Martinique Itineraries: Day Charters and Multi-Day Routes

Martinique’s west and south coasts offer sheltered, catamaran-friendly cruising with a compelling mix of beaches, cultural landmarks and volcanic drama. Le Marin serves as the natural charter hub, with the south-coast anchorages 5–15 nautical miles apart and the northern coast adding adventure and historical depth. Below are three distinctive day-charter routes and two multi-day itineraries that cover different ground and can be combined into a comprehensive 7-day voyage.

Day Charters

South Coast Beaches and Salines

A relaxed day charter exploring Martinique’s finest beaches. Depart Le Marin and cruise south to Sainte-Anne (5 nautical miles) for a mid-morning stop at the village waterfront. Continue to Grande Anse des Salines – 2 kilometres of white sand, coconut palms and calm turquoise water. Anchor offshore and spend the afternoon swimming, snorkelling and lunching on the aft deck. Return to Le Marin via Cap Chevalier for a final swim in the late afternoon. A perfect introduction to Martinique for families and first-time charter guests.

Diamond Rock and Les Anses-d’Arlet

The quintessential Martinique day charter. Depart Le Marin and cruise west along the south coast to Diamond Rock (approximately 10 nautical miles). Circumnavigate the 175-metre volcanic pinnacle, learning the story of HMS Diamond Rock, then snorkel on the leeward side among volcanic caves and colourful reef fish. Continue north to Les Anses-d’Arlet (5 nautical miles) for lunch at a waterfront Creole restaurant and an afternoon turtle swim at Anse Dufour. Return to Le Marin in the late afternoon, with the sun setting behind Diamond Rock.

Saint-Pierre and the Volcano Coast

A full-day charter for history and adventure. Depart Le Marin or Fort-de-France and cruise north along the leeward coast to Saint-Pierre (approximately 25 nautical miles from Le Marin, 15 from Fort-de-France). Anchor in the bay and tender ashore to explore the ruins of the Caribbean’s Pompeii: the Mémorial de la Catastrophe de 1902, the destroyed theatre and the Cyparis prison cell. Lunch at a waterfront restaurant, then return south along the coast, stopping at a sheltered west-coast bay for a late-afternoon swim. This is the most ambitious day charter and showcases Martinique’s dramatic volcanic heritage.

Multi-Day Itineraries

3-Day Route: South Coast and Diamond Rock

This 3-day itinerary explores Martinique’s south and south-west coast in depth – beaches, turtles and volcanic landmarks – covering approximately 40 nautical miles.

Day 1: Le Marin to Sainte-Anne and Grande Anse des Salines

Depart Le Marin Marina and cruise south to Sainte-Anne (5 nautical miles). Explore the charming fishing village, then continue to Grande Anse des Salines for a full afternoon on Martinique’s finest beach. Anchor offshore in calm, shallow water. Your chef prepares a Creole lunch on the aft deck – accras de morue, grilled fish and a chilled Martiniquais rosé. Overnight at anchor off Sainte-Anne or return to Le Marin for a first-night dinner at the marina restaurants.

Day 2: Diamond Rock and Les Anses-d’Arlet

Cruise west to Diamond Rock (10 nautical miles from Le Marin). Circumnavigate the rock, snorkel the leeward side and learn the extraordinary history of the British “stone frigate”. Continue north to Les Anses-d’Arlet for lunch at a waterfront restaurant. In the afternoon, snorkel with green turtles at Anse Dufour – the calm, shallow cove where turtles feed on seagrass within metres of the beach. Overnight on the mooring at Les Anses-d’Arlet, with the illuminated church pier reflected in the still water.

Day 3: Fort-de-France and Return to Le Marin

Cruise north to Fort-de-France (10 nautical miles) for a morning of cultural exploration. Visit the Bibliothèque Schoelcher, stroll La Savane park and browse the Grand Marché for spices, rum and Creole crafts. Lunch at a city bistro, then cruise south along the west coast back to Le Marin (20 nautical miles), pausing at any bay that catches your eye. Arrive by late afternoon for disembarkation, or arrange a distillery visit at Clément or Trois Rivières en route.

4-Day Route: Northern Martinique and Volcanic Heritage

This 4-day itinerary ventures into Martinique’s volcanic north – Saint-Pierre, Mount Pelée and the lush rainforest interior – covering approximately 70 nautical miles.

Day 1: Le Marin to Les Anses-d’Arlet

Depart Le Marin and cruise west to Les Anses-d’Arlet (12 nautical miles). Spend the afternoon snorkelling with turtles at Anse Dufour and exploring the colourful fishing village. Dinner at a waterfront restaurant – grilled langouste, plantain gratin and a glass of rhum vieux. Overnight at anchor in the calm bay.

Day 2: Les Anses-d’Arlet to Saint-Pierre

Cruise north along the leeward coast to Saint-Pierre (18 nautical miles, 2–3 hours). The landscape shifts from the dry south to the lush, volcanic north as you approach – Mount Pelée emerging from the clouds ahead. Anchor in Saint-Pierre bay and tender ashore to explore the ruins: the Mémorial de la Catastrophe de 1902, the destroyed theatre and the Cyparis prison cell. Lunch at a waterfront restaurant overlooking the bay. In the afternoon, visit the Musée Volcanologique or arrange a guided hike on the lower slopes of Mount Pelée. Overnight at anchor in Saint-Pierre bay.

Day 3: Saint-Pierre Exploration and Rainforest

A full day in the volcanic north. Early risers can tackle the L’Aileron trail to Mount Pelée’s summit (approximately 4 hours round trip – start at dawn for the best views before cloud cover descends). Alternatively, arrange a shore excursion to the Jardin de Balata botanical garden (30 minutes by taxi) for a canopy walk through 3,000 tropical plant species. Lunch at a Creole restaurant in the northern hills. Return to the catamaran for an afternoon swim in Saint-Pierre bay. Overnight at anchor.

Day 4: Return to Le Marin via West Coast

Depart Saint-Pierre in the morning and cruise south along the leeward coast (25 nautical miles, 3–4 hours). Stop at Fort-de-France for a final cultural visit – the Grand Marché, La Savane park and a café crème at a harbour-side bistro. Continue south to Le Marin, arriving by early afternoon. If time allows, detour to Diamond Rock for a final snorkel and photograph. Disembarkation at Le Marin Marina.

Guests seeking a comprehensive 7-day Martinique experience can combine the 3-day south-coast route with the 4-day northern volcanic heritage itinerary, covering every major anchorage, both coastlines, the distilleries, the volcano and the cultural capital without repeating a single stop. For a grander Windward Islands voyage, add the 25-nautical-mile passage south to St Lucia and continue to the Grenadines for a 10–14 day itinerary of extraordinary variety