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Private Yacht Charters from Marina du Marin Le Marin across Fort de France Bay, Diamond Rock, and the historic Saint Pierre coast
Martinique Yacht Charters: The Flower Island of the French Caribbean
A Martinique yacht charter is a fully crewed private boat rental departing from Marina du Marin at Le Marin, the largest charter marina in the Caribbean, that gives your group exclusive access to the calm leeward coast of this French Caribbean island in the heart of the Lesser Antilles. Highlights within day cruising range include the towering volcanic plug of Diamond Rock, the turtle filled coves of Les Anses d'Arlet, the white sand of Les Salines at Sainte-Anne, and the historic harbour of Saint-Pierre beneath Mount Pelee. The fleet ranges from 32 to 90 feet, hosting 2 to 16 guests, with durations from half day southern coast cruises to multi day Lesser Antilles voyages. Every charter includes a licensed local captain, professional crew, fuel, and snorkel gear, and the warm water sits around 79 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit through the year. We recommend booking early, as the finest yachts and prime dates reserve well in advance.
Martinique yacht charters offer access to a 436 square mile French Caribbean island that sits as an integral overseas department and region of France (DOM) within the European Union, located in the heart of the Lesser Antilles between Dominica to the north and St Lucia 25 miles to the south. Charters depart primarily from Marina du Marin on the southeastern coast at Le Marin, which with more than 750 berths is the largest charter marina in the entire Caribbean and the operational hub of the French Caribbean charter industry. The island measures approximately 50 miles long by 22 miles wide, with the dramatic volcanic profile of Mount Pelee rising to 4,583 feet (1,397 meters) at the northern tip, and the lower volcanic ridges and white sand beaches of the south running down to the iconic Diamond Rock. Population is approximately 365,000 residents with French as the official language, Antillean Creole widely spoken in daily life, the Euro as the official currency, and full European Union legal and customs framework. Day Yacht Charters operates a fully crewed fleet from Marina du Marin with local captains who know every cove of the southern Caribbean coast, every protected anchorage of Fort de France Bay, every snorkel reef along Les Anses dArlet, and every restaurant tender dock from Sainte-Anne to Anse Mitan. Charter guests typically include international travelers visiting for honeymoons and anniversaries, multigenerational family vacations, corporate retreats based in North America and Europe (with strong French-speaking interest from Paris, Lyon, and Marseille), and groups celebrating milestone birthdays on the calmer waters of the Caribbean leeward coast. Each charter is customized around the group's interests, the day's trade-wind direction, and the specific destinations the group most wants to experience, from the 574 foot volcanic plug of Diamond Rock to the historic ruins of Saint-Pierre destroyed in the 1902 Mount Pelee event. The result is an authentic French Caribbean experience delivered with the comfort and privacy of a fully crewed luxury yacht.
Marina du Marin is the primary departure point for Martinique yacht charters and is the largest charter marina in the Caribbean by berth count. The marina sits on the southeastern coast of Martinique at the town of Le Marin within the protected Cul-de-Sac Marin natural bay, which is one of the largest natural harbors in the Lesser Antilles and offers calm anchoring conditions year round regardless of trade-wind direction. The marina has more than 750 berths accommodating vessels from 25 feet up to 200 feet, with full fuel and water service, electricity, a dedicated travel-lift and shipyard, marine chandlery and provisioning, customs and immigration clearance for international yacht arrivals, multiple restaurants and bars along the waterfront promenade, and the working town of Le Marin (population approximately 9,500) within walking distance for additional shopping, bakeries, and French Caribbean cafe culture. The marina is the operational hub of the entire French Caribbean charter industry and is the busiest single-marina charter port in the Caribbean. Most Martinique yacht charters depart Marina du Marin at 9 am or 10 am after guest arrival and pre-charter briefing, returning by 5 pm for full-day charters or 8 pm for sunset cruises. The departure routine begins with a short transfer from the guest's resort or villa (most charter guests stay at the Cap Est Lagoon Resort and Spa on the Atlantic coast 12 miles north, at Pointe du Bout Les Trois-Ilets resorts across Fort de France Bay 20 miles north, at boutique inns in Sainte-Anne or Sainte-Luce, or at private villas around the southern coast), a 15 minute pre-departure briefing covering the day's planned itinerary and safety protocols, and a smooth motor out of the protected Cul-de-Sac Marin into the open Caribbean Sea. Within 30 minutes of leaving the dock, charters can be approaching Diamond Rock for the iconic volcanic plug view or anchoring at Sainte-Anne for a swim and Grande Anse des Salines beach stop. The marina is approximately 18 miles south of Aime Cesaire Martinique International Airport (FDF) at Le Lamentin, with airport-to-marina ground transit of 35 to 50 minutes by taxi or hotel transfer. FDF receives direct flights from Paris Orly (8 hours on Air Caraibes and Corsair, multiple daily), Miami (3.5 hours on American Airlines), Atlanta (4 hours on Delta seasonal), Montreal (5 hours on Air Canada), Fort-de-France serves as the regional hub for the French Caribbean with frequent connections to Pointe-a-Pitre Guadeloupe (45 minutes) and Cayenne French Guiana, plus regional connections from San Juan, Antigua, and Barbados. The 18 mile drive from FDF to Marina du Marin passes through the central highlands and over the rolling cane country of the southern coast, with stops possible at the Habitation Clement rum estate in La Francois along the way. The combination of the largest charter marina in the Caribbean, full European customs clearance under EU law, direct Paris flights, and easy international airport access makes Marina du Marin the natural choice for nearly all Martinique yacht charters.
