FORT DE FRANCE, POINTE DU BOUT, LES TROIS ÎLETS AND LES ANSES D'ARLET
The south-west coast of Martinique offers a rich mix of culture, lively anchorages, beaches, and protected bays, making it a favourite area for both cruising yachts and superyachts.
FORT-DE-FRANCE
Anchoring off the waterfront provides easy access to the covered market, historic buildings, and modern shopping areas. Highlights include the Schoelcher Library, local boutiques, and a lively town atmosphere blending old and new.
Fort-de-France also offers the shortest taxi transfer to and from the international airport. Regular ferries connect the city with villages along the southern side of the bay, making shore visits simple and flexible.
POINTE DU BOUT & ANSE MITAN
Directly opposite Fort-de-France, Pointe du Bout is one of Martinique’s historic tourism centres. The area features numerous boutiques, restaurants, bars, ice-cream parlours, hotels, and even a casino, many clustered within the colourful Village Créole, a modern interpretation of local architecture.
Anse Mitan, on the starboard side when anchored, is a popular beach. Several beachfront restaurants create a lively Caribbean evening atmosphere, particularly appreciated by guests.
LES TROIS ÎLETS
Les Trois-Îlets remains a traditional village with well-preserved examples of French-Caribbean architecture, easily accessible by road. Historic sites include the museum dedicated to Empress Joséphine Bonaparte, where she was born, reflecting her aristocratic origins and continuing to attract visitors from Europe.
LE VILLAGE DE LA POTERIE
Once a centre for the production of roof tiles and seismic-resistant building blocks made from local red clay, Le Village de la Poterie has been transformed into an attractive area with artisan shops and small restaurants. Karting and additional leisure activities are also available nearby.
GOLF
Trois-Îlets is home to a scenic 18-hole golf course designed by Trent Jones, with several holes running along the sea on the inner bay of Fort-de-France. While enjoyable, maintenance standards are not always at top international levels.
LA SAVANE DES ESCLAVES
This moving open-air site recreates Amerindian villages and the homes of freed slaves up to the 1960s. Sculptures and reconstructed dwellings illustrate daily life on the plantations. The visit concludes with tastings of traditional drinks and dishes.
POINTE BALEINE & NEARBY BAYS
South-west of Pointe du Bout lies a quiet anchorage between Pointe Baleine and Cap Salomon, just before Grande Anse. Set beneath the cliffs and without an immediate beach, this spot is appreciated for its tranquillity.
Clear water, good snorkelling and diving are found here, and whales are occasionally heard offshore. Nearby Anse Noire and Anse Dufour, less accessible by road, are generally quieter than Grande Anse d’Arlet. A bat cave is also located nearby.
GRANDE ANSE & ANSE D'ARLET
Grande Anse d’Arlet and Anse d’Arlet are popular bays. For overnight stays, the southern bay of Anse d’Arlet is preferred, offering a picturesque view of the illuminated church steeple at night.
Snorkelling and diving are excellent around Pointe Burgos, which separates the two bays. Green turtles are frequently seen feeding in the area, and a small reef off Anse d’Arlet beach is rich in marine life.
Defined anchoring positions for yachts over 50 metres help preserve the seabed and marine environment.
SCUBA DIVING AND WATER ACTIVITIES
The area offers a wide choice of dive sites, as detailed in the Martinique Dive Guide. Snorkelling and diving between the two bays are excellent, with Diamond Rock to the south offering a more adventurous option.
Jet-skis and other nautical activities are permitted provided operators are licensed or accompanied by a licensed professional.