Martinique - Facts

Martinique FAQs

Martinique is part of the French Antilles, which also includes Guadeloupe, St. Barts, St. Martin and French Guiana. They all share the same clearance procedures, however, yachts must still complete outward and inward clearance when moving from one to another.

Pre-Arrival Boat: There is now an online clearance form to streamline the clearance procedure. This can be filled in prior to arrival with vessel and crew details, or, if getting online is not possible, on arrival in Martinique. See Clearance for details.
Pre-Arrival Crew: A great number of countries do not need a visa. See Immigration for details.
Where can I enter? With the new online form it's not necessary to enter at a port of entry unless you want your form stamped. Click on the blue “Explore Country” button and then the anchor symbol to see the six official ports of entry.
Are fees high to enter by yacht? Just 5 Euros admin. charge – see Fees for details.
What security concerns should I know about? Only the occasional dinghy theft reported. See Security for more info.

Martinique Facts for Sailors

• Martinique is an Overseas Department of France and is the main island of the French Antilles, the most northerly of the Windward Islands.
• Its nearest neighbours are the island republics of Dominica, 35 kms (22 miles) to the northwest, and Saint Lucia, 26 kms (16 miles) to the south.
• Martinique is small, about 80 kms (50 miles) long and 35 kms (22 miles) wide, but with a population of 385,065 it has the highest population density in the Antilles.
• A Creole dialect similar to that spoken in Haiti is commonly heard, but French is the official language.
• The Euro is used as currency. For specifics see General Info.
• Time zone is (GMT-4). For specifics see General Info.
• Temperature averages 26 C year-round; a marine climate with gentle trade winds, intense rain showers; and hurricane season from July to November. See Weather below for more details.
• There are two volcanoes on the Island, the tallest Mount-Pelée is still active and on May 8, 1902, it erupted destroying the then capital of the island, St. Pierre and killing over 30,000 people.
• Cruising attractions include the French culture, mountainous interior and numerous quiet anchorages.
• The island uses the IALA-B (red right returning) buoyage system.
• Martinique has a high standard of yachting facilities. See Yachting Essentials for more information.