Fort-de-France is the capital of Martinique and one of the largest French Caribbean cities, sitting on the western Caribbean coast 18 miles north of Marina du Marin with a population of approximately 80,000 (about 160,000 in the broader metropolitan area). The city dominates the eastern side of the spacious Fort-de-France Bay (one of the largest natural harbors in the Lesser Antilles), with the working commercial port and ferry terminal directly on the waterfront, the historic Fort Saint-Louis fortress on the headland (built starting in 1638 and still an active French naval base, making it the oldest continuously active military installation in the Americas), the 12 acre central park La Savane with the statue of Empress Josephine, the Cathedrale Saint-Louis with the distinctive cast-iron Gothic Revival structure built in 1895, the Schoelcher Library with the elaborate metal facade designed by Henri Pick for the 1889 Paris Exposition and rebuilt in Fort-de-France in 1893, and the working open-air central market with French Caribbean spices, accras, and traditional crafts. Les Trois-Ilets sits across Fort-de-France Bay on the southwestern shore approximately 6 miles southwest of the capital by yacht (or via the Vedettes Tropicales passenger ferry that crosses the bay in 20 minutes). The town is the resort and tourism center of central Martinique with the Pointe du Bout marina and resort district directly on the bay, Anse Mitan beach with calm protected swimming and the Bakoua Beach Resort, Anse-a-l'Ane on the southern side with the Caribbean Trace Resort, the historic La Pagerie Museum (the actual birthplace of Empress Josephine de Beauharnais born in 1763, who became the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte and the first Empress of the French), the Trois-Ilets Pottery Village with traditional Martiniquaise ceramics, and the Maison de la Canne sugar cane museum covering the 350 year history of the Martinique sugar industry. Saint-Pierre sits on the Caribbean leeward coast 28 miles north of Fort-de-France at the foot of Mount Pelee and is one of the most historically significant towns in the entire Caribbean. The town was the cultural and economic capital of Martinique through the 19th century and was known as the Little Paris of the West Indies, with a population of approximately 30,000 residents, an opera house, multiple theaters, French boulevards lined with cafes, and the most sophisticated cultural scene in the entire eastern Caribbean. On the morning of May 8, 1902, the volcanic Mount Pelee released a pyroclastic flow that destroyed the entire town within minutes, with only two known survivors out of the 30,000 residents. The town was rebuilt at a smaller scale and today has a population of approximately 4,000 residents, with the ruins of the old theater, the prison cell of survivor Louis-Auguste Cyparis preserved as a monument, the Musee Volcanologique Franck Perret covering the volcanic event and Mount Pelee geology, and a working cathedral built on the original 17th century foundations. The town is now recognized as a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (City of Art and History) by the French government and is one of the most evocative historic sites in the Caribbean. Mount Pelee rises directly above Saint-Pierre to 4,583 feet (1,397 meters) and is the highest peak on Martinique. The summit can be reached by experienced hikers via the Aileron trail from the village of Morne Rouge or the more demanding Grande Savane trail, both 4 to 5 hour round trips with steep volcanic terrain. The volcanic peak last erupted in 1902 and 1929 to 1932 and has been quiet since, with French volcanologists continuously monitoring the conditions and reporting normal levels. Most charter guests view the peak from the deck of the yacht while cruising the Caribbean leeward coast, where the dramatic conical shape rises directly from the inland villages with the green agricultural slopes covering the lower flanks. Habitation Clement at La Francois on the southeastern Atlantic coast is one of the most-visited cultural sites in Martinique and one of the iconic rum estates of the French Caribbean. The estate was founded in 1887 by Homere Clement and has been continuously producing the Clement rhum agricole (the French Caribbean style of rum distilled directly from fresh sugar cane juice rather than molasses) for more than 135 years. The 16 acre historic estate is preserved as a museum with the original colonial Maison Principale, the working rhum distillery, the cellars with aging barrels, the sculpture park with works by contemporary French Caribbean artists, and the famous historic site where Francois Mitterrand and George H W Bush held a summit meeting in 1991. Habitation Clement is one of eight working rhum agricole distilleries on Martinique, alongside Depaz (at the foot of Mount Pelee), Saint James (Sainte-Marie), JM (Macouba), Trois Rivieres (Sainte-Luce), Neisson (Le Carbet), La Mauny (Riviere-Pilote), and HSE Habitation Saint-Etienne (Gros-Morne).
