Martinique and St Lucia are a different proposition from the BVI — bigger islands, more exposed passages, and sailing that requires proper coastal experience. The reward is scenery and culture that the flat coral islands of the northern Caribbean cannot match: volcanic peaks, rainforest running to the sea, French colonial towns, and a culinary culture that is emphatically not beach-bar rum punches. The main charter base is Le Marin in southern Martinique; most itineraries work south to St Lucia and return by ferry. This is not beginner territory — Coastal Skipper level experience is appropriate for the inter-island passages.
Day 1: Le Marin — Martinique
Le Marin is the largest charter base in the eastern Caribbean — the marina at Marin is enormous and well-equipped. The town above the marina has the best provisioning in Martinique; the covered market sells spices, rum, and produce that don't appear in supermarkets. Collect the boat, brief the crew on Caribbean-specific safety (squalls, reef navigation, mooring buoy attachment), and spend the afternoon anchored in the lagoon.
Day 2: Le Marin to Sainte-Anne and Grande Anse d'Arlets
Sainte-Anne is the prettiest village in southern Martinique — a small beach, a handful of restaurants, and the kind of Creole-colonial atmosphere that the tourist-heavy north of the island has lost. Anchor off the beach or take a buoy if available. Continue south in the afternoon to Grande Anse d'Arlets — a fishing village on the south-west coast where the boats are painted in the same colours as the houses and the church faces the beach.
Day 3: The Passage to St Lucia — Rodney Bay
The passage south from Martinique to St Lucia is 22 miles — comfortable in the trade wind on a broad reach, but the St Lucia Channel between the two islands can build a significant swell in strong trade conditions. Leave in the morning, arrive mid-afternoon. Clear customs and immigration at Rodney Bay Marina (officers attend the marina — straightforward). Rodney Bay is modern and well-equipped; the town of Gros Islet has a Friday night street party that runs until late.
Day 4: Rodney Bay to Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay is one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the Caribbean — a narrow entrance opening into a landlocked lagoon surrounded by coconut palms and tropical vegetation. It appeared as the setting for a British naval battle in the 1967 film Doctor Dolittle, which gives some sense of the scenery. Anchor in the outer bay or take a dock at the Marigot Bay Marina (small but well-run). The Hurricane Hole restaurant on the hillside above the marina serves the best food in St Lucia.
Day 5: Marigot Bay to Soufrière — The Pitons
The finest anchorage in St Lucia. The two volcanic spires of the Pitons — Gros Piton at 771m, Petit Piton at 743m — rise directly from the sea at Soufrière on the south-west coast. The anchorage beneath the Pitons is one of the most dramatic in the Caribbean. Moor on a National Heritage buoy off the Jalousie Beach (the buoy fee funds reef conservation) or anchor in the outer bay. The Sulphur Springs volcano above the town is the world's only drive-in volcano — a taxi from the marina takes 15 minutes. Snorkelling off the beach is exceptional.
Day 6: Soufrière — Walking and Waterfall
A day ashore. The Diamond Botanical Gardens above Soufrière has a mineral waterfall coloured ochre and gold by volcanic minerals — worth the entrance fee. The rainforest trail to the top of Petit Piton takes 3–4 hours and requires a guide. The fish market at Soufrière town has the freshest catch in St Lucia — buy for the boat or eat at the stalls by the waterfront.
Day 7: Soufrière to Vieux Fort — Return to Martinique by Ferry
Most charter operators allow one-way return by ferry from St Lucia to Martinique; confirm when booking. The ferry from Castries takes 75 minutes. Alternatively, sail north back to Rodney Bay and return the boat there if your charter allows a Martinique collection and St Lucia drop-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to clear customs between Martinique and St Lucia?
A: Yes. Martinique is French overseas territory (EU) and St Lucia is an independent Commonwealth nation — they are separate countries for customs purposes. Clear out of Martinique at Le Marin before departure and into St Lucia at Rodney Bay or Castries on arrival. Keep your ship's papers and crew passports accessible.
Q: What qualifications are recommended for this passage?
A: RYA Coastal Skipper or equivalent. The St Lucia Channel inter-island passage is straightforward in normal trade wind conditions but can be rough in strong trades or during passage of tropical disturbances. Do not attempt it in forecast conditions above Force 6.