Day 1: Le Marin to Le Vauclin
Board ILLUSION in Le Marin Marina, Martinique. If time permits, visit Eglise du Marin, an 18th-century church built by Jesuits, which is both charming and historic. Set sail around the southern tip of Martinique and head north to Le Vauclin, a small town on the Atlantic coast. Faula Headland is a famous kitesurfing spot. The beach is especially popular for water sports enthusiasts and families. Children can paddle for long distances in shallow water.
Day 2: Le Vauclin to Le Francois
Sail north from Le Vauclin to Le Francois. There are two major attractions here. The Islets of the Bay with White Shoals, which include “Josephine’s Bath”, the favorite swimming spot of the Empress. Onshore, the magnificent Habitation Clément is among the most beautiful places in Martinique. Enjoy the botanical and sculpture garden, historic buildings, rum distillery, and tastings. Evening entertainment in town might include a traditional Martinican dance performance of the Haute Taille.
Day 3: Le Francois to Le Robert
A short sail brings you to the city of Le Robert. Visiting this Martinique paradise by charter yacht is ideal. It is famous for its many beautiful islets surrounded by white sand. Chancel islet has the remains of an old sugar plantation. Madame islet is a little gem with white sandbanks and turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and exploring the underwater scenery with snorkel or scuba dive gear.
Day 4: Le Robert to Trinité
Sample the products of Martinique at the colorful market held every day except Sunday. Set out hiking on well-marked trails to discover the exceptional fauna and flora of the peninsula of Caravelle, protected as a nature reserve. There are historic sites to explore, lovely beaches and excellent conditions for water sports fun.
Day 5: Trinité to St. Pierre
Saint-Pierre is located on the Caribbean coast at the foot of the famous Pelée mountain volcano. On May 2, 1902, Pelée’s violent eruption destroyed the town. History buffs can visit the ruins that remain, a moving reminder of this tragic event. Saint-Pierre is listed as a Town of Art and History with many interesting places to explore including the volcanological museum. Nearby, the Neisson Rhum Distillery is a must-do. Offshore is of great interest to divers. Many ships sank into the sea on the day of the greatest volcanic eruption in Martinique history.
Day 6: Saint-Pierre to Anse d’Arlet
The municipality of Les Anses-d’Arlet has three main coves. The Big Cove (Grande Anse) in the north, which has a lovely promenade with cafés and restaurants along a long, white sand beach. The Arlet Coves (Anses d’Arlet) in the center and the Small Cove (Petite Anse) in the south are perfect for a relaxing swim.
Day 7: Anse d’Arlet to Ste Anne
Ste Anne is very close to Le Marin, so a perfect final destination. It is a colorful fishing village known for its picturesque houses and beautiful beaches. The seafront has bungalows, bars, restaurants and a typical market that takes place every morning.
Take your camera on a coastal hike of the Capes Trail, which reaches the famous picture-postcard beach of Salines. Nearby, nature-lovers can admire some remarkable protected sites like the Petrification Savannah, or the Salines pond, a sanctuary for many migrant birds. In the evening, savor the blazing Martinique sunset with farewell sundowners and imagine what new adventures you’ll have on your return.
ABOUT THE YACHT
ILLUSION is a brand new, Nautitech 46 Open sailing catamaran. It’s easy to see why Captain Bruno, an owner-operator with years of Caribbean charter experience, chose this build above all others.
This high-tech yacht offers an enormous amount of indoor-outdoor living space. On the main deck, everything is on one level without steps: galley, lounge and dining areas. This makes circulation around the yacht safer and easier when under sail.
Of the four guest cabins, two have king beds and two have queen beds. Each is ensuite, with toilet and shower, iPod dock and electric fan. There’s ample natural light and ventilation thanks to hull windows and plenty of overhead hatches.
Forward, the trampolines are the favorite spot for riding the waves. Aft, the cockpit lounge boasts ample space for up to 12 people. Overall, if you’re charter requirements include performance sailing and luxury living, ILLUSION will delight you. ILLUSION Brochure
ABOUT THE CREW
For discerning clients seeking an elegant charter in Martinique, Captain Bruno is the perfect host. He recently retired as the CEO of the second-largest French newspaper, Sud Ouest, and now lives in Martinique. After 30 years in the press corps, he has returned to his first passion for yachting and sailing.
Bruno’s daughter Jessica is the talented Chef on board. While she excels at French and Mediterranean cuisine, she can easily adapt her menu to suit any guest preferences. She is also an accomplished sailor, having sailed with her family since she was a toddler. The two get consistently rave reviews from guests who are always made to feel at home.
Contact Select Yachts today to book an amazing charter in Martinique. More than a vacation, it’s a world-class adventure.