Diamond Rock (Rocher du Diamant) is the most iconic natural landmark of southern Martinique and one of the most recognizable single features of the Lesser Antilles. The rock is a 574 foot (175 meter) volcanic plug rising directly from the Caribbean Sea approximately 2 miles offshore from the southern Caribbean coast of Martinique, sitting in clear deep water with the dramatic backdrop of the Diamond Beach (Grande Anse du Diamant) and the southern Martinique coastline behind. The rock is uninhabited and protected as a French national heritage site, and is famous in Royal Navy history as HMS Diamond Rock, the only rock in the world to have been formally commissioned as a Royal Navy warship during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1804 the British Royal Navy installed a garrison of 120 men on the rock with five cannons, commissioned the position as a sloop-of-war, and used it to harass French shipping along the Martinique coast for 17 months until the French recaptured it in June 1805. Today the rock is a major snorkeling and dive site with abundant marine life on the surrounding reef. Charter yachts anchor in the calm water on the leeward side of the rock for swimming, snorkeling, and photography with the dramatic backdrop. Les Anses-dArlet is the iconic snorkeling and beach village district of southwestern Martinique, sitting on the Caribbean leeward coast 22 miles northwest of Marina du Marin. The district includes three distinct beach coves arranged along 4 miles of coast: Grande Anse dArlet (the main village beach with the iconic working fishing village backdrop, calm shallow water, and the parish church of Saint-Henri visible from offshore on every postcard of Martinique), Anse Dufour (a small protected cove famous as the best sea turtle snorkel site in Martinique with green turtles regularly encountered just yards from the beach), and Anse Noire (the unique black sand beach immediately adjacent to Anse Dufour with calm water and a working fishing village). The combination of working French Caribbean village authenticity, calm clear water, and excellent sea turtle snorkeling makes Les Anses-dArlet one of the most rewarding southern Martinique charter destinations. Sainte-Anne sits at the southern tip of Martinique 8 miles southwest of Marina du Marin and is the southernmost town on the island with a population of approximately 5,300 residents. The town has a working market square and old French Caribbean church, multiple restaurants and waterfront cafes, and the access point for Grande Anse des Salines, the most beautiful natural beach in Martinique. Grande Anse des Salines runs more than 1 mile along the southern tip of the island with a wide curve of pale gold sand backed by coconut palms and seagrape trees, calm shallow turquoise water suitable for swimming, and the iconic view across the Saint Lucia Channel to the volcanic Pitons of Saint Lucia 25 miles to the south on clear days. Charter yachts anchor 0.25 miles offshore in calm water and tender guests to the beach for swimming and beach picnics. The Cap 110 Memorial at Anse Caffard on the southwestern coast near Le Diamant is one of the most evocative cultural sites in the French Caribbean. The memorial commemorates the wreck of a clandestine slave ship that ran aground on the reef offshore on April 8, 1830, with the loss of more than 40 enslaved people whose names were never recorded. The memorial consists of 20 large figures of expressive limestone arranged in a triangular formation facing the open Caribbean Sea toward the African coast, designed by Martiniquaise sculptor Laurent Valere and unveiled in 1998. Charter yachts cruising the southern coast pass directly offshore from the memorial site with the iconic figures visible from the deck. Other southern Martinique coast highlights accessible from a yacht charter include Sainte-Luce (working fishing village with multiple sand-color beaches and the Trois Rivieres rhum distillery), Les Salines saltworks adjacent to Grande Anse des Salines, the cliffs and Diamond Beach at Le Diamant, and the protected mangrove channels of Cul-de-Sac Marin behind Marina du Marin. The combination of an iconic 574 foot volcanic plug, sea turtle snorkeling at Anse Dufour, the 1 mile pale gold sand of Grande Anse des Salines, and the Cap 110 Memorial makes the southern Martinique coast one of the most rewarding day-charter cruising grounds in the Lesser Antilles.
The marine activities available on a Martinique yacht charter combine warm year-round water temperatures of 79 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, exceptional visibility of 60 to 100 feet on calm days, and the rich marine biodiversity of the central Lesser Antilles. The Caribbean leeward (western) coast is the calm protected charter cruising ground with consistent calm conditions year round, while the Atlantic windward (eastern) coast has more wave exposure and is largely used for offshore fishing rather than swim charters. Visibility for snorkeling is at its best during the December through May dry season and frequently exceeds 80 feet on calm days. Snorkeling spots within day-cruising range of Marina du Marin include Anse Dufour at Les Anses-dArlet (the iconic green sea turtle snorkel site with turtles regularly encountered just yards from the beach in 8 to 15 feet of water), Anse Noire (the unique black sand cove with calm clear water immediately adjacent to Anse Dufour), the reefs around Diamond Rock (deep water snorkeling on the leeward side of the 574 foot volcanic plug, with parrotfish, sergeant majors, queen angelfish, French grunts, and large schools of silver baitfish), the Petite Anse beaches at Le Diamant, the inshore reefs of Sainte-Anne and Grande Anse des Salines, and the protected mangrove channels of Cul-de-Sac Marin (an exceptional juvenile fish habitat). Sea turtles, primarily green and hawksbill, are regularly encountered throughout the Caribbean leeward cruising ground. The Caribbean leeward coast offers exceptional pelagic wildlife viewing during the November through April humpback whale migration season. Humpback whales migrate annually from the North Atlantic feeding grounds to the warm Caribbean breeding waters and are regularly sighted offshore from the southern Martinique coast and in the Saint Lucia Channel during this period. Spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, and sperm whales (the deep Saint Lucia Channel between Martinique and Saint Lucia is one of the best sperm whale viewing locations in the Caribbean year round) are present year round and are often encountered on full-day charters along the Martinique leeward coast and toward Saint Lucia. Beach club and restaurant tender anchoring is a defining feature of Martinique charter culture. The Ti Sable restaurant at Anse-a-l'Ane, the famous Petibonum at Le Carbet, the Bakoua and Anse Mitan beach restaurants at Pointe du Bout, the working village restaurants at Grande Anse dArlet (Ti Sable, Le Bidjoul), the beach restaurants of Sainte-Anne, and the Saint James beach restaurant at Sainte-Marie all welcome charter yacht guests via tender service from yachts anchored offshore. The combination of yacht anchored 200 yards offshore, tender service to the French Caribbean restaurant, lunch with grilled lobster or accras de morue (the iconic Martiniquaise cod fritters) and a glass of Petit Punch (the famous French Caribbean cocktail of rhum agricole, sugar cane syrup, and lime), and an afternoon swim back to the yacht represents the classic French Caribbean charter day.
