Boating and Sailing

You can rent Hobie Cats, Sunfish, and Sailfish by the hour from most hotel beach shacks. As for larger craft, bareboat charters (that is, ones with no crew) 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, though you can always hire a skipper and crew. Before 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.

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.

Punch Croisières. A local, French-owned charter company, Punch Croisières has a fleet of 17 sailboats, 14 of which are catamarans from 40 to 47 feet; they go out bareboat or crewed, and you can take a boat to a neighboring island. They are comfortably equipped to go down to the Grenadines or just over to Guadeloupe. This company has been here since 1995 while other charter operations, from the Moorings to Windward Islands Cruising, have pulled out. The staff is really accommodating and English is spoken. Rentals from one week to 11 months are available. Marina, Bd. Allègre, Port de Plaisance, Le Marin, n/a Martinique, 97290. 0596/74–89–18; www.punch-croisieres.com.