Sainte-Anne

A popular access point into the island of Martinique, Sainte-Anne is a bustling community of postcard-worthy beaches and an idyllic first stop on your 7-day St Lucia and Martinique sailing charter itinerary. 

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.

The day’s sailing

2 Hr Sailing time
24 Nautical miles

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

• 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, experiencing the kaleidoscopic colors, magnificent marine life and stunning waters.
• Venture inland and explore the small-town streets lined with painted wooden houses and one-of-a-kind shops.

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Sainte-Anne Bird Sanctuary

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.

It’s the perfect experience for nature and wildlife lovers, as is a visit to Savande Des Petrifications, which, according to a TripAdvisor review, offers a “superb walk without difficulty. The landscape is magnificent, but the most beautiful thing is the Trabaud cove at the end of the walk!”

Facilities

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

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. Whether you want to soak up the sun on the beach, immerse yourself in local culture or a mix of both, Grand Anse D’Arlet reigns supreme.  

The day’s sailing

1 Hr Sailing time
15 Nautical miles

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

• Walk along the pristine sand of Grande Anse d’Arlet’s beautiful beach and watch the incredible sunset as it reflects hues of pink and orange on the water.
• Renowned for its nautical activities, channel your inner adventurer and go snorkeling, swimming, jet-skiing or paddling.
• Head into town and take in the delights of the local art gallery, immersing yourself in Martinique’s vibrant culture.

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Grande Anse d’Arlet

While there are plenty of unique things to do in Grande Anse d’Arlet, ultimately, the gorgeous beach reigns supreme.

Grande Anse d’Arlet is a very popular snorkeling spot in Martinique that is “very friendly for beginners” according to one TripAdvisor review, with plenty of opportunities to spot beautiful marine life such as sea turtles. 

Another review said: “This is a little paradise that is not yet too crowded! The beach is magnificent […], the sea is clear, and when you swim there you see all kinds of fish, with the icing on the cake being sea turtles a few dozen meters from the shore.”

You’ll also find a line of beachfront restaurants, serving up deliciously fresh seafood and other delights.

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.

St. Pierre

Saint-Pierre is a small town on the northwest side of Martinique. Sitting at the base of the infamous Mt. Pelee and completely rebuilt around the ruins of its former self after a massive volcanic eruption over 100 years ago, this island community is home to a number of unique attractions that make it a must-visit on your idyllic Power charter from St. Lucia. 

The day’s sailing

1.5 Hr Sailing time
17 Nautical miles

Mooring

In order to preserve its famous shipwrecks, the French state has designed the coast of Saint-Pierre as a no anchor zone. Four mooring buoys are available around the various sunken ships.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy docks available.

Things to do

• Explore the ruins of old St. Pierre, demolished by a volcanic eruption from nearby Mt. Pelee in 1902. 
• Sink your toes into the black-sand beach or venture off the coast to explore shipwrecks from Saint-Pierre’s pre-disaster past.
• Starting in neighboring towns like St. Pierre and Le Precheur, hike up Mount Pelee and experience breathtaking views from the peak. The hike is moderately strenuous so take plenty of water and regular breaks.

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Mount Pelee

Renowned for its lush rain forest and exhilarating views from the 4,583-foot summit, Mount Pelee is infamous for the volcanic eruption that occurred here in 1902. Decimating most of Martinique, the disaster sparked an architectural renaissance, the results of which you can still see in plenty of structures still standing throughout the island today. 

One of the highlights of visiting Mount Pelee for many is hiking up to the peak, with one TripAdvisor view saying: “This was an awesome hike! Everything was so green and the clouds rolled through the volcano the entire hike. The view of the Caribbean Sea near the summit is breathtaking!”

Facilities

No facilities for yachts are available.

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 footsteps 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. 

The day’s sailing

1 Hr Sailing time
15 Nautical miles

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, and stay until sunset to embrace the breathtaking views.  
• Visit a variety of nearby restaurants, such as Le Ti Taurus, 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.

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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.

Facilities

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

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. One of the most scenic bays in the Caribbean, the penultimate day of your 7-day St Lucia and Martinique sailing itinerary will be full of beautiful greenery and excellent restaurants.

Charming homes overlook the seas in a colorful collage of white and red-topped roofs. Waterfront restaurants offer an array of French, Creole, and Caribbean cuisine with the added benefit of jaw-dropping sunset views.