A half-day Martinique yacht charter from Marina du Marin typically runs 4 hours and covers the southern Caribbean coast and Diamond Rock. Departing the marina at 10 am, the route exits the Cul-de-Sac Marin and runs west along the southern Caribbean coast for approximately 40 minutes to reach Diamond Rock, anchors in calm water on the leeward side of the rock for swimming and snorkeling, includes an afternoon stop at Grande Anse des Salines (Sainte-Anne) for a beach swim, and returns to Marina du Marin by 2 pm. The half-day covers approximately 18 nautical miles round trip and is ideal for guests with an afternoon land excursion to the Habitation Clement rum estate or to Fort-de-France on the same day. A full-day 8 hour Caribbean leeward charter is the classic Martinique experience. Departing Marina du Marin at 9 am, the route runs west to Diamond Rock for the first snorkel stop, continues north along the southern coast to Les Anses-dArlet (with stops at Grande Anse dArlet and Anse Dufour for the iconic sea turtle snorkel), tenders ashore at Anse-a-l'Ane or Pointe du Bout for restaurant lunch (Ti Sable or the Bakoua), continues across Fort-de-France Bay with the historic Fort Saint-Louis and the capital city visible to the east, includes an afternoon snorkel stop at one of the protected coves, and returns to Marina du Marin by 5 pm. The full-day covers approximately 35 nautical miles round trip and delivers the complete southern and central Martinique charter experience in a single intensive day. The northern Caribbean coast and Saint-Pierre charter is a distinctive 8 to 10 hour option for guests focused on the historic and volcanic side of Martinique. Departing Marina du Marin at 8 am, the route runs north past Diamond Rock and Les Anses-dArlet, crosses Fort-de-France Bay with the volcanic profile of Mount Pelee rising directly ahead, continues 25 miles north along the Caribbean leeward coast to Saint-Pierre, anchors offshore from the historic town with the dramatic backdrop of Mount Pelee at 4,583 feet directly above, tenders ashore for a 2 to 3 hour visit to the ruins of the old town and the Musee Volcanologique, includes a return swim stop at one of the Caribbean leeward coves, and returns to Marina du Marin by 6 pm. The northern route covers approximately 60 nautical miles round trip. Multi-day Lesser Antilles cruises are the most rewarding way to extend a Martinique charter. A 3 day cruise typically includes Day 1 Martinique with Diamond Rock, Les Anses-dArlet, and Saint-Pierre, Day 2 a 6 hour crossing south to Saint Lucia with arrival at Rodney Bay or the Pitons anchorage at Soufriere, and Day 3 a return crossing to Marina du Marin with stops on the southern Martinique coast. A 5 day cruise extends the route north to Dominica (Roseau and the Boiling Lake coast) and Guadeloupe (Pointe-a-Pitre and the Iles des Saintes). Sunset cruises are the iconic Caribbean evening option from Marina du Marin. A 2.5 hour sunset charter departs at approximately 4:30 pm and runs west out of the Cul-de-Sac Marin and along the southern Caribbean coast with the volcanic profile of Diamond Rock silhouetted against the western sky and the iconic Caribbean sunset over the open sea toward Saint Lucia. We offer flexible packages, some include open bar with Petit Punch and Ti Punch service, some allow BYOB, some add premium catering with French Caribbean specialties including grilled lobster, accras de morue, boudin antillais, and colombo de poulet.
