7 Day St. Lucia and Martinique Itinerary

Sainte-Anne

A popular access point into the island of Martinique, Sainte-Anne is a bustling community of postcard-worthy beaches and a bounty of things to do during a yacht charter vacation. Cruise to the nearby anchorage and take the dinghy to La Pointe Marin, a breathtaking blue-water beach with dozens of bars, restaurants and shops nearby. Snorkel and swim among the vibrant reefs near the shore, or venture inland and explore the small-town streets lined with painted wooden houses and one-of-a-kind shops.

Mooring

There’s an attractive anchorage just across from Sainte-Anne, six nautical miles from Le Marin. The holding is good. Anchor across from the small town and take the dinghy across to the dock.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy docks available.

Things to do

Dining, Shopping, Swimming, Sunbathing, Hiking

Facilities

Cul-de-Sace du Marin Marina in nearby Marin offers a variety of stores, a bakery, restaurants and car rental service.

National Park

A large portion of Saint-Anne is designated as national park territory, offering several scenic hiking trails for you to explore by foot both on shore and along the coast. Also, the world-famous Sainte-Anne bird sanctuary is located near the Bay of the English for those interested in learning more about the native nesting bird populations of the Caribbean.

La Pointe Marin/Marina Le Marin

For a beautiful beach experience, look no further than La Pointe Marin on the southern end of Martinique. Offering miles of bronze sand and calm blue water, Pointe Marin blends the best of seclusion and scenery for a relaxing reprieve from the everyday. Far from the typical beach crowds, La Pointe Marin offers a variety of things to do for visitors of all ages. Head to Club Med for resort-style amenities including bars, restaurants, and rentable water sports equipment like scuba gear kite boards. Or, take the two-minute walk into town and explore the outdoor market filled with one-of-a-kind foods, crafts, accessories and more.

Grand Anse D’Arlet

One of Martinique’s most beloved beachside towns, Grand Anse d’Arlet offers an array of activities and attractions for travelers of all ages. Pick a spot and kick back on the half-mile strip of golden sand where the protected clear-blue waters provide an idyllic location for swimming. A handful of hotels and restaurants line the coast and there’s a local art gallery about a half-mile into town, but ultimately the beach reigns supreme in Grand Anse’ d’Arlet.

Mooring

Mooring buoys are available for a small daily fee. Anchoring, however, is strictly prohibited in the waters of Grand Anse d’Arlet.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy docks available.

Things to do

Dining, Shopping, Swimming, Sunbathing

Facilities

There is a small marina about 3 miles northeast on Pointe du Bout. Here, you can explore a variety of shops, bars and restaurants within walking distance.

Fort de France

As the largest city in the French Antilles and the centrally-located capital of Martinique, Fort de France can be conveniently accessed from almost anywhere on the island. Filled with rich history and 19th century architecture, Fort de France has plenty to offer visitors and locals alike, including a full-range of shops, dining experiences, and sights to explore. Stroll the iconic vegetable market established in 1901, tour the luminous Saint-Louis Cathedral, visit the grand Fort Saint-Louis, or wander through one of the local museums.

Mooring

Moorings available

Things to do

Dining, Shopping, Swimming, Sunbathing, Hiking

Balata Gardens

Head over to the gardens of Balata where you’ll discover a beautiful botanical garden nestled inside a protected rainforest showcasing 3000 species of tropical plants and exotic flowers.

Le Carbet

Wake up in your own Caribbean island oasis then spend the rest of the morning learning more about Martinique’s rum traditions at the well-preserved Neisson rum distillery in Le Carbet, which prides itself on producing something that is cherished by many and also supports local agriculture. Founded in 1931, the Neisson distillery has remained family-owned and operated, thanks to a deep-rooted appreciation of self-grown sugar cane and the precise method used to churn out exquisitely-aged bottles of handcrafted artisanal rum. During your exclusive tour of the factory, discover what’s so special about “Appellation d’Origine Controllee” Neisson rums and how the family perfected their production process, which continues to thrive on both passion and patience.

Anse Mitan

Sitting on the southwest edge of Martinique, Anse Mitan is a palm-studded beach offering deep clear water and a quaint array of restaurants and attractions just foot steps away from the shore. Feast on fresh-caught seafood or get adventurous and snorkel in a wide-open world brimming with sea life. Just a mile and a half away, the town of Trois Ilets is the place to be when the sun goes down. Visit Casino Trois-Ilets and challenge yourself with classic games like roulette, stud poker and craps. Designed in the style of New Orleans’ famed French Quarter, the Casino offers everything from live music to dancing, refined cuisine and more.

