Cruise in Martinique

What to expect from your cruise in Martinique

Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Martinique is a stunning blend of French charm and lush tropical beauty. Whether you're lounging on sandy beaches or exploring quaint villages, this island offers something for everyone.For many travelers, a cruise is the ultimate way to experience Martinique's diverse offerings. A cabin cruise in Martinique allows you to feel the gentle sway of the waves as you sail along its coastline. Or perhaps you're drawn to a sailing cruise in Martinique that lets you navigate hidden coves and pristine shores at your own pace.

Martinique is also the perfect starting point for longer journeys, especially to the south, where the Grenadines await with clear waters and incredible anchorages. If adventure calls out to you, consider hopping on a catamaran cruise starting in Martinique for an unforgettable week spent snorkeling and sunbathing.

Benefits of a Cruise in Martinique

1. Perfect Sailing Conditions

Martinique benefits from the reliable northeast trade winds that blow consistently between 15–25 knots, especially from December to May, making sailing smooth and predictable. These winds are strong enough to keep experienced sailors engaged but gentle enough for newcomers to feel comfortable. Even during the warmer, wetter months June, July and November, there are plenty of sunny days and calm seas for island cruising.

However, it's important to keep in mind that the official hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June to November, with the highest risk typically between August and October. While Martinique is often outside the direct path of major storms, it's always wise to check forecasts and plan accordingly if sailing during this period.

2. World-Class Marinas and Facilities

Le Marin Marina is one of the largest and best-equipped marinas in the Caribbean. It serves as the island's main yachting hub and a popular starting point for sailors exploring the Lesser Antilles. This marina offers full services, provisioning and yacht support such as maintenance and technical assistance from skilled individuals.

Beyond this, the marina offers a vibrant waterfront with cafés, restaurants and supermarkets to cater to your every need.

3. Easy Access & Island Hopping

Aimé Césaire International Airport offers direct flights from Europe, North America, and nearby Caribbean islands, and you can easily hop to Saint Lucia, Dominica, or the Grenadines.

Martinique offers a diverse array of activities for every traveler once your cabin cruise finished: Adventure seekers can hike Mount Pelée, the island’s active volcano, whose panoramic summit views reward every step of the climb. Along the way, you’ll pass through tropical rainforests and sweeping vistas of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, a truly unforgettable experience.

4. Flexible Cruise Options

Choose from a bareboat charter in Martinique for the freedom to sail at your own pace, luxury crewed yachts for a fully catered, stress-free escape. Why not choose a catamaran which is perfect for families and groups. Whatever your style or level of experience, Martinique offers a cruise option perfectly tailored to your dream Caribbean getaway.

Sailing and weather conditions in Martinique

Martinique offers year round sailing with steady winds ranging from 15 to 25 knots during the months of December to May. Warm air and comfortable sea temperatures upwards of 26°C allows room for all nautical activities such as swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

The leeward Caribbean side had calm and sheltered waters, which is perfect for beginners. While the windward Atlantic coast offers livelier seas for more experienced sailors. Short sailing distances, from 1 to 3 hours make it easy to explore multiple different bays or hop to nearby islands like Saint Lucia and Dominica.

Sample Itinerary for a Cruise in Martinique

An itinerary for a cabin cruise in Martinique begins with your arrival in Le Marin marina. Explore the waterfront cafes and restaurants before a night sailing to Bequia, a charming island with beautiful bays in the Grenadines archipelago.

Continue onto the exclusive island of Moustique, then onto Mayreau, a peaceful island with one of the most beautiful anchorages in the Grenadines. Spend the day in the Tobago Cays, a protected marine park with blue lagoons and reefs, perfect for snorkeling. Sail onto Petit Saint Vincent, a secluded hideaway, then drop anchor at the sandbar of Morpion for a true castaway experience, before continuing to lively Union island. As your adventure continues retrace your route via Mayreau and Union, returning to Bequia for another taste of island charm.

Explore Saint Vincent, with its lush rainforest trails and waterfalls, before sailing to Saint Lucia to marvel at the dramatic twin Pitons rising from the sea. Anchor in Sainte-Anne, a charming seaside village on Martinique’s south coast, for swimming and beach walks before returning to Le Marin for disembarkation.

Cuisine and Culture of Martinique

Martinique’s culture is a vibrant fusion of French elegance and Creole soul, shaped by African, Caribbean, and European influences. You’ll find this unique blend in its music, festivals, and food.
The island is most famous for fresh seafood, tropical fruits and aromatic spices. Don’t miss out on tasting traditional dishes like accras de morue, delicious cod fritters and colombo, a fragrant curry that showcases local spice.
Martinique pulses with zouk music, colorful Carnival celebrations, and traditional dances. Markets overflow with local crafts, woven baskets, and bright madras fabrics.
Historical sites like La Savane des Esclaves and Saint-Pierre’s ruins tell the story of resilience and cultural pride.
Whether you’re sampling street food, joining a dance festival, or touring a rum distillery, Martinique’s cuisine and culture promise a sensory journey as rich as its landscapes.