Country

France (DOM-TOM: French Overseas Departments and Territories)

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Visited by

• Atlantic Odyssey (finishing port – 2013 to 2016)
• Islands Odyssey (finishing port – 2015)
• Blue Planet Odyssey (starting port – 2015)
• Pacific Odyssey (starting port – 2015)

Description & main attractions

Martinique lies at the heart of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean, between Dominica to the north and Saint Lucia in the south.

After a 2,800 Atlantic crossing from the Canaries, Martinique offers a dream-come-true cocktail of delights : fantastic anchorages, the sun and the heat tempered by gentle tradewinds; landscapes spectacular in their diversity and lush vegetation; the exquisite fragrances of tropical flowers and spicy flavours of Creole cuisine; and last but not least a genuine welcome from the local inhabitants.

Along the 350 kilometres of coast, you will find a succession of beaches, cliffs, impressive drop-offs and shallow areas, islets and coral reefs. As you travel into the island’s interior, the land rises towards the high central region. Drier areas devoted to livestock farming contrast with parts of the island which are humid and used for sugar and banana plantations. To the north are the highest mountains, with the extinct volcanic range the Pitons du Carbet and Mount Pelée, which at 1397 metres is the island’s highest point.

Martinique also offers a rich cultural heritage, with vibrant traditions, créole cuisine, and of course the excellent rum!

Useful Links

• Martinique Tourism Board
• Le Marin Tourism Board
• TI’PONTON – The sailor’s guide to Martinique
• PDF: Martinique An Nou Alé (Allons-y !) – Blue Planet Magazine, Issue 2

Host marina / Port information

Port du Marin

Sailing is well established in Martinique, and the town of Marin is the nautical centre of the island.

The marina at Le Marin is one of the largest in the Caribbean, with 750 pontoon berths and 100 moorings.

The town of Marin has earned Blue Flag status for its efforts in maintaining a high water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, safety and services.

Le Marin also has a large boatyard, Carenantilles, with space for around 200 boats and facilities for the lifting of larger vessels (55 ton travelift, 18 metre/20 ton catamaran launching trolley). The yard is fitted out with a water purification system unique in the Caribbean. As well as the haulout facilities, a wide range of marine and repair services are based on or around the port:

Website: www.ot-marin.com/-Le-port-de-plaisance-.html (in French)

Location on the map

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