Martinique

Why go there?

Explore the dramatic volcanic peaks and lush rainforests of the north, including Mount Pelée, or discover the serene, white-sand beaches and calm anchorages of the south like Anses d'Arlet. Visit the vibrant capital, Fort-de-France, with its bustling markets, historic Fort Saint-Louis, and the stunning Schoelcher Library. Snorkel or dive in the clear waters of Diamond Rock, a striking volcanic island with rich marine life. Don't miss a visit to a rum distillery, where you can learn about and taste the island's famous Rhum Agricole. Martinique's cultural calendar is rich; look out for Carnival (February/March) with its lively parades and music, and the Martinique Jazz Festival (December) which draws international talent.

How to get there?

The main airport is Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF), located near Fort-de-France.

Scheduled flights arrive from:

• France (Paris): Main international airlines include Air France, Air Caraïbes, and Corsair.
• North America (Montreal, Miami, New York): Airlines like Air France and American Airlines operate flights.
• Other Caribbean Islands: Local airlines such as Air Antilles connect Martinique to islands like Guadeloupe, Saint Lucia, and Saint Barthélemy.

Approaching by yacht

Here are the approximate distances and average sailing times to Martinique from key marinas in the Windward Islands (assuming 5-7 knots average sailing speed):

• Rodney Bay Marina, Saint Lucia: Approximately 25-30 nautical miles; 4-6 hours sailing time.
• Port Louis Marina, Grenada: Approximately 110-120 nautical miles; 18-24 hours sailing time.

Sailing to Martinique from Saint Lucia is very common and recommended on a 7-day charter holiday in the Windward Islands. However, sailing from Grenada for a 7-day charter to Martinique as a single stopover is feasible but would involve a significant portion of time dedicated to sailing. If incorporating Martinique into a multi-island charter that starts as far south as Grenada, a minimum recommended duration of 10 days would be more suitable to allow for comfortable passages and sufficient time to explore the island itself.

Marina facilities

Martinique boasts excellent marina facilities, particularly at:

• Marina du Marin (Le Marin): The largest marina in the French Antilles, offering extensive services.
  • Services: Fuel dock, water, electricity, showers, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, full provisioning (supermarkets, chandleries), extensive repair and maintenance services, customs and immigration. It's a major hub for yacht charter companies.
  • Capacity: Accommodates several hundred vessels, from smaller monohulls to larger catamarans and monohulls up to approximately 50 meters (165 feet).
• Marina Bas-du-Fort (Pointe-à-Pitre): The main marina in the capital area is also very well-equipped.
  • Services: Similar comprehensive services to Le Marin, including fuel, water, electricity, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, provisioning shops, restaurants, and technical services.
  • Capacity: Can accommodate a wide range of vessels, including larger yachts, typically up to 40-50 meters (approx. 130-165 feet).
• Marina de l'Etang Z'Abricots (Fort-de-France): A newer development closer to the capital.
  • Services: Modern pontoons, water, electricity, Wi-Fi, security, and proximity to city amenities.
  • Capacity: Accommodates yachts of varying sizes, with good facilities for mid-sized vessels.

What food to expect?

Martinican cuisine is a delicious fusion of French sophistication and vibrant Creole flavors, emphasizing fresh local ingredients. Essential dishes to try include Accras de Morue (codfish fritters), perfect as an appetizer. Boudin Créole (Creole blood sausage) is a local delicacy. For main courses, look for Colombo de Poulet (chicken colombo), a fragrant curry dish reflecting Indian influences, or fresh grilled seafood like vivaneau (red snapper) and langouste (lobster). Don't miss the local Rhum Agricole, made directly from sugarcane juice, often enjoyed as a Ti' Punch (rum, lime, and cane sugar syrup). French wines are readily available and widely consumed.

Restaurants are generally very accessible from the sea, particularly in popular anchorages like Grande Anse d'Arlet, Les Anses-d'Arlet, and around Le Marin. The quality ranges from casual beachside "lolos" serving authentic Creole fare to more upscale French-Creole restaurants, all offering excellent culinary experiences.

Provisioning advice

Provisioning in Martinique is a significant advantage for yacht charterers due to its status as a French overseas department.

• Main Hubs (Le Marin, Fort-de-France): You'll find large, well-stocked hypermarkets and supermarkets (e.g., Carrefour, Géant Casino, Super U) offering an extensive range of fresh produce, high-quality meats, a vast selection of French cheeses, wines, and international goods. There are also local markets for fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables.
• Less Developed Areas: Smaller villages and less frequented anchorages will have limited provisioning options, typically small convenience stores. It is highly advisable to complete your main provisioning in Le Marin or Fort-de-France before heading to more remote areas.

The cost of living for groceries and wine in Martinique is generally lower than in most other Windward Islands, offering good value for money to provision there.

Language and currency

• Main Language: French is the official language. Martinican Creole (a French-based Creole) is also widely spoken. English is generally understood in tourist areas, hotels, and major marinas, but it is beneficial to know some basic French phrases.
• Widely Accepted Currency: The official currency is the Euro (€), as Martinique is an integral part of France and the Eurozone.

Visa requirements

As an overseas department of France, Martinique adheres to French and European Union visa policies.

• US Passport Holders: No visa is required for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business. A valid passport is sufficient.
• Canada Passport Holders: No visa is required for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business. A valid passport is sufficient.
• UK Passport Holders: No visa is required for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business. A valid passport is required.
• France and EU Passport Holders: No visa is required. An official identity card or a valid passport is sufficient, as Martinique is an integral part of the EU.

For stays exceeding 90 days or for purposes other than tourism/business (e.g., work, study), specific visas may be required, and it's advisable to consult the French Consulate in your country of residence.