Sailboat charter in Martinique with or without a skipper

Sailboat Charter 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 anchorages on the leeward coast, and reasonable distances between stops.

• The monohull sailboat: it offers a true sailing experience in tune with the trade winds, with excellent maneuverability 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 charter 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 sailboats available in Martinique are generally recent, well-equipped and designed for cruising in the Caribbean Sea.

Services Offered for Your Sailboat Charter in Martinique

Here are the various services we offer:

• Charter without skipper: If one of your crew members has the required experience and licenses, you can charter your sailboat with complete autonomy. The boat is entirely private and you sail freely between stops of your choice, according to the weather and your wishes.
• Charter with skipper: If you do not wish to sail yourself or if you want to discover the best anchorages without worrying about maneuvers, we can provide a professional skipper. They know the area perfectly and will advise you on stops, restaurants and the most sheltered anchorages around the island.
• Charter 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 sailboat shared with other travelers and a professional crew. A cabin cruise in Martinique is an excellent option if you are traveling as a couple or if you do not wish to charter an entire boat.

What Is the Price of a Sailboat Charter in Martinique?

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

The price includes: the boat charter and the main equipment on board (sails, dishes, 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 southwest coast is the favorite sailing ground in Martinique. Anse Dufour is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and regular presence of sea turtles. The Anses-d'Arlet anchorage charms with its fishing village atmosphere, while Grande Anse, with its long golden sandy beach, makes 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 sailboats. 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 anchorages make it a popular stop for recreational 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 anchorage, 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 northwest, 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 neighboring islands: Saint Lucia to the south, Dominica to the north, and further afield the Grenadines, including the legendary Tobago Cays yacht charter destination, 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 wade 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 77°F and 86°F 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. While the risk of a direct hurricane remains statistically low in Martinique, this period is generally less favorable 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. Anchorages 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-northeast 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 Charter a Sailboat Without a Skipper in Martinique

To charter a sailboat or catamaran without a skipper in Martinique, you must hold a coastal boating license (or international equivalent) as well as a VHF certificate (CRR or equivalent).

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

Useful Information for Your Sailboat Charter in Martinique

What Language Is Spoken in Martinique?

French is the official language of Martinique, a French overseas territory. 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 anchorages and purchases from local producers.

How to Get to Martinique?

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

How to Finalize Your Sailboat Booking in Martinique?

Whether you are looking for a sailboat or a yacht charter in Martinique, a Filovent advisor will contact you by phone to discuss your project. They will then send you proposals for sailboats suited to your crew and budget. Once the boat has been chosen, payment of a deposit via your client portal is sufficient to secure the date.

Are There Any Navigation Fees 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 inquire about entry fees for protected natural areas, particularly to access certain regulated anchorages.

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