Boat rental in Martinique
Martinique, as part of the
Windward islands, is one of the
most captivating areas of the French Caribbean, offering
stunning and secluded beaches with
idyllic sailing conditions. With a
wide inventory of boats at a range of prices, you can explore this exotic region of the Antilles either with a crewed boat, luxury yacht or a smaller solo vessel. The area is
ripe in marine life and
spectacular sights, with
perfect conditions for both
swimming and diving. With custom itineraries to suit your interests, you can book a boat in the Caribbean here.
Explore the Caribbean via boat
Martinique is a
melting pot of French and Caribbean culture, with port cities offering a very French take on island life. Aside from the region’s
charming coastal cafés and bistros which ooze sophistication, you can island-hop the surrounding region for some of the
best local seafood served on seaside terraces surrounded by lush greenery. Although it is possible to explore the island within days, stay longer and
explore nearby Petit Nevis, Tobago Cays and Mustique for a boat rental holiday to remember.
How much do boat rentals in Martinique cost?
The price of boat charter in Martinique varies greatly depending on the type of boat you want to rent and this picturesque Caribbean island has six different types of boat up for grabs.
To rent a boat without a licence in Martinique, you can expect to pay
from around $2833 per week.
Catamaran rental in Martinique is generally a little cheaper, with
prices starting at $97 for a day charter and $681 for a week charter.
RIB hire typically costs
from $443 for half a day, $616 for a full day and $4310 if you want to rent for a week.
Motorboat rental prices
start at $234 for a half-day charter, $283 to rent for the day and $1478 for the week.Sailing boats usually cost anywhere
from $58 per day and $404 per week.
To
rent a trimaran in Martinique, you can expect prices to
start at around $3941 for the week.
Is bareboat charter in Martinique possible?
Yes!
In Martinique it is actually possible to rent all of the boat types we offer both with and without a skipper. It is also
not necessary for you
to have a boating license for any boats except for motorboats with an engine of over 6 horsepower and some yachts. Whether or not you want to rent with a skipper will depend greatly on your level of experience.
If you are new to the world of sailing, you should consider renting with a skipper who can help you learn the ropes. Chartering a boat with a skipper is also recommended for people who wish to relax on a boat without worrying about actually sailing the vessel.
If you’re a bit more adventurous, maybe a Martinique bareboat rental is for you as it will leave you free to explore the parts of the island you really want to.
What are the weather and sailing conditions like in Martinique?
You’ll find the
best sailing and cruising conditions in the deep waters of the
Inner Channel and
Victoria Channel. Throughout the year,
trade winds blow from a
north-easterly direction at a speed of
between 15 and 20 knots (17-23 mph). During the
winter, the
winds are usually
stronger and can sometimes reach speeds of
up to 30 knots (34 mph) for multiple consecutive days. Throughout
February, the
winds move east and by
June they move to the
southeast and decrease to a speed of
10-15 knots ( 11-17 mph). During
September and October, the winds are typically at their
calmest but don’t worry if you were planning on going sailing during this time period as the winds are generally good for sailing throughout the entire year.
The
tidal range in this area stays at
about 18 inches (45 cm) and the
waves are fairly tame,
rarely exceeding 3-5 feet (between 1 and 1.5 metres). You will find
anchorages all along the coast.
Martinique has both a
wet season, which runs
from July until January, and a
dry season, which runs
from February until June. During the
dry season, the sun will shine for weeks on end with
only occasional showers. Although the
wet season is also typically
very sunny, the
showers are more frequent and there will sometimes be
days where it
rains non-stop. The
temperature in Martinique
rarely dips below 25°C (78°F) and seldom
rises above 30°C (84°F).
When is the best time for my Martinique sailing charter?
The best time to go sailing in Martinique has a lot to do with your experience. Typically, Martinique has good winds for sailing all year round but the
perfect time to go sailing is when the northeast trade winds are blowing at a speed of 15-20 knots (17-23 mph). By
June the winds calm down to a speed of
10-15 knots (11-17 mph) and in
September and October, the
winds are very calm which isn’t always ideal for sailing.
The wind speeds aren’t the only thing to consider though. The
dry season in Martinique runs
from January until April. In spite of
slightly colder temperatures, this is generally considered the best time to go sailing, due to the
lower rainfall levels. In general, it’s best to
avoid September, which is usually the
wettest month. September is also the month in which, historically,
hurricanes are most likely to happen, although the
official hurricane season in Martinique falls
between June and November.
The
sea temperature is generally
pleasant all year round with an average temperature of
26-28°C (79-82.5°F).
