Martinique - 7 days
Day 1: Le Marin - Anse d’Arlet (6.00 NM)
Our adventure begins in Le Marin, the largest port in the Caribbean. It is a bustling hive of activity, full of boats of all shapes and sizes. After completing the necessary paperwork and taking possession of our floating home—a spacious catamaran—we finally set sail. Our first destination is clear: Anse d'Arlet. A short, approximately two-hour sail along the southwest coast brings us to one of the most photogenic villages on the island. Imagine a picturesque little church with a pier jutting out into the sea, colorful fishermen's houses, and water so clear that you can see every grain of sand. We spend the afternoon snorkeling. According to the locals, this is one of the best places to encounter sea turtles, and they weren't lying! The feeling when a turtle swims majestically next to you is simply indescribable. In the evening, we enjoy fresh fish at one of the local restaurants on the beach and watch the sun set over the horizon. A perfect start.
Day 2: Anse d’Arlet – Fort de France (6.00 NM)
After a quiet night at anchor, we hoist the sails and head north to the capital, Fort-de-France. The contrast is immediate. From a sleepy fishing village, we sail into a bustling harbor full of life.
We anchor in the marina and set out to explore. The city is a fascinating mix of colonial architecture and modern life. Our first stop is the Schoelcher Library, an incredible building that was originally built for the 1889 World's Fair in Paris, then dismantled and transported here. Another must-see is the local market, where the abundance of colors, smells, and flavors will make your head spin. Fresh fruit, spices, local rum... we leave with full bags and even fuller stomachs.
In the evening, we enjoy the atmosphere of a city that never sleeps. It's a welcome change after the calm of the sea.
Day 3: Fort de France – Saint Pierre (3.00 NM)
Today we are sailing to Saint-Pierre, a city nicknamed "Paris of the Caribbean." It was once the richest and most cultured city on the island. The key word here is "was."
On May 8, 1902, the Mont Pelée volcano erupted and within minutes wiped out the entire city and its 30,000 inhabitants. Today, Saint-Pierre is a silent memorial to this tragedy. Walking among the ruins of the theater, church, and old houses is an incredibly powerful experience. It is as if time has stopped here. Here, one fully realizes the incredible power of nature.
Despite its turbulent past, Saint-Pierre is a charming place. It lies directly below a majestic volcano, and the views are breathtaking. It is a place that makes you think.
Day 4: Saint Pierre – Anse du Ceron (10.00 NM)
After a day full of history, it's time for a good dose of nature. We sail to the northernmost tip of the island, to Anse du Ceron Bay. Here you will find a wild beach with black volcanic sand, surrounded by lush vegetation. No hotels, no crowds, just you, the sea, and the rustling of palm trees.
We spend the day lazing around, swimming and snorkeling. For the more adventurous, there is a challenge – the small island of Illet de Perle, a short distance from the coast. Legend has it that whoever swims there and jumps off the cliff will be accompanied by good luck. In any case, it gave me a welcome excuse for another Ti' Punch. What did I discover? That jumping off cliffs is great fun, but the luck will probably come later.
Day 5: Anse du Ceron – Pointe du Bout marina (12.00 NM)
From the wild north, we move back south to the tourist heart of Martinique – Pointe du Bout. It is a small artificial peninsula full of hotels, restaurants, shops, and marinas. During the day, it is an ideal place for water sports and sunbathing on well-kept beaches.
When night falls, we move to the nearby town of Trois Ilets. This place is alive! Cozy restaurants, bars with live music, and even a casino where you can try your luck (or rather lose your money on another rum). It's a great place to socialize a bit and enjoy the nightlife.
Day 6: Pointe du Bout Marina – Saint Anne (6.00 NM)
On the penultimate day of our cruise, we visit one of Martinique's icons – Diamond Rock (Rocher du Diamant). This majestic rocky island jutting out of the sea has an incredible history. During the Napoleonic Wars, the British occupied it, armed it with cannons, and officially incorporated it into their navy as the warship HMS Diamond Rock! Imagine 200 soldiers living on this rock. Crazy, right?
After sailing around this historical curiosity, we anchor near the town of Saint Anne. And it's love at first sight. It's exactly the Caribbean you know from postcards. A long white sand beach, palm trees leaning over the water, and a town full of colorful wooden houses, shops, and restaurants. It's the perfect place for the last evening of our cruise.
Day 7: Saint Anne – Le Marin (2.00 NM)
On the last day, we only have a short sail back to our home marina in Le Marin. With every mile, the end of our adventure draws nearer, and no one wants to return to reality. We return the boat, pack our things, and enjoy our last Caribbean dinner.
All the experiences of the past week are swirling around in my head. From quiet bays to bustling cities to breathtaking nature. Yachting in Martinique is not just about sailing, it's about discovering, tasting, and experiencing.
Day 1: Le Marin - Salines - St. Anne (8 nm)
Day 2: St. Anne - Anses d'Arlet (7 nm)
Day 3: Anses d'Arlet - Anse Noire - Saint Pierre (15 nm)
Day 4: Saint Pierre - Roseau (Dominica) (33 nm)
Day 5: Roseau - Anse La Touche (33 nm)
Day 6: Anse La Touche - Fort de France/Marigot du Diamant (15 - 25 nm)
Day 7: Back to Le Marin (9 - 20 nm)
