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About Martinique

Martinique is a land of diversity..

Martinique is a delightful sliver of France set in the tropics, with a culture of its own – solidly based on West Indian Creole traditions. With no mass tourism and many stunning unspoilt anchorages, captains ‘in the know’ are appreciating Martinique’s little-known secret – ‘beautiful cruising grounds as well as the excellent range of European standard technical assistance available’. 

With the Carenantilles boatyard operating a massive 800-ton lift and the Le Marin Yacht Harbour complex providing a host of impressive yacht supply shops, restaurants and bars, the bay area of Le Marin is now well-equipped to service the needs of superyachts, whether cruising or undergoing repairs. A Cruisers net on air three times a week gets you right up to date with everything that is happening in the region and, most importantly, the local weather! (see ‘Weather Forecasts’ for full details.)

Martinique is a land of diversity: the entire island is very beautiful, and is perfect for nature and watersports lovers (see ‘Dive Centres’ and ‘Watersports – Kiteboarding / Surfing / Windsurfing’ sections). Additionally, Martinique has a strong European French influence and a rich history – it is where the Empress Josephine (Napoleon’s wife) was born in 1763 (the ruins of her family’s plantation can be visited in Trois Ilets), and where the entire former capital of Martinique, Saint Pierre, was completely destroyed in 1902 by the eruption of Mt. Pelée.

The southern part of the island has the best beaches, whilst the north is hilly – with a dense rainforest and rivers. There are some interesting rum distilleries to visit; and south of Fort de France is a highly-developed shopping area, with a big mall and large commercial zone. The rarely cruised East Coast holds a host of fabulous unspoilt hide-away islands and anchorages protected from the Atlantic by a myriad of coral reefs. 

This ‘waiting to be discovered’ area is accessible to superyachts thanks to the Douglas Yacht Services team who – with their vast local knowledge – can advise captains on the best route to the safest anchorages, whilst escorting their guests on a memorable tour of the colourful interior. Your yacht will be anchored in a magical haven, having avoided the brief sortie out into the Atlantic seas! 

The historically fascinating town of St. Pierre at the north of the island is now enticing more large yachts since the introduction of wreck dive buoys and the opening of the fascinating Cultura Bam Museum (see ‘Shoreside Activities’ section). This makes an overnight stop in St. Pierre an attractive option for yachts with enthusiastic dive and historian guests aboard. 

Elsewhere on the island, as a department of mainland France, Martinique carries all the same size stores and brands found in France – along with the security of a European-trained police force. It is one of the best places in the Caribbean to provision or shop for pretty much anything one might need. 

In addition to this tremendous asset, last year again saw an incredible number of excellent reports received for Douglas Rapier’s yacht services company – placing Martinique as a prime superyacht destination. His first class assistance (combined with excellent technical yacht services), the Caribbean's largest custom built sail loft at Artimer in Le Marin, a large marina in a very protected bay, and one of the best rigging / hydraulic / electrical companies in the Caribbean all make Martinique a ‘first choice stop’ for either short or long periods. 

It is now easy for visiting yachts to perform Customs / Immigration clearance, either by electronic clearance arranged through Douglas Yacht Services in Le Marin or through one of several agents accredited by the authorities (see ‘Customs & Immigration’ section). 

With DYT Yacht Transport, loading and unloading right in the bay of Le Marin, Martinique is the first stop in the Caribbean for a growing number of superyachts, and makes an ideal first charter of the season pick up point to give guests a great cruising experience!

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Martinique

: +596 596 616177

: www.martinique.org

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