Any tips for cruising in Martinique?

[KW60]

We are headed to Martinique Saturday for a week charter on a Jenneau Odyssey. Definite anchorages include Ste Anne and Ste Pierre -- where else is not to be missed? Any tips on good beaches, good snorkeling, and good food experiences appreciated.

Also I read all mooring balls are government owned and free. Does this really mean ALL? No private mooring balls to stay away from? Also are they well-maintained? We are pretty good at anchoring -- if the balls are not reliable it would be nice to know upfront.

Thanks!!
Kirsten

[chuckr]

Do you have a cruising guide that includes Martinque?

[KW60]

yes the very helpful Doyle Windward Islands -- great information. Just looking for any and all input --

[barboak]

We haven't stopped in Martinique for a couple of years but don't remember any sort of government moorings anywhere there but things change. Except for moor-secure rated moorings in the BVI's and NPS ones in St. John, USVI I would never assume one was OK without checking it out! I use Active Captain a lot with my Garmin Blu-charts on IPad and highly recommend it. After just checking out these two spots I see nothing about moorings! Of course your charter company will give you the latest info. One of our favorite islands though with tons of interesting spots and of course the restaurants!!!


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[barboak]

Having said that Guadalupe has installed quite a few good free moorings in the past few years like in Dashaies! So maybe!


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[chuckr]

We did not use Doyle -- looked at it and liked Pavlidis instead

[CarstenWL]

Hi Kirsten,

I was in Le Marin 3 weeks in February ....

In Ste Anne there was a new to me (but I haven't been there for a while) small 'restaurant' directly at the cliff ('between the cemetery and 'downtown' Ste Anne), very good food (salads, home-made juice, ...)

In Le Marin behind the 'old harbour' (Boulevard Allegre, close to the Jumbo Car business) there is a small restaurant upstairs that offers awesome spare-ribs (rest of the food is also nice) for at least the last 30 years ;-)

The bakery behind the new marina has great croissants and baguettes ...

My recommendations regarding food if you are in Le Marin ...

Safe sailings,

Carsten

[SV Liberty]

Its been a few years, but in 2012 or 2013 we anchored in Le Troit Islets for a couple of days, south of Fort de France. Water was not clear - kind of cloudy if I recall (our 12 week or so old kitten fell overboard and had to be rescued, by me jumping in) - but it was a neat place. Quaint little town, and we got a behind the scenes tour of the brick factory. We were cruising so didn't spend a lot on shore, but we did have one or two nice meals there.

Enjoy.