Experience Martinique on a catamaran charter, the French Caribbean's best-known island, and arguably the most beautiful of the Windward Islands.
Its rich culture reflects a history of colonisation and many diverse influences, including African, European, and Indian. It offers a combination of stunning natural beauty, rich history, vibrant culture, and unparalleled cruising opportunities.
Located in the heart of the Caribbean, this French overseas territory is often called the Island of Flowers, thanks to its lush vegetation and colourful landscapes. Throw in the reliable easterly trade winds and you'll discover Martinique is a truly special place for a catamaran charter.
Martinique offers easy access to some of the region's most picturesque and sought-after sailing destinations. From pristine beaches to hidden coves, there is a wide range of destinations to explore, including the Grenadines, Tobago Cays, Saint Lucia and Dominica.
The waters around Martinique provide excellent conditions for sailing, with consistent trade winds and warm temperatures year-round.
Martinique is a paradise for nature lovers and diving or snorkelling enthusiasts. The surrounding waters are home to diverse marine life including vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.
Martinique boasts historical sites like Fort-de-France, colonial plantations, and museums that provide insight into its rich history.
The Windward Islands, which include Martinique, are breathtakingly beautiful. You'll sail past lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
The island has plenty of lush inland areas like the Jardins de Balata or the Caravelle Peninsula Nature Reserve to explore.
Marvel at Martinique's diverse terrain, from rainforests and waterfalls to volcanic mountains and black sand beaches.
Martinique is known for its distinct French and Creole cultural influences and offers a unique blend of European and Caribbean heritage, which can be experienced through the local cuisine, music, language, and architecture.
Head south from Martinique to Saint Lucia, another stunning Caribbean island. Explore the iconic Pitons, visit the town of Soufrière and snorkel or dive in the clear waters of Anse Chastanet.
A little further south are the Grenadines, a picturesque chain of islands and cays. Must-visit spots include Tobago Cays, Mayreau, Bequia, and Mustique, each offering its own unique charm and natural beauty.
This protected marine park in the Grenadines is a paradise for snorkelling and diving. Swim with sea turtles, explore coral reefs or bring a picnic ashore to one of the pristine white sand beaches.
Head north from Martinique to Dominica, known as the Nature Island. Discover its lush rainforests, waterfalls and hot springs, including the famous Trafalgar Falls and Boiling Lake.
Explore the ruins of the historic town of Saint-Pierre on the northwest coast of Martinique. Once known as the Paris of the Caribbean, it was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Pelée in 1902.
Explore Martinique's rum heritage by visiting rum distilleries like Rhum JM to learn about the rum-making process.
If your charter coincides with Martinique's Carnival season (usually January to March), don't miss the vibrant parades, colourful costumes, and lively music of this festive celebration.
Visit historic sites like Fort Saint Louis, or the Balata Botanical Garden, offering insights into the island's colonial history and unique natural beauty.
Martinique enjoys a pleasant tropical climate throughout the year, with the high season running between December and April when the island tends to be busiest.
The shoulder season month is typically May, and the low season runs from June to November.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 27.6°C (82°F) | 22.7°C (73°F) | 0.7mm |  ENE |
| FEB | 27.9°C (82°F) | 22.3°C (72°F) | 0.5mm | ENE |
| MAR | 29.1°C (84°F) | 22.1°C (72°F) | 0.3mm | ENE |
| APR | 29.8°C (86°F) | 23.4°C (74°F) | 0.9mm | E |
| MAY | 30.8°C (88°F) | 24.8°C (77°F) | 0.7mm | E |
| JUN | 31.2°C (88°F) | 25.7°C (78°F) | 1.4mm | E |
| JUL | 30.5°C (87°F) | 25.8°C (78°F) | 3.1mm | ENE |
| AUG | 31.4°C (89°F) | 25.8°C (78°F) | 3.1mm | ESE |
| SEP | 32.4°C (90°F) | 25.3°C (78°F) | 1.2mm | ESE |
| OCT | 30.6°C (87°F) | 25.3°C (78°F) | 5.1mm | ESE |
| NOV | 29.6°C (85°F) | 24.7°C (77°F) | 1.7mm | ENE |
| DEC | 28.6°C (84°F) | 24.0°C (75°F) | 1.0mm | ENE |
The official language of Martinique is French, with Creole also being widely spoken and some English being spoken in the tourist areas.
