5 Mooring Spots to Dock your Yacht in Martinique

Located in the Caribbean, the island of Martinique is a mesmerising blend of mountainous terrain and beautiful beaches. With more than 7,000 individual islands, it holds a unique place in the heart of avid sailors across the globe.

With 10 exquisite marinas providing full-service facilities and world-class repair services, it can be difficult to pick the one suitable for your yacht. We have compiled a list of the top five mooring spots available:

1. Les Anses-d’Arlet: the Martinique mooring spot against the current

The small and peaceful town of Anses d’Arlets is one of the trademark places to visit if you charter a yacht in Martinique. With a white sandy beach and crystal-clear waters on one side and a magnificent mountain range in the background, this picturesque village is located in one of the most beautiful spots in Martinique.

Martinique attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. But travelling around Anses d’Arlets takes you off the beaten track to a place that is naturally beautiful and tranquil. The Creole houses and spice markets are ubiquitous in the village. The locals are always willing to help visitors find the best snorkelling spots in its calm waters.

Location:  Southwest of Martinique

Preferential nautical access:  Yacht charter in Martinique, starting at Fort-de-France or Sainte-Anne.

Nautical distances: 6.5 nm from Fort-de-France, 24 nm from Marin.

2. St. Pierre’s Bay: the perfect island for a yacht charter in Martinique

Located north of the two jetties, the deep waters of St Peter’s Bay Harbour are perfect for all types of boats. Boasting attractive beaches and a rich culture, the village of St. Pierre is an untarnished, naturally beautiful place in Martinique.

Among the many things that catch the eye is the white beach surrounded with beautiful palm trees. The imposing Mt. Pelée overlooks the beach. Created like an amphitheatre bordered by the Caribbean Sea, the lush cover of natural vegetation provides ample exploration spots.

With your boat safely docked, you can go for a hike to the highest point (1,395 meters) on Mt. Pelée. After such an adventure, refresh yourselves with the energy-rich Breadfruit (Fruit à pain), a speciality of the region.

Location: North-west of Martinique, access point to Dominica.

Preferential nautical access: Boat rental in Martinique, Fort-de-France or Trinidad, as part of an east-west tour.

Nautical distances: 15 nm from Fort-de-France, 40 nm from Trinidad.

3. Sainte-Anne: a paradise for beach lovers

Located on the south-east of Martinique, the small French commune of Sainte Anne is arguably the most beautiful spot in Martinique. Not far from  ‘Le Marin’, one of the largest and busiest marinas in the Caribbean, Sainte Anne offers a peaceful anchorage if you charter a yacht in Martinique. There are plenty of relaxation opportunities on the town’s white sandy beaches, and many water sports to choose from.

The main attraction here is the Grande Anse des Salines, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. T

The Baie des Anglais is also worth visiting. It’s sheltered by a coral reef that’s classed as a natural reserve.

For travellers looking to spice up their meals, try the tasty food laden with habanero pepper. Also known as pimento Bondamanjak, this native pepper is one of the strongest pepper varieties of the world.

Location:  South-east of Martinique.

Preferential nautical access:  Sailing from Le Robert, the François or the Anses d’Arlets.

Nautical distances: 18 nm from the port of François, 24 nm from that of Robert

4. Tartane: rich history and natural beauty

Located on the peninsula of Caravelle, Tartane is one of the most tranquil and calm places in Martinique. This small fishing village is famous for its beaches, some suited for families, others perfect for surfing (Étang and Bonneville).

Once you have anchored, it’s time to explore. For culture and history buffs, visit the 17th-century castle ‘Château Dubuc’ and the lovely ‘Musée de la Banane’. Nature lovers can explore the nature reserve of Caravelle peninsula or venture off into the savanna and mangrove swamps.

Location:  Northeast of Martinique.

Nautical access preferential:  From Trinity, Robert, François or Sainte-Anne.

Nautical distances: 3 nm from Trinity if you opt for a yacht charter in Martinique. 11 nm from Robert. 17 nm from François

5. Baie du Diamant: a real gem

This seaside resort on Martinique’s south coast is a heaven for scuba divers. The Baie du Diamant is famous for its diving spots and the breathtaking view of a 175-metre diamond-looking rock.

The stunning beach offers peace and tranquillity, and the waves will enthuse water sports lovers.

Travellers who wish to go further with their yacht charter can turn their eyes to François, a small archipelago of 8 islets. Josephine’s Bath, a shallow part of the Atlantic Ocean, is just a short boat ride from Le Francois.

Location: Southwest of Martinique

Preferential Nautical Access: Rent a boat in Anses-d’Arlets, Sainte-Anne, Fort-de-France or Marin.

Nautical distances:  8 nm from Anses d’Arlets, 12 nm from Marin, 16 nm from Sainte-Anne (Salines)