The Martinique charter fleet includes sport motor yachts in the 32 to 50 foot range ideal for half-day and full-day charters along the southern Caribbean coast, larger motor yachts and catamarans in the 55 to 90 foot range with overnight cabins suitable for multi-day Lesser Antilles cruises, sailing catamarans from 45 to 70 feet (Marina du Marin is the largest catamaran charter hub in the Caribbean with extensive selection from leading French and international charter operators), and full crewed superyachts based at Marina du Marin for week-long expeditions across the eastern Caribbean. Every vessel is registered with the French maritime authority and inspected to European Union and international yachting standards, carries a full safety equipment complement including life jackets and emergency communications, and is professionally maintained at Marina du Marin which has the largest charter shipyard in the Caribbean. Onboard amenities typically include forward sun pads and aft cockpit dining, fresh water swim showers, full galleys for onboard catering, premium audio systems with bluetooth, snorkeling equipment (masks, fins, snorkels) sized for the warm tropical water, paddle boards and kayaks on larger yachts, and complete provisioning to guest preferences. The captain and crew are local Martiniquais professionals (with fluent French as a working language and English as the standard charter language for international guests) with detailed knowledge of every anchorage, every reef, every working beach restaurant, and every tender dock across the southern and central coast. The crew handles all navigation, anchoring, tender service, and onboard hospitality, with the goal of allowing guests to focus entirely on the experience of the day. Customization options include onboard private chef service with menus built around fresh French Caribbean cuisine: grilled spiny lobster, accras de morue (the iconic Martiniquaise cod fritters), boudin antillais (the spicy Caribbean blood sausage), colombo de poulet (the curried chicken dish brought by Tamil indentured workers in the 19th century), fresh mahi mahi and wahoo grilled with French herbs, breadfruit (fruit a pain) and plantain prepared multiple ways, and the famous gateau a l'ananas pineapple cake for dessert. Rhum agricole is the standard onboard bar selection, with Clement (La Francois), Depaz (Saint-Pierre), Trois Rivieres (Sainte-Luce), Saint James (Sainte-Marie), JM (Macouba), Neisson (Le Carbet), La Mauny (Riviere-Pilote), and HSE (Gros-Morne) all available, plus the classic Petit Punch and Ti Punch French Caribbean cocktails (rhum agricole, sugar cane syrup, and lime). Custom flower arrangements with frangipani and hibiscus for celebration charters, professional photography and videography, themed birthday and anniversary packages, and tender service coordination for restaurant dining at the famous local beach restaurants are all available. Group sizes range from 2 to 25 guests depending on vessel selected, with the typical sweet spot at 6 to 14 guests. Contact us for current pricing and availability. We offer flexible packages, some include open bar, some allow BYOB, some add premium catering with private chef service onboard. Each charter is built around your group's interests, the local trade-wind conditions on your charter day, and the specific destinations and experiences you most want to include. Our team handles every detail so your group can focus entirely on enjoying the French Caribbean from the privacy and comfort of your own yacht.
Martinique is reached by international flight to Aime Cesaire Martinique International Airport (FDF) at Le Lamentin in the central part of the island. FDF receives direct flights from Paris Orly (8 hours on Air Caraibes and Corsair, multiple daily and the principal route for European visitors), Miami (3.5 hours on American Airlines), Atlanta (4 hours on Delta seasonal), Montreal (5 hours on Air Canada), and regional connections from Pointe-a-Pitre Guadeloupe (45 minutes, multiple daily), Cayenne French Guiana, San Juan, Antigua, and Barbados. Total flying time from major North American hubs is approximately 3.5 to 5 hours direct or 6 to 8 hours including a single Caribbean connection. Total flying time from Paris and other European hubs is 8 to 10 hours direct via Paris Orly. Because Martinique is a French overseas department and an integral part of France and the European Union, French and other EU passport holders travel essentially as a domestic destination with full European Union legal and customs framework and no separate immigration formalities for EU nationals. United States, United Kingdom, Canadian, Australian, and most other national passport holders enter visa-free for tourist visits of up to 90 days under the standard Schengen-like rules applied to French overseas territories. All non-EU visitors must present a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity. The official currency is the Euro (EUR), making Martinique unique in the Caribbean as a destination where the Euro is the local currency throughout, with US Dollars not commonly accepted but major credit cards accepted essentially universally throughout the tourism industry. The official language is French (Martiniquais Creole is also widely spoken in everyday life, and most charter operators and tourism staff have working English for international guests). FDF sits 18 miles northwest of Marina du Marin with airport-to-marina ground transit of 35 to 50 minutes. Lodging options span from the luxury Cap Est Lagoon Resort and Spa on the southeastern Atlantic coast, the Bakoua Beach Resort and Plein Soleil at Pointe du Bout Les Trois-Ilets across Fort-de-France Bay, La Suite Villa boutique inn in Les Trois-Ilets, the historic boutique inns of Saint-Pierre, and a wide range of private villa rentals around the southern coast at Sainte-Anne, Sainte-Luce, Le Diamant, and Les Anses-dArlet. Most charter guests stay within 45 minutes of Marina du Marin. The best Martinique charter season runs year round, with the dry season from December through May being the most popular for international visitors. Water temperatures stay at 79 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit year round and the trade winds blow consistently from the east-northeast at 12 to 18 knots most of the year, creating ideal sailing conditions on the calm Caribbean leeward coast. Contact us for current pricing and availability.
Below are the most common questions guests ask before booking a Martinique yacht charter. Topics include international access via Paris, Miami, and Montreal, the largest charter marina in the Caribbean at Marina du Marin, the iconic 574 foot volcanic plug of Diamond Rock, the historic 1902 ruins of Saint-Pierre, sea turtle snorkeling at Anse Dufour Les Anses-dArlet, the eight working rhum agricole distilleries, charter durations from half-day Diamond Rock cruises to multi-day Lesser Antilles expeditions, and the year-round trade-wind cruising conditions. Our team is available at +1 (305) 515-4735 to answer any additional questions and to walk through current pricing, availability, and itinerary planning for your specific dates and group.
Charter pricing in Martinique reflects the premium quality of the experience and varies based on vessel size, duration, and group size. Our team works with each client individually to build a charter package that delivers real value and the attention to detail that defines a Day Yacht Charters experience. Call +1 (305) 515-4735 or email info@DayYachtCharters.com for current pricing and availability.