Mooring

Many boaters choose to anchor in the bay. There’s also a small marina just a short cruise northeast on Pointe du Bout.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy docks available.

Things to do

Relax with your favorite cocktail on the beach, or visit a variety of nearby restaurants for a taste of some of the freshest seafood in the Caribbean. Visit nearby Trois Ilets to experience a variety of attractions including a famous casino, restaurants, live music venues and more.

Facilities

Repair facilities, shops and supermarkets can be found in the area surrounding the marina.

Les Trois-Ilets

Named after three nearby rock formations, this quaint island community is known for its unique architecture and laid-back way of life. Perhaps its biggest claim to fame, Les Trois-Ilets was the birthplace of Napoleon’s empress, Josephine, who lived and worked here throughout the late 1700’s. Today, you can visit her estate and the church where she was baptized—now a museum named Musee de la Pagerie. When night falls, enjoy dinner at a traditional French restaurant before testing your luck at Casino Trois-Ilets, a sprawling casino built in the style of New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Marigot Bay

Tucked away below the verdant hilltops on the west side of St. Lucia, Marigot Bay is a secluded anchorage for boaters seeking a relaxing quiet harbor during their journey along the coast. Charming homes overlook the seas in a colorful collage of white and red-topped roofs. The nearby Marina Village features a variety of unique stores and boutiques perfect for shopping. Waterfront restaurants offer an array of French, Creole, and Caribbean cuisine with the added benefit of jaw-dropping sunset views.

Marigot Bay is one of the most scenic bays in the Caribbean, full of beautiful greenery and excellent restaurants. As you enter the harbor Marigot Beach Club and Dive Resort will be located on your left, here you can choose one of their dining options. Whether you stop in for just a drink or for a three-course gourmet dinner, they never disappoint.

Mooring

Anchor outside the bay for fresh air or sail right inside the bay pick up a mooring buoy from the Marigot bay Marina or head to the docks to spend the night. They can be reached at Vhf 12 or 16. It would be a good idea to call first before picking up any moorings as they will record your vessel into their system which gives you access to the hotel facilities including the pools, bars, and restaurants.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy docks available.

Things to do

An attractive waterfront greets visitors entering Marigot Bay from the sea. Marigot bay is a completely sheltered, mangrove-lined bay famous as a hurricane harbor, protected by sloping hills making it a peaceful place safe from the elements. Take a sightseeing tour of the surrounding land or head to St. Lucia’s marine park for excellent diving and views of the numerous shallow reefs near the shore. Other restaurants that are available for your enjoyment include Chauteau mygo and JJ’s restaurant.

Facilities

Fuel, water, ice, provisions, taxicabs, car rentals, ATM, and Internet access are available.

Rodney Bay

Situated on the north side of St. Lucia, Rodney Bay offers easy access to restaurants, shops and island attractions. The full-service marina is surrounded by protected waters and brings visitors into a scenic area of the island with nearby beaches, such as Reduit Beach. Explore the scenic Pigeon Island National Park surrounded by pristine waters or spend the evening at one of the many restaurants and bars for a sundowner and an unforgettable island sunset.

Mooring

Berths for sailboats and superyachts up to 280 feet with drafts of up to 15 feet.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy docks available.

Things to do

Rodney Bay is one of St. Lucia’s most favored areas for yachters seeking full marina amenities amongst a beautiful setting. Explore the bay with its eclectic mix of restaurants, shops and accommodations as well as its close location to some of the area’s quieter spots. Relax, swim or try a watersport at Reduit Beach and stroll along the national park just north of your anchorage to experience some of the island’s best natural features.

Facilities

Fuel, water, ice, provisions, taxicabs, car rentals, ATM, and Internet access are available.

Rodney Bay

Almost completely landlocked, Rodney Bay is home to a full-service marina, scenic beaches, shops and restaurants. The St. Lucia base of The Moorings is where many sailors choose to begin their voyage. Before sailing off, take time to explore Rodney Bay, once a major British Navy, and now a thriving yacht center on the northern tip of the island. A park with gardens and footpaths marked with plaques about the history bay is ideal for learning about your vacation spot. A favored first stop for sailors is at the Pitons, conical peaks that rise more than 2,000 feet from the sea. Further out is the town of Soufriére where you can dine along the beach, swim among the reef or take in the view from the top of Gros Piton.