Martinique Travel Information & Planning Guide

Find everything you need to prepare for a charter in Martinique. From important base information to required documents for international travel, you can use this information as your guide before and during your charter. Don’t forget to pack a copy to take with you.

Plan

Before you go

Address
La Marina du Marin
Boulevard Allègre
97290 Le Marin
MARTINIQUE

Base hours
8:00am – 5:00pm Monday to Saturday 
8:00am – 1:00pm Sunday
Evening staff to cover until all flights have arrived.

Time zone
Martinique is – 4 hours UTC/GMT.

Language
The languages of Martinique are French, Creole, and English.

What to bring

Customs + Immigration
Entry, exit, and visa requirements depend on the locations you are departing from and traveling to. You are responsible for having the correct documents so make sure to check with the consulate of the countries you plan to visit before you travel. Please note country entry/exit requirements are subject to change.

Please check https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the latest information before you leave. Sunsail is not accountable for any requirement changes.

Sailing licenses
No Formal License is Required

Luggage + packing list
Soft-sided luggage or duffel bags are best, as luggage storage space on your yacht may be limited. We have no facilities for holding luggage at the base. Pack lightly and review our suggested packing list for required and necessary items to bring.

• Pack essential prescription medicine and change of clothing in a carry-on bag*
• Passport and other travel documentation
• Tickets and paper confirmations for pre-planned activities
• Light-colored, light-weight clothing
• Formal wear for upscale dining establishments
• Swimwear and cover-up
• Hats and sunglasses
• Sandals and flip-flops
• Athletic shoes and hiking boots
• Travel-sized toiletries and hygiene products
• Insect repellent and OTC pain relievers/ointments
• AUX cord for playing music through your device

*We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt, and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.

**All boats include a 12V DC outlet (a “car” outlet). Boats with generators have 110V outlets in the Caribbean and 220V in the Mediterranean and Exotic locations.

Taxes & Fees
You might incur some costs while on charter such as mooring and docking fees or cruising taxes. We highly recommend bringing enough of the local currency to cover these costs as they are not always payable by USD, debit, and/or credit cards.

Security Deposit
A security deposit must be paid at the base by Visa or Master Card and is refundable at the end of your charter subject to there being no loss or damage. To significantly decrease your security deposit, purchase our Yacht Damage Waiver insurance ahead of time.

What’s onboard

Cell phones
Check with your service provider for information about cell coverage in this region.

Music + iPods
While most of our newer boats have Bluetooth capability, we cannot guarantee all boats are outfitted with this equipment. For your convenience, we highly recommend you bring an AUX cord so you can listen to music from your cell phone devices.

Drone
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit  https://www.uavsystemsinternational.com/drone-laws-by-country/martinique-drone-laws/

Electricity
Electrical sockets (outlets) in Martinique usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you’re plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

For more information on what’s included on your yacht in Martinique, please view the full list here for Bareboat and Crewed Charters.

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Go

How to get there

Airport
Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (Airport code: FDF)
BP279, Le Lamentin 97285

Taxis 
The airport is approximately a 45 min – 1 hr drive to the base 

From FDF airport 1-4 person:
Day rate: 65 – 70€ 
Night rate: 90€

Taxi 
Germe : +596 696 25 04 21
Lamon : +596 696 26 03 94
Rodrigue : +596 696 70 74 44
Alexandre : +596 696 91 30 85 – +596 696 42 88 38

Car rental
Avis : +596 596 42 11 00
Jumbo Car : +596 596 74 71 77
GD Location : +596 596 58 27 89

Boarding time + checking out

On arrival
All skippers must attend a Chart Briefing which covers all you need to know about the cruising area, use of the VHF radio, how to call for assistance, and more. A Boat Briefing will also be provided onboard your yacht.

Out of hours
If arriving after hours, a message will be left on the front door indicating the location of your boat. The Chart Briefing and Boat Briefing will be held the following morning prior to departure.

On departure
A debriefing and final walkthrough will be done upon return so please allow enough time to complete this before the charter end time.

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Sail

Sailing licenses

Experience level
Martinique is a Level 1 sailing area

Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. Follow the link for more information on the sailing conditions.

This rating scale is designed as a guide based on the prevailing conditions during the most popular season.

Sailing grounds

Sailing area restrictions
We highly recommend planning your cruising itinerary along the west coast of Martinique only due to the challenging conditions and open waters on the eastern side. You may travel to other islands, but please keep in mind that you must clear customs as you pass through each country and generally fees are associated with the clearing process. Please discuss with you Vacation Planner if you have any questions.

It is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require two persons minimum on board.

Night sailing
You must be moored at least one hour before sunset. Night Sailing is not allowed without permission from the base manager. The decision to allow night sailing is based on your skill level and can be requested in advance. You will need to fill out the Power Resume for the base to review but we cannot guarantee approval.

Charts + pilot books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.

Formalities + taxes
You might incur some costs while on charter such as mooring and docking fees or cruising taxes. We highly recommend bringing enough of the local currency to cover these costs as they are not always payable by USD, debit, and/or credit cards.

Each national territory, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent, the Grenadines & Grenada, charges fees. These are cruising permits, harbor dues, and customs clearance fees. The average cost for a 45ft yacht with 6 people on a 2 week charter is approximately £60. Some marinas/moorings charge a fee of about £6-9.

Moorings fees + taxes
Anchorages and buoys are available all along the coast, a small fee is mandatory in a number of the bays.

Anchorage : Mayreau – Tobago Cays – Union  25€/night
                      Mustique : 75€/night

Clearances : Bequia – Union  35€ Per adult (crew included)
                                                50%  of adult per child

Health + safety

Vaccination and Immunization Information 
This destination is generally risk-free of contagious disease. Visit gov.uk for the latest information.

Travel Advice  
Your health and safety are important to us. For advice on how to stay safe while on charter, please review our Travel Advice Information. Current travel and safety information can be obtained by visiting travel.state.gov

Swim Safe 

Swimming is often a fun and important part of a vacation. However local rules, flag systems, currents, and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets, and Diver Down flags are all available on board. 

Children:

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a vacation, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on vacation, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended. 
• Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.

Be aware of your surroundings

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted. 
• Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.

Look out for others

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.

Do not overestimate your ability

• Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming techniques.
• Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open-water swimming can be very different.

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use of this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat onboarding – If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing. 

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are traveling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.  

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck. 

Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy. 

Travel Insurance
Sunsail offers comprehensive travel insurance for your peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, verify that it covers the destinations and activities of your Sunsail vacation.

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Eat

Provisioning

Sunsail Provisioning
Sunsail can help with stocking up your yacht.

Dining

Restaurants

Appro-Zaguya, offers online ordering only and delivery.

Carrefour Market Marin, 7-10 Minute ride. Also offers online ordering.

Open Mon-Sat 8 am-8 pm Sun and public holidays 8 am-12 pm

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Shop

Around the base

Currency
Euro is the currency used throughout Martinique.

Supermarkets
Appro-Zaguya, offers online ordering only and delivery.
Carrefour Market Marin, 7-10 Minute ride. Also offers online ordering.
Open Mon-Sat 8 am-8 pm Sun and public holidays 8 am-12 pm

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Play

Water toys + sports

Snorkeling
Sunsail provides flippers with all charters for your pleasure.  Please bring your own snorkeling mask and snorkel and check availability for children’s sizes prior to your charter. 

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For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here.