Boating & Sailing in Martinique

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Boating & Sailing

Don't even consider striking out on the rough Atlantic side of the island unless you're an experienced sailor. The Caribbean side is much calmer -- more like a vast lagoon. You can rent Hobie Cats, Sunfish, and Sailfish by the hour from most hotel beach shacks. As for larger crafts, bareboat charters can be had for $1,900 to $7,000 a week, depending on the season and the size of the craft. The Windward Islands are a joy for experienced sailors, but the channels between islands are often windy and have high waves. You must have a sailing license or be able to prove your nautical prowess. You can always hire a skipper and crew. Prior to setting out, you can get itinerary suggestions; the safe ports in Martinique are many. If you charter for a week, you can go south to St. Lucia or Grenada or north to Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Les Saintes. One-way sailing to St. Martin or Antigua is a popular choice.

Moorings Antilles Françaises (Le Marin. 0596/74-75-39; 888/952-8420 in U.S.; 727/535-1446 outside U.S. www.moorings.com), one of the largest bareboat operations in the world, has 10 boats in Martinique, both catamarans and monohulls. Boats can be rented fully crewed and/or fully provisioned. Punch Croisières (Bd. Allègre, Le Marin. 0596/74-89-18. www.punch-croisieres.com) is a local, French-owned charter company with a fleet of 15 sailboats, 13 of which are catamarans from 38 to 57 feet; they go out bareboat or crewed. Sunsail (Le Marin. 0596/74-77-61; 888/350-3568 in U.S. www.sunsail.com) is one of the largest yacht-charter companies in the world. Although it's primarily a bareboat operation, those with limited experience can hire skippers by the week. Ocean kayaks can be rented too and must be reserved in advance. Check the Web site for discount deals even in the winter. Windward Island Cruising Company (Le Marin. 0596/74-31-14. www.sailing-adventure.com) has sailboats from 30 to 70 feet.