Indeed, you can sail on either side of Martinique.
You can choose to discover the Atlantic coast, also known as the “windward coast”. Unlike the Caribbean coast, it is fed for much of the year by winds from the Atlantic Ocean known as the trade winds. Here, you’ll find a multitude of islets and white bottoms teeming with underwater species.
You can also opt for the Caribbean coast, otherwise known as the “leeward coast”. It’s so named because it’s protected from the wind by the mountains. The Caribbean coast can be divided into 2 parts, the North Caribbean and the South Caribbean.
The north is dominated by rainforests and mountain ranges. The south, on the other hand, is mainly dry forest and ancient volcanoes.
Both coasts are interesting to observe because they are so different.
If you have the time, we recommend you visit both.
Next, you’ll need to choose between a catamaran or a monohull sailboat. For more information, see our article on which boat to choose.
For groups of more than 10 people, you’ll need to opt for catamaran trips in Martinique, which can accommodate individual or private groups.
For small groups of eco-travelers, we recommend a sailing excursion with Dénébola for an eco-friendly approach. You can join a group or privatize the Dénébola sailboat.
Once you’ve chosen the coast you want to explore, you need to choose the service provider who will take you there.
There are a number of different formulas, from full-day to half-day outings, with meals included or optional. There’s also the possibility of privatizing a boat for greater comfort and peace of mind for your group. It’s like renting a boat, exclusively for you, accompanied by a captain.
In Martinique, few tour operators offer sailing excursions:
However, if you’d like to explore the Caribbean coast, you’ll find day trips on a monohull sailboat or trimaran.
On the Atlantic coast, you’ll find white-bottom boat excursions, notably with Dénébola.
Finally, as is the case with Dénébola, you can opt to privatize your sailboat.
The common denominator of these sailing excursions is their ability to offer small groups of people in an environmentally-friendly environment.
Some tour operators offer additional services, such as snorkeling equipment rental (link to snorkeling article) or paddle boarding (link to paddle boarding article).
A day on a sailboat in Martinique means you need to be equipped.
Indeed, in Martinique, it’s not uncommon to be faced with rain in a very short space of time. Showers are generally short but can be powerful.
That’s why it’s essential to take along rain gear that also protects you from the wind.
A day at sea in Martinique also means enjoying the sun !
That’s why it’s important to protect yourself. In particular, you need to take along a hat and sunglasses to protect your head and eyes. You should also remember to protect your skin. We recommend you wear an anti-UV T-shirt or lycra. Don’t forget your sunscreen. Ideally, choose one that doesn’t leave residues in the ocean that could harm the underwater species that live there. There are eco-friendly sunscreens that respect both corals and the ocean.
Finally, don’t forget your bathing suit and towel for swimming throughout the day. If you have your own masks and snorkels, don’t hesitate to take them along for a snorkeling trip during your boat excursion.
There are different ways to book a day on a sailboat :
As an eco-traveler, we recommend that you book your day’s sailing directly with the service provider.
This avoids intermediaries and allows for a more “intimate” relationship with the provider, who is responsible for satisfying the customer’s wishes as best as possible.
If you want to participate in sustainable tourism, this is the best way to avoid local businesses being taken advantage of by large international companies.
These small businesses sometimes offer secure online booking. This is the case with Dénébola.
OTAs are online travel agencies specializing in the resale of tourism products and services. These may be hotel rooms, airline tickets or leisure services.
It is possible to use agencies that offer accommodation, or review sites that also resell excursions.
However, these agencies charge substantial commissions.
It’s not uncommon on the beaches of Martinique to be approached and offered a ride on a sailing boat.
In fact, some of the sales reps work the beaches on behalf of the service providers, selling the companies’ excursions to nearby tourists.
All this advice will help you to organize your sailing day with complete peace of mind, so that you can enjoy it to the full.
If you would like to book a day on a sailboat, please contact us via whatsapp on +596 696 17 07 00.
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Dénébola, Plaisirs Nautiques
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