, squalls can form quickly and strengthen the wind in gusts, particularly during hurricane season. Planning crossings in the morning, before the afternoon thermal build-up, is a good habit.

Documents Required to Hire a Sailing Boat Without a Skipper in Martinique

To hire a sailing boat or catamaran without a skipper in Martinique, you must hold a coastal boating licence (or international equivalent) as well as a VHF certificate (CRR or equivalent).

For the hire of large sailing boats and catamarans (monohull of 60 feet / 18 metres or more and catamaran of 50 feet / 15 m), an offshore licence or equivalent may be required. Please check with our team depending on the model you are considering.

Useful Information for Your Sailing Boat Hire in Martinique

What Language Is Spoken in Martinique?

French is the official language of Martinique, a French overseas department. Martinican Creole is also widely spoken in everyday life. In marinas and tourist areas, English is generally understood.

What Currency Is Used in Martinique?

Martinique is part of the euro zone. Credit cards are accepted in most ports, shops and restaurants. It is however advisable to carry some cash for small markets, paid moorings and purchases from local producers.

How to Get to Martinique?

Martinique is served by Aimé Césaire Airport (FDF), located about fifteen kilometres from Fort-de-France. Direct flights from Paris (Orly and CDG) operate daily, as well as connections from several provincial cities. The airport is approximately 30 minutes by car from the main marina at Le Marin, the heart of Le Marin yacht charters and the departure point for most sailing boats.

How to Finalise Your Sailing Boat Booking in Martinique?

After submitting your request, a Filovent adviser will contact you by telephone to discuss your project. They will then send you proposals for sailing boats suited to your crew and budget. Once the boat has been chosen, payment of a deposit via your client area is sufficient to secure the date.

Are There Any Navigation Taxes to Pay in Martinique?

Mooring fees are payable in certain protected areas and at the main marinas on the island (Le Marin, Fort-de-France, Sainte-Anne). Your charter company will specify the terms according to your itinerary. It is also recommended to enquire about entry fees for protected natural areas, particularly to access certain regulated moorings.

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