Experience a Martinique Boat Charter in the French Caribbean. It is located in the heart of the Caribbean archipelago. Martinique is one of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles group. The closest neighboring islands to the north are Dominica and Guadeloupe. Also Saint Lucia to the south. Enjoy a one-week Martinique boat charter around the island and you will surely not be disappointed. You can indeed spend a whole week cruising the coasts of Martinique. Start at Sainte-Anne, the southernmost village to Saint-Pierre. Obviously famous for the 1902 volcanic eruption of Mount Pelée. Sail near HMS Diamond Rock and explore the many wonders the island has along her shores. Or sail from Martinique to the Grenadines.
Martinique delivers miles of dense forests, rivers, and waterfalls. As well as rolling hills, and many picturesque bays and coves. Due to the tropical climate conditions in Martinique, the island is lush with vegetation. Wildlife consists mainly of birds, fish, and shellfish. There are also small lizards and iguanas. In addition to trigonocephalus snakes that are only found in Martinique. The “manicou”, a type of opossum, is one of the rare mammals to be found in the Antilles. The mongoose, however, was introduced by humans to control the snake population. Additionally, Martinique has a rich history of crafts and literature. Music and dance are part of this vibrant lifestyle. Its multi-ethnic population stems from the cultural mixing of the island’s successive inhabitants. Local people speak Creole, a language that is a blend of Old French, English, and African languages.
Martinique
Weather Martinique Boat Charter
Martinique’s climate is tropical. Thanks to an average temperature of 79°, Martinique is the island of the “never-ending summer.” Average temperatures are 23 – 29 C, (75°- to 85° Fahrenheit). Trade winds, in particular from the east and northeast provide a steady breeze. In fact, the average monthly temperatures remain remarkably stable, varying by only a few degrees year-round.
Places to see
Anse Cafard Slave Memorial – High on a hill are 20 white stone effigies, silently facing Diamond Beach. They commemorate an event in 1830 when a slave ship careened into Diamond Rock Mountain, killing many slaves.
Schoelcher Library – Fort-de-France is a popular destination for its history and ornate design. It was originally designed and built for an 1889 exposition in Paris. It was then shipped to Martinique and reassembled.
Saint Pierre – This used to be the most important town in Martinique, also called the Paris of the Caribbean. All changed when Mount Pelée erupted in 1902. It destroyed Saint-Pierre and killed thirty thousand people. A testimony to nature’s power.
Diamond Rock – A small uninhabited island with a long naval history as a fortress in the Napoleonic wars. The nearby underwater cave hosts a spectacular display of sea fans and corals. It is in fact a popular destination for scuba divers.
Ajoupa-Boullion – At the base of Mount Pelée. A village that is famous for its colorful flowers. Visit the botanical trail called Les Ombrages. And above all Gorges de la Falaise, is a beautiful series of small gorges along the Falaise River that lead to an alluring waterfall.
Grand Riviere – A magnificent small and sleepy fishing village and a wonderfully picturesque place. Indeed Grand’ Rivière is where you will find fresh seafood and colored boats.
Things to do on your Martinique Boat Charter
Swimming – Swimmers will especially appreciate the secluded lagoon feel of the clear waters along the southern Atlantic coast. Particularly protected by coral reef barriers.
Beach Walking – In the south, a plethora of white sand beaches. In the north, vacationers can enjoy the unique and lush setting of black sand beaches near Le Carbet and Le Prêcheur.
Kites surfing – Martinique waters provide especially warm temperatures (80 to 86°F).
Windsurfing
Snorkeling – Secluded lagoons protected by coral reef barriers.
Diving – Calm conditions are ideal for viewing the corals. Additionally sponges, anemones, and many Caribbean fish varieties. Head to one of the dive sites close to Saint Pierre. Dive alongside the wrecks of ships that sank in the eruption.
Kayaking
Billfishing
Gastronomy Highlights
Many Caribbean islands are synonymous with “magic”. But the kind of magic found in Martinique is, quite simply, culinary. In short, cooking here is an art practiced by wizardly chefs. Indeed they can take something very ordinary, like spiny sea urchins, and work magic with them. With just a whisper of “open sesame” to the oven door, they bring forth a soufflé that is positively spellbinding. Martinican cuisine is a combination of African, French, and Caribbean traditions.
Specialties
Accras de Morue – A fritter made with salt fish, prawns, or vegetables, mixed with spices.
Boudin Creole or Boudin Blanc– Delicious local sausage. Eaten hot, also cold and is a traditional food at Christmas.
Chatrou– A small octopus used in a variety of dishes. Fricassée de chatrou or Ragoû de Chatrou. Octopus combined with vegetables. Most often found in authentic local take-out places.
Lambis – The Creole name for a sea snail, or conch. Try it grilled, fried, or in a stew.
Dorade grilée – A delicious-tasting fish. Grilled or baked, and served with potatoes, chips, and salad.
Restaurants
Zandoli – One of Martinique’s most renowned restaurants. Located in the exquisite La Suite Villa. Fine dining at its best. Every meal is a culinary delight.
Ylanga – Set on the east side of the island. Magnificent views of the surrounding lush tropical gardens. Local delicacies with a European influence.
La Table de Mamy Nounou – A Martinique legend indeed. Located in Hotel la Caravelle. French, Caribbean culinary fusion.
Ti Cozy – French, Healthy
Restaurant La Kabananou – Caribbean, French
Marinas and Anchorages available on your Martinique Boat Charter
Martinique’s capital, Fort-de-France, is one of the safest, most beautiful bays in the Caribbean. It has certainly long been a favored port of call with yachtsmen and sailors. Besides, over the years, Martinique’s popularity in the yachting and sailing world has grown