With Day Yacht Charters Martinique, you will have an experienced professional crew, thoughtful service, and a day on the water designed entirely around what your group wants. Contact us today and let us help you build the perfect itinerary.
Please note that the yachts shown on our website may not always reflect the most current availability, as we do not have a dedicated web designer to update the listings. Some yachts may be unavailable for reasons such as being sold by the owner, undergoing maintenance, relocated, or already booked by another client. To see a complete and up-to-date list of yachts available for rent in Martinique, we recommend contacting us directly. We can provide detailed information, including photos, pricing for day trips, and confirm the availability of any specific yacht.
Experience the Luxury of Martinique Yacht Charters - Private Charters Available
A VIP private charter in Martinique combines the signature character of the French Caribbean with the personalized luxury that defines a private yacht charter. From the moment you board at Marina du Marin, every element is curated. A private chef joins your vessel with Creole menus built around fresh local seafood, the day's catch, and French Caribbean classics like accras and colombo. Chilled Champagne, ti-punch made with local rhum agricole, and crisp white wines wait at the dock. The captain handles all reservations for tender visits to the beach restaurants at Les Anses d'Arlet, Sainte-Anne, and Anse Mitan. When the Caribbean sun sets from a quiet anchorage off Diamond Rock, your group is on deck with a cold drink in hand. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735 to design your perfect Martinique VIP charter.
Martinique offers some of the most rewarding snorkeling in the Lesser Antilles. The combination of warm water at 79 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, excellent visibility along the calm leeward coast, the coral reefs and sea turtle grounds of Les Anses d'Arlet at Anse Dufour and Anse Noire, and the clear coves of the southern coast creates ideal conditions for both casual snorkeling and shallow diving. Charter days typically include multiple swim stops, snorkeling with green sea turtles at Anse Dufour, swim breaks from the yacht in protected coves, and tender visits to beach restaurants ashore.
From the deck of a private yacht anchored just offshore from the green volcanic coast of Martinique, your group experiences the island from the perspective that has shaped French Caribbean island life for generations. The captain reads each morning's trade wind direction and selects the optimal route, whether that means a Diamond Rock and Les Anses d'Arlet morning, a Sainte-Anne and Les Salines day, a Fort-de-France Bay and Trois-Ilets cruise, a Saint-Pierre and Mount Pelee coast voyage, or a sunset cruise back along the southern shore. Every charter is built around your interests and the trade wind conditions of your day on the water.
Martinique is one of the most distinctive yacht charter destinations in the Caribbean. The combination of the towering volcanic plug of Diamond Rock, the turtle filled coves of Les Anses d'Arlet, the historic harbour of Saint-Pierre beneath Mount Pelee, the French Caribbean culture and Creole cuisine, and the calm leeward coast creates a charter destination unlike any other. Our local team has years of experience on these waters and builds every charter around the group's interests, the trade wind conditions on the day, and the specific coves and landmarks each guest most wants to include.
Martinique is reached by international flight to Aime Cesaire Martinique International Airport (FDF) at Le Lamentin. FDF receives direct flights from Paris Orly (8 hours on Air Caraibes and Corsair, multiple daily and the principal route for European visitors), Miami (3.5 hours on American Airlines), Atlanta (4 hours on Delta seasonal), Montreal (5 hours on Air Canada), and regional connections from Pointe-a-Pitre Guadeloupe (45 minutes), San Juan, Antigua, and Barbados. Total flying time from major North American hubs is approximately 3.5 to 5 hours direct, or 8 to 10 hours direct from Paris and other European hubs. FDF sits 18 miles northwest of Marina du Marin with airport-to-marina ground transit of 35 to 50 minutes.
No. While French is the official language of Martinique and Martiniquais Creole is widely spoken in daily life, most charter operators, captains, crew, and tourism staff have working English suitable for international guests. Day Yacht Charters provides English-speaking captains and crew on every charter, and detailed pre-charter briefings and onboard service are conducted in English by request. Restaurant staff in the tourism centers of Marina du Marin, Pointe du Bout Les Trois-Ilets, Sainte-Anne, and Le Diamant typically speak working English, and most restaurant menus are bilingual. A few words of French (bonjour, merci, s'il vous plait) are appreciated everywhere. Most guests find Martinique extremely welcoming and easy to navigate without French language skills.
Nearly all Martinique yacht charters depart from Marina du Marin at Le Marin on the southeastern coast, which with more than 750 berths is the largest charter marina in the entire Caribbean. The marina sits within the protected Cul-de-Sac Marin natural bay, accommodates vessels from 25 feet up to 200 feet, has full fuel and water service, customs and immigration clearance for international yacht arrivals, a dedicated travel-lift and shipyard, marine chandlery and provisioning, and multiple restaurants and bars along the waterfront promenade. The working town of Le Marin (population approximately 9,500) sits immediately adjacent for additional shopping and French Caribbean cafe culture. Marina du Marin is 18 miles south of Aime Cesaire Martinique International Airport with ground transit of 35 to 50 minutes.