In general, it’s recommended that
less experienced sailors should sail on the Caribbean side of Martinique, rather than the side with the Atlantic Ocean as it’s quieter there. You do have to
watch out for the coral reefs on this side, however.
Most popular ports and sailing destinations for my Martinique boat charter?
Martinique is a fantastic place to go sailing, on account of the fact that the
prime boating locations for your nautical adventure are
plentiful. Martinique is loved principally for its
beautiful beaches and the towns located next door such as
Grand Anse d’Arlet, Anse du Ceron, Sainte-Anne, and Marina Pointe du Bout.
Grand Anse d’Arlet offers
many activities for travellers of all ages, being an
ideal location for
swimming, among
other water sports, and is even home to a
local art gallery.
Anse du Ceron, on the other hand, is all about the water sports. From
swimming to
snorkelling and, even at certain times of the year,
surfing, you’re bound to find something to suit your interests. The more daring people among you may even fancy
sailing out to Pearl Island, one of the
best diving sites on Martinique.
Pointe du Bout is actually a
man-made beach which is often described as the
perfect picnic spot and is just
a mile and a half away (2.5 km) from the charming town of
Trois Ilets, the
ideal destination to satisfy all your
night life cravings. From
live music, to
dancing, and even
a casino, when the sun sets, this is the place to be. If Pointe du Bout is too busy, you can drop your anchor at Anse Noire for the night, which is also just a short walk away.
Sainte-Anne is another
popular swimming and snorkelling location, with a number of
reefs lining the shore, which are simply teeming with life. Venture inland from this point to see a
town which looks as though it came
from another world, with
painted wooden houses and shops which sell a variety of gifts for you to bring back for your friends and family.
Another two places you should definitely make an effort to visit are Fort de France and Saint Pierre.
Fort de France is not only the
capital of Martinique, but also the
largest city in the French Antilles and the perfect place to learn a little more about the culture of this spectacular island.
Saint Pierre is home to the
volcano site of the former ‘Paris of the Caribbean’, which you can learn all about in the
museum. You can also go on the
guided train tour which explains what the area was like before the volcanic eruption.
What to do during my boat rental in Martinique?
The island is obviously full of
prime diving and snorkelling locations, as well as opportunities for
kitesurfing, windsurfing, and even
golfing. If you do go snorkelling, you can expect to see such wildlife as dolphins, whales, sea turtles and a range of tropical fish. If you fancy seeing more of the Caribbean during your sailing charter, you can also
sail between the idyllic bays of the Lesser Antilles.
If
dancing is more your thing, you can hit the dance floor at
Pointe du Bout, or spend a night in the
casino. Martinique is also the
perfect place to work on your tan. Alternatively, if you like learning more about the culture of the places you visit, maybe you want to hit up the
local art gallery in Grand Anse d’Arlet or check out one of the
museums. For the animal lovers among you, there is even a
zoo near Saint Pierre. One thing is for certain though, you definitely won’t be bored!
How to get to Martinique?
The easiest way to get to Martinique is by
flying to Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport. Currently there are
direct flights from many countries including the
USA, Canada, Belgium, France, and other Caribbean Islands like Guadeloupe, St Lucia and Dominica. If you don’t live in a country where you can fly directly, you can either get a
connecting flight, or
fly to one of the other
nearby Caribbean islands and
sail in from there.
How much does it cost?
If you’re considering renting a boat in Martinique, the price will differ depending on the time of year, the number of passengers on board, and the size and type of boat you choose. Of course, additional amenities or services could also affect the price, such as having a skipper on board. Below are the average prices of a private charter in Martinique by boat type.
Sailboat: Set sail in style for just $340 per day.
Motorboat: Enjoy a smooth ride on the waves for $435 per day.
RIB: Zoom along the coast on a RIB for only $425 per day.
Yacht: Sail like a VIP on a yacht for $5,092 per day or $35,644 per week.
Catamaran: Explore Martinique’s waters in comfort for $660 per day.
What does this include?
When you rent a boat with Nautal, you can expect a fully equipped vessel that comes with all the necessary safety gear, navigation equipment, and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience. Our boats are well-maintained and regularly serviced to ensure the highest standards of safety and reliability.
Best port or dock to keep your boat
Marina du Marin: The Marina du Marin is one of the largest marinas in Martinique, offering a wide range of amenities including water, gas, electricity, WiFi, and a restaurant. With over 800 berths available, it provides ample space for boats of various sizes, with a maximum length of 80 feet.
