The area

Martinique is officially an overseas region of France, and the jewel of the French Caribbean. Beautiful white sand beaches line the south coast, black sand beaches the north. It makes an ideal starting point for a trip to other islands, including St Lucia and the Grenadines.

Martinique sits centrally within the Caribbean archipelago, part of the Windward Islands. Secluded bays perfect for swimming and snorkelling, reefs, unspoiled fishing villages, hot springs, lush rainforest, rugged peaks and exotic flowers, with fruit growing everywhere, the island has it all.

The capital, Fort-de-France, celebrates every aspect of French culture with style, from exquisite cuisine to the elegant refinement of its resorts and hotels. The base at Le Marin is just a short drive from the airport. The marina sits at the end of a beautiful lagoon and has every facility a sailor could want: a well-stocked chandlery, a supermarket and several restaurants, and is one of the largest marinas in the Caribbean, the perfect base to explore the surrounding islands.

Highlights

The colourful flowers and trees at Jardin de Balata, snorkelling for local green turtles at Anse d'Arlet, visiting rum distilleries to taste a spirit produced here for centuries, and sailing to the Tobago Cays.

Suggested route

Day 1: Arrival, Le Marin
Day 2: Le Marin to Petite Anse d'Arlet
Day 3: Petite Anse d'Arlet to Fort Louis
Day 4: Fort Louis to Rodney Bay and Marigot Bay, St Lucia
Day 5: Marigot Bay to Anse Cochon, La Soufère and Les Deux Pitons
Day 6: Les Deux Pitons back to Rodney Bay, St Lucia
Day 7: Rodney Bay to St Anne
Day 8: St Anne, departure from Le Marin

Sailing conditions

Dry season runs December to April; wet season May to November, with generally good sailing weather and the occasional tropical shower. Trade winds occur throughout the area and blow especially steadily during the dry season. Hurricane season runs June to November, though most storms track further north.