The best Martinique charter season runs year round, with the dry season from December through May being the most popular for international visitors. Water temperatures stay at 79 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit year round and the trade winds blow consistently from the east-northeast at 12 to 18 knots most of the year, creating ideal sailing conditions on the calm Caribbean leeward coast. The shoulder months of November and June offer particularly attractive value with fewer crowds, comparable warm water, and excellent charter availability. The humpback whale migration season from November through April adds the chance of encountering whales offshore from the Caribbean leeward coasts and in the Saint Lucia Channel. Visibility for snorkeling is exceptional year round and frequently exceeds 80 feet on calm days.
Most rhum agricole distillery visits combine a yacht charter day with a separate land-based excursion. Of the eight working distilleries on Martinique, several are accessible by yacht tender or short land transfer from charter anchorages. Depaz sits directly below Mount Pelee on the Caribbean leeward coast near Saint-Pierre and can be reached by land transfer from a Saint-Pierre yacht anchorage. Trois Rivieres at Sainte-Luce sits just inland from the south coast and is reachable from a Marina du Marin or Sainte-Anne anchorage. Neisson at Le Carbet is reachable from a leeward coast anchorage between Saint-Pierre and Fort-de-France. The other distilleries (Clement at La Francois, Saint James at Sainte-Marie, JM at Macouba, La Mauny at Riviere-Pilote, HSE at Gros-Morne) are most easily visited by car as part of a separate land day.
A standard Martinique yacht charter includes the vessel, fuel for the planned itinerary, an experienced licensed captain, professional crew, all safety equipment, basic provisions including water and soft drinks, towels, snorkel gear, and tender service for shore visits. Customization options include onboard private chef service with fresh French Caribbean cuisine (grilled spiny lobster, accras de morue, boudin antillais, colombo de poulet, fresh mahi mahi grilled with French herbs, breadfruit, plantain, gateau a l'ananas), rhum agricole bar service featuring Clement, Depaz, Trois Rivieres, Saint James, JM, Neisson, La Mauny, and HSE, the classic Petit Punch and Ti Punch French Caribbean cocktails, custom flower arrangements with frangipani and hibiscus, professional photography and videography, and tender coordination for restaurant dining at the famous beach restaurants. We offer flexible packages, some include open bar, some allow BYOB. Contact us for current pricing.
Group sizes range from 2 to 25 guests depending on the vessel selected. Smaller sport motor yachts from 32 to 45 feet are ideal for couples and intimate groups of up to 8. Mid-size motor yachts and sailing catamarans from 50 to 70 feet accommodate groups of 10 to 18 comfortably. Larger crewed yachts and superyachts based at Marina du Marin handle groups of 15 to 25 for milestone celebrations, family vacations, honeymoons, and corporate retreats. Marina du Marin is the largest catamaran charter hub in the Caribbean, so groups looking for the iconic stable platform of a sailing catamaran for a large group have extensive selection. The sweet spot for most Martinique charters is 6 to 14 guests. Call us at +1 (305) 515-4735 to discuss your group size and dates.
Yes. Anse Dufour at Les Anses-dArlet on the southwestern Caribbean coast is one of the best sea turtle snorkel sites in the entire Caribbean. Green sea turtles are regularly encountered just yards from the beach in 8 to 15 feet of clear shallow water, feeding on the sea grass beds adjacent to the cove year round. Hawksbill sea turtles are also present though less abundant. The cove is protected from trade-wind swell and is calm year round, making it an excellent introductory snorkel site for beginners and children. Adjacent Anse Noire (the unique black sand cove) offers similar calm clear water. Sea turtles are also regularly encountered throughout the Caribbean leeward coast at Diamond Rock, Grande Anse des Salines, and other protected anchorages.
All Day Yacht Charters Martinique charters include water and soft drinks as standard. We offer flexible packages, some include open bar, some allow BYOB, some add premium catering with private chef service onboard. Onboard chef menus typically feature fresh French Caribbean cuisine including grilled spiny lobster, accras de morue (the iconic Martiniquaise cod fritters), boudin antillais (the spicy Caribbean blood sausage), colombo de poulet (the curried chicken dish brought by Tamil indentured workers in the 19th century), fresh mahi mahi and wahoo grilled with French herbs, breadfruit (fruit a pain) and plantain prepared multiple ways, and the famous gateau a l'ananas pineapple cake for dessert. Rhum agricole is the standard onboard bar selection, with Clement, Depaz, Trois Rivieres, Saint James, JM, Neisson, La Mauny, and HSE all available, plus the classic Petit Punch and Ti Punch French Caribbean cocktails.
United States, United Kingdom, Canadian, Australian, and most other national passport holders enter Martinique visa-free for tourist visits of up to 90 days under the standard rules applied to French overseas territories. French and other European Union passport holders travel essentially as a domestic destination because Martinique is an integral overseas department and region of France within the European Union (DOM-EU). All non-EU visitors must present a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and may be asked to show proof of accommodation and return or onward travel. Power is 220 volts at 50 Hz with European-style two-pin plugs, so North American visitors typically need adapters but not voltage converters for modern dual-voltage electronics.
Martinique uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency, making it unique among Caribbean destinations as a place where the Euro is the local currency throughout daily life. Because Martinique is an integral overseas department of France and a region of the European Union, the full EU currency, banking, and credit card framework applies. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted essentially universally throughout the tourism industry including at restaurants, hotels, beach bars, marinas, and rhum distilleries. US Dollars are not commonly accepted directly but are easily exchanged at banks and at the airport, and ATMs throughout the island dispense Euros. Most charter pricing is quoted in US Dollars for international guests with Euro conversion handled at booking. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735.