Port de Plaisance du Robert: The Port de Plaisance du Robert is a charming marina that provides essential amenities such as water, gas, electricity, and WiFi. With a restaurant on-site, visitors can enjoy a meal while overlooking the picturesque surroundings. The port offers approximately 200 berths, suitable for boats up to 60 feet long.
Marina Pointe du Bout: Situated in a popular tourist area, Marina Pointe du Bout offers a variety of amenities including water, gas, electricity, WiFi, and a restaurant. It also provides rental equipment for added convenience. With approximately 150 berths available, the marina can accommodate boats up to 70 feet long.
Port de Plaisance de Fort-de-France: Located in the capital city, Port de Plaisance de Fort-de-France offers essential amenities like water, gas, electricity, and WiFi. It provides a convenient docking option for boaters, with approximately 100 berths available for boats up to 50 feet in length.
Where to sail in Martinique?
- Anse d'Arlet: A picturesque fishing village known for its clear turquoise waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and swimming with colorful marine life.
- Diamond Rock: A distinctive rock formation rising out of the sea, offering excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities around its base.
- Les Trois-Îlets: A charming coastal town with beautiful beaches, watersports activities, and a marina where you can dock your boat and explore the area.
- Îlet Chevalier: A secluded island known for its pristine beaches and tranquil waters, perfect for a relaxing day of swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the natural beauty.
- Sainte-Anne: Home to stunning beaches, including the popular Les Salines, where you can anchor your boat and spend the day swimming, picnicking, and soaking up the sun.
What can you see and do in Martinique?
- Mount Pelée: Hike to the summit of Mount Pelée, an active volcano, and enjoy breathtaking views of the island and surrounding Caribbean Sea.
- Jardin de Balata: Explore the lush botanical gardens of Jardin de Balata, home to a wide variety of tropical plants, flowers, and treetop walkways.
- Fort-de-France: Visit the capital city of Martinique, Fort-de-France, to discover its vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and the iconic Schoelcher Library.
- Les Salines Beach: Relax on the pristine shores of Les Salines Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, known for its white sands and crystal-clear waters.
- La Savane des Esclaves: Immerse yourself in Martinique's history and culture at La Savane des Esclaves, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Creole architecture, crafts, and traditions.
- Habitation Clément: Take a tour of Habitation Clément, a historic rum distillery, to learn about the rum-making process and sample some of Martinique's finest rhums agricoles.
- Pointe du Bout: Explore Pointe du Bout, a vibrant resort area with shops, restaurants, and beautiful beaches, offering a lively atmosphere and opportunities for watersports.
Rent a boat with or without a skipper
Many of our boat charters in Martinique come with the option of sailing with a skipper and/or crew. Although this may come at an extra cost, having a skipper on board can, no doubt, provide you with an even more enjoyable experience! Your skipper can adapt the sailing route so that your voyage best suits the desires of you and the rest of your party.
Additionally, setting sail with a skipper will make your voyage even more comfortable! The skipper will take care of all the technical aspects of sailing, so all you need to do is sit back and relax.
If you would like to take charge of your boat charter in Martinique, then bareboat charters are the way to go. Enjoy a bareboat charter if you have a license and set sail at your own pace. You need a valid boating license to enjoy a boat this way so check with the boat owner beforehand to see that your license is valid.
When is the best time of year to rent a boat?
The best time to visit Martinique is during the high season, which extends from December to April, attracting a large number of tourists seeking warm weather and enjoyable sailing experiences. During this time, temperatures in Martinique are typically in the comfortable range, with average temperatures in the 70s to 80s°F. The trade winds also tend to be steady, providing excellent sailing conditions and manageable seas.
The months of November and May are considered shoulder seasons in Martinique. These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the high season. Average temperatures during the shoulder season are similar to the high season, ranging from the 70s to 80s°F. It's a great time to enjoy slightly quieter sailing excursions while still experiencing favorable conditions.
What type of boat is best for a Martinique boat charter?
Before choosing the right vessel for your boat rental in Martinique, you first have to think about the duration of your holiday. If you’re only going to sail for a few days, it is best to opt for a daily charter such as a motorboat or a RIB. With the speed of these vessels, you’ll be able to see everything on your wish list in no time. If you’re planning a longer charter of a week or more you should choose a vessel that includes amenities you’ll need during your stay. Catamarans and yachts have the space and accommodations on board to ensure a comfortable stay on the water. For a more luxurious holiday, you might consider a gulet, and for an authentic sailing experience a sailboat.
If you’re unsure about whether or not a vessel suits your needs, feel free to contact the boat owners to get a better sense of what is included on board. With our large fleet, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect boat for your Martinique boat charter!