The currency of Martinique is the Euro.
Tipping of between 10-15% is generally appreciated and expected in Martinique.
A catamaran charter from Martinique is all about comfort, luxury and convenience, with their twin hulls making them extremely stable. Expansive open decks allow for spacious seating, socialising and sunbathing, while below deck each hull typically contains its own cabins, complete with ensuite bathroom.
This layout is particularly good for couples or families travelling together as it offers more personal space. Our catamarans are available as either bareboat or skippered charters, with a host or hostess if needed, or fully crewed.
A power catamaran combines the stability and spaciousness of a sailing catamaran with the speed and convenience of a motorised yacht. The twin-hull design ensures a smooth ride even in choppy waters, while the absence of sails allowing for more expansive, unobstructed deck spaces perfect for lounging and entertaining.
One of the key advantages of a power catamaran is its ability to cover greater distances in less time, allowing you to explore more destinations during your charter. These vessels also have shallower drafts than a traditional sailing yacht, granting easier access to tucked away coves and beaches that larger yachts can't reach.
Available as bareboat for experienced boaters or with a skipper or professional crew, power catamaran charters offer the ultimate blend of luxury, performance, and versatility.
Luxury Catamarans have state-of-the-art amenities, spacious master suites, gourmet galleys, and cutting-edge entertainment systems. The expansive flybridge provides panoramic views and alfresco dining areas, perfect for sunset cocktails. The high-performance engines and double hulls ensure power and stability for seriously smooth sailing.
You’ll have a professional crew to cater to your every need from superb meals to water sports or trips ashore. Whether exploring tucked away lagoons or hosting a lavish on-board party, a luxury catamaran charter delivers an unforgettable five-star experience for the discerning traveller.
Catamarans have two hulls, making them more stable than a regular monohull boat, both while sailing and at anchor. So if you don't like heeling over while under sail, a catamaran is the ideal choice.
The split-hull design allows for better separation of living spaces, with cabins in each hull providing more privacy for guests. A perfect option for two families or larger groups.
Catamarans have a shallower draft (less boat below the water), allowing them to access shallow anchorages and get closer to beaches than a typical monohull.
With easy access from the rear deck to the water, swimming and water sports activities are a cinch - not to mention getting in and out of the tender to go ashore.
Catamarans sail differently from monohulls. They don't heel (tilt) as much, which can be more comfortable for some passengers but may provide less of a "sailing feel" for purists.
Catamarans often feature a raised helm station with excellent visibility, and many have a flybridge for additional outdoor living space.
Catamarans offer more living space both above and below deck due to their wide beam. This means they tend to have larger common areas and more spacious cabins.
A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Martinique and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our catamaran fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a catamaran you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Martinique and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
Crewed yacht charters from Martinique come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
Martinique is a popular charter destination, and therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream catamaran via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
Since 1974, Martinique has been administered as an Overseas Department of France, and has seamlessly combined French sophistication with Caribbean warmth.
The island's picturesque towns and villages exude a unique charm, with colourful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and delicious French-Creole cuisine. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local music scene, with lively zouk and reggae rhythms filling the air, especially during festivals and carnivals.
One of the main reasons Martinique and the Caribbean are coveted destinations for yacht charters is their incredible sailing conditions. Like much of the Caribbean, the Windward Islands experience the easterly trade winds. These trade winds generally blow from the east-northeast to the east-southeast and are relatively consistent throughout the year. They are known for their reliability and provide ideal conditions for sailing.
Besides its exceptional sailing opportunities, Martinique's natural beauty is truly captivating. The island is home to majestic mountains, verdant rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches with turquoise waters. Exploring the coastline on a yacht allows you to discover secluded coves and hidden moorings inaccessible by land. From the wild and rugged northern coast to the idyllic white sandy beaches of the south, Martinique offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes to be admired.
Embarking on a catamaran charter in Martinique allows you to immerse yourself in its unique blend of French and Caribbean cultures, explore diverse landscapes, and create unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise.
The typical times for a catamaran charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.
When chartering a catamaran from Martinique, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.
There are typically four main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Martinique, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, and Luxury Yachts which includes Superyachts.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.
Once you've found your perfect catamaran, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.
The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.
You can sail all year in the Caribbean, but the high season is from December to May.