Martinique
From CruisersWiki
MARTINIQUE CRUISING GUIDE
| Martinique | |
 Martinique | |
 Flag | |
| Capital: | Fort-de-France |
|---|---|
| Language: | French, Creole patois |
| Currency: | Euro € |
| Time Zone | UTC-5 |
| More notes about the country | |
Background
Martinique is a province of France. It is part of the French Antilles and the most northerly of the Windwards Caribbean islands. Martinique has an area of 1,128 km2 and a population of 432.900. It is very mountainous and green. There are two volcanoes, the tallest Mount-Pelée is still active and on May 8 1902 it erupted destroying the then capital of the island, of St. Pierre, killing over 30,000 people.
Martinique was colonized by France in 1635 and in 1946 became a prefecture (province) of France. It is the birthplace of Empress Josephine the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Climate & Weather
In the summer months Martinique, June to October, is very humid and uncomfortable.
Sources of weather forecasting here.
Check-in, Immigration, Visas & Customs
Check-in is best undertaken in the main yacht harbor on the island at Cul-de-Sac du Marin. It is a large landlocked lagoon with many coves and bays. It is considered an excellent hurricane hole. The main commercial harbor is Fort-de-France.
Arrival:
Vessels MUST make first landfall at an official Port of Entry. Customs and immigration formalities must be completed as soon as possible after arrival. PLEASE NOTE: The original' ship's registration documents must be produced - copies are not accepted.
Departure:
Vessels MUST clear out at an official Port of Entry so as to obtain a clearance certificate.
Immigration
European Union nationals do not require visas. US citizens are allowed a stay of up to 6 months.
Visas are required for nationals of South Africa, Bolivia, Haiti, Honduras, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Turkey, Dominica, St Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. Non-EU citizens intending to stay for more than 3 months will need a visa.
Customs
Firearms and ammunition MUST be declared on arrival.
PETS: The Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) is accepted but note that bi-lingual Animal Health Certificates are required. More info is available from the Capitainerie of Le Marin on: Ph: (011 596) 596 74 83 83, Fax: (011 596)596 74 92 02.
As per the regulations for France, yachts staying in Martinique for longer than six months become liable for import duty. (More information can be obtained from local Customs)
Charts
- BA 956 Guadeloupe to Trinidad
- BA 594 Southern Martinique
- NIMA 2554 Martinique
- Imray-Iolaine A4 Guadeloupe to St. Lucia
Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of local radio Nets.
Warning: The approach into the Cul-de-Sac du Marin lagoon is very tricky to navigate because one must follow a channel that snakes around reefs and shallow sand bars. This channel is well marked but to make it even more challenging it uses the buoys in the American IALA B system (red right returning) which is the opposite of the IALA A used by the rest of the world. That is you must keep a red marker to your starboard instead of to your port.
Ports and Popular Stops
- Fort-de-France (Commercial Port) (Port of entry)
- Cul-de-Sac du Marin (Port of entry)
- Anse Mitan (Port of entry)
- St Pierre (Port of entry)
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Anchorages
Sainte Anne
Click to enlarge
Sainte Anne [14° 26.3' N 60° 53.1' W] is a very attractive anchorage just 6 M from the marina. Anchor across from the little town at 5 m depth over sand, good holding. It easy to go to the town with the dinghy which you can tie at the little dock. Good provisions. Fresh bread!
Other Anchorages in Cul-de-Sac du Marin
There many anchorages within Cul-de-Sac du Marin. This section needs further additions.
Others
There many anchorages in the island. This section needs further additions.
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Health
Details?
Security
- Warning: Here, as in all of the Caribbean, dinghy theft is endemic. Always lock your dingy when going ashore, even within the marina.
Tourism & things to do ashore
There many places worth visiting on the island.
 Mount-Pelée the Tallest Volcano in Martinique |
 Another Volcano in Martinique |
 North Shore |
Grocery Stores
Good provisions in many places. Rum is one of Martinique famous products. It is reasonably priced, so are French wines. In general, you can find good French products here, in this remote corner of the European Union.
Eateries
Good food almost anywhere in the island. The French influence is apparent.
Car Rentals
In the marina and the airport.
Laundry
Within walking distance from the marina.
Marine stores
There are several chandlery and other stores in the Cul-de-Sac du Marin marina complex.
Transportation
There are Daily flights to France but flying to the US is problematic. I found that one has to fly to Guadeloupe, from there to Puerto Rico and then to the US. Alternatively one can take the ferry to St. Lucia and fly to the US from there via Barbados.
References & Publications
- Jimmy Cornell World Cruising Handbook International Marine, Camden, Maine
- Ashley Scott and Nancy Scott Caribbean Marinas & Services, The Cruising Guide, Duredin, FL
- Chris Doyle Sailors Guide to the Windward Islands, The Cruising Guide, Duredin, FL
- W. T. Stone and A. M. Hays A Cruising Guide to the Caribbean, Sheridan, New York
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
- Martinique (Wikipedia)
- Noonsite (Jimmy Cornell)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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