The day’s sailing

7 Hr Sailing time
37 Nautical miles

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

• Take a sightseeing tour of the surrounding land and explore this beautiful mangrove-lined bay, famous as a hurricane harbor. 
• The nearby Marina Village features a variety of unique stores and boutiques perfect for shopping.
• As you enter the harbor Marigot Beach Club and Dive Resort will be located on your left, where 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. You can also enjoy delicious food and drink at restaurants such as Chauteau Mygo and JJ’s restaurant. 

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St Lucia Marine Park

Head to St. Lucia’s marine park for excellent diving and views of the numerous shallow reefs near the shore. If you love scuba diving and snorkeling, you can enjoy incredible snorkeling near the base of the iconic Pitons, at Anse de Pitons. 

This is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in St Lucia, loved by advanced and novice snorkelers alike. According to one TripAdvisor review: “We took a wonderful excursion to snorkel between the Pitons. This trip was amazing and the fish were just beautiful. I would recommend this excursion to everyone traveling to St Lucia. The water was clear and with the sun shining through the water the colors of the fish were beautiful. A must see!”

Learn more about the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean.

Facilities

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

The Pitons

The twin conical peaks of Petit Piton and Gros Piton are among the most noteworthy landmarks in St. Lucia. Seeing the Pitons rise dramatically from the sea is one of the most unforgettable sights in the Caribbean, especially when arriving by yacht.

Rising more than 2,000 feet from the sea, Gros Piton and the smaller Petit Piton have been named a World Heritage Site and are stunning sites when arriving by sea. The two volcanic plugs have challenged hikers to climb the lush slopes that look out over the breathtaking sea. Both scenic and accommodating to boaters, the waters around the Pitons are part of the Soufriére Marine Management Area and a highlight of yachting in St. Lucia.

The day’s sailing

1 Hr Sailing time
10 Nautical miles

Mooring

Moorings are available at numerous locations. Anchoring is permitted only in certain locations.

Dinghy dockage: Dinghy docks are plentiful.

Things to do

• There are many restaurants along the shore and in town. The most elegant is the Hummingbird Restaurant at Hummingbird Resort. 
• Sulfur Springs, the volcanically heated waters of Diamond Baths and its surrounding tropical gardens are not to be missed.
• For those seeking an active vacation, guided hiking tours in the rain forest near Morne Fond St. Jacques (stop by the Soufriére Marine Management office in town for more information), Maho waterfalls, and the Jalousie Plantation (part of Sunswept Resorts) are among the attractions in and around Soufriére.

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Soufriére

Just north of Petit Piton is the small town of Soufriére, which shares the name of the nearby dormant volcano, the only one in the world where you can drive a car right inside!

Creole buildings with gingerbread trim give the place an Old-World ambience. Enjoy window-shopping and dining out in a variety of shops and restaurants here. You can also dine along the beach, swim among the reef or take in the view from the top of Gros Piton. 

A must-visit spot in Soufriere is the sensational Toraille Waterfall, with one TripAdvisor review saying: “This place is so refreshing, the vegetation and garden set up is beautiful. The falls in itself is a stress relief, the water falling on your body and the swim in the pool of water is so relaxing, one cannot ask for a better atmosphere.”

Facilities

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

Rodney Bay

Make every second count on your 7-day St Lucia and Martinique sailing itinerary with a final visit to Rodney Bay. Situated on the north side of St. Lucia, Rodney Bay offers easy access to restaurants, shops and island attractions. Rodney Bay is one of St. Lucia’s most favored areas for yachters seeking full marina amenities amongst a beautiful setting. 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.

The day’s sailing

1.5 Hr Sailing time
19 Nautical miles

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

• 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, described as incredible, fun and lively with natural beauty and friendly people’ in one TripAdvisor review.
• Stroll along the national park just north of your anchorage to experience some of the island’s best natural features.

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Pigeon Island

An ideal place to overnight, Pigeon Island offers sheltered anchorage along a stretch of wave-lapped white sand beach. Explore the scenic Pigeon Island National Park, surrounded by pristine waters inviting you to snorkel and swim in them, or spend the evening at one of the many restaurants and bars for a sundowner and an unforgettable island sunset.

According to one TripAdvisor review, the national park is not to be missed: “What a beautiful landmark…you have history, you have walks, you have an ocean and a sea, so beautiful!”

Facilities

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