Discover more Lesser Antilles charter destinations with Day Yacht Charters. Browse our St Lucia yacht charters, Dominica yacht charters, or Guadeloupe yacht charters for more French Caribbean options.
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Martinique: A Premier Destination for French Caribbean Yacht Charters
Martinique occupies a special place in Caribbean yacht charter. The combination of Marina du Marin, the largest charter marina in the Caribbean, the dramatic volcanic profile of Diamond Rock and Mount Pelee, the turtle filled coves of Les Anses d'Arlet, the French Caribbean culture and Creole cuisine, and the calm leeward coast makes the island one of the great charter destinations in the Lesser Antilles. Day Yacht Charters has built our Martinique operation around guests who appreciate this depth and want operational excellence to match. Our captains know the local waters intimately, the chefs work with the freshest Creole ingredients, and our itineraries are crafted around what each group most wants to experience.
Martinique Yacht Charters
Discover the Best Places and Things to Do in Martinique by Yacht
Private Chef Excellence
Fresh French Caribbean cuisine is the heart of onboard dining on a Day Yacht Charters Martinique cruise. A private chef on your charter prepares regional specialties: grilled spiny lobster, accras de morue (the iconic Martiniquaise cod fritters), boudin antillais (the spicy Caribbean blood sausage), colombo de poulet (the curried chicken dish brought by Tamil indentured workers in the 19th century), fresh mahi mahi and wahoo grilled with French herbs, breadfruit and plantain prepared multiple ways, and the famous gateau a l'ananas pineapple cake. The Clement, Depaz, Trois Rivieres, and other rhum agricoles plus the classic Petit Punch and Ti Punch French Caribbean cocktails are standard bar selections. Call us at +1 (305) 515-4735 to arrange a chef.
Photo and Video Services
Martinique is one of the most photogenic yacht charter destinations in the eastern Caribbean. The 574 foot volcanic plug of Diamond Rock rising directly from the Caribbean Sea, the volcanic cone of Mount Pelee at 4,583 feet rising directly above Saint-Pierre, the iconic parish church of Saint-Henri at Grande Anse dArlet, the 1 mile pale gold sand of Grande Anse des Salines with the Pitons of Saint Lucia visible across the channel, and the Cap 110 Memorial all provide extraordinary natural and cultural backdrops. Drone footage of yachts at Diamond Rock, golden hour shots from Sainte-Anne, and full-charter cinematic films are all available. Contact us when booking.
Decorations and Add-Ons
Celebrate your milestone in the French Caribbean. Custom flower arrangements with frangipani and hibiscus, anniversary and birthday packages with private chef French Caribbean tasting menus paired with rhum agricole tastings featuring Clement, Depaz, and Trois Rivieres, sunset celebrations from a Les Anses-dArlet or Diamond Rock anchorage, honeymoon arrangements at the Cap Est Lagoon Resort or boutique villas at Le Diamant, and small-group reception styling are all available. The combination of calm Caribbean leeward coasts, dramatic volcanic backdrops, and the French sophistication of Martinique makes every celebration unforgettable. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735.
Diamond Rock and Saint-Pierre
Diamond Rock and Saint-Pierre together represent the iconic Martinique yacht charter experience. Diamond Rock (Rocher du Diamant) is the 574 foot volcanic plug rising directly from the Caribbean Sea 2 miles offshore from southern Martinique, famous in Royal Navy history as HMS Diamond Rock the only rock in the world commissioned as a sloop-of-war (1804 to 1805). Saint-Pierre 28 miles north on the Caribbean leeward coast is the Little Paris of the West Indies destroyed in May 1902 by a Mount Pelee pyroclastic flow, now a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire with the working Musee Volcanologique and the dramatic 4,583 foot peak rising directly above. Combining both on a single charter delivers the complete Martinique experience.
Martinique Yacht Charters, Private Boat Rentals in the French Caribbean
Planning Your Martinique Yacht Charter
Planning a Martinique yacht charter typically begins 4 to 12 weeks before the charter date for most dates and 3 to 6 months ahead for peak weeks and for milestone celebrations including honeymoons. Our team works with each client to understand the group composition, the preferred dates, the home base for lodging at Les Trois-Ilets or Sainte-Anne, and the priorities of the experience (Diamond Rock, snorkeling with turtles at Les Anses d'Arlet, the Sainte-Anne beaches, Saint-Pierre, celebration). We then propose vessel options and recommended itineraries, with a deposit securing the date and the vessel. The balance is due on the charter day. Crew gratuity, typically 15 to 20 percent of the charter fee, is customarily paid in cash at the end of the charter and is separate from the charter price.
Payment options include credit card, PayPal, Zelle, and bank wire. Charter durations in Martinique typically run from 4 hour half day cruises up to 7 to 10 day Lesser Antilles expeditions toward St Lucia and the Grenadines. Most Martinique bookings are single day full charters of 6 to 8 hours, with sunset cruises of 2 to 3 hours as the most popular evening option and 3 to 5 day island cruises as the headline multi day experience. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735 or info@DayYachtCharters.com to check availability and begin planning.