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Guadeloupe & Martinique
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The French West Indies are conveniently located between the Leeward and Windward Islands and open up an exciting choice of cruising itineraries.
On Guadeloupe the beaches are secluded and the smell of fresh croissants and pastries mixes everywhere with the spicy aromas of West Indian cooking. Martinique also has a delightful French flavour, with many pretty seaside villages, unspoilt beaches and good snorkelling.
Where can I sail in the French West Indies?
Guadeloupe 
Around Guadeloupe, the butterfly-shaped island, you’ll find exceptional sailing and unspoilt anchorages. Visit the Jacque Cousteau Reserve and experience exceptional snorkelling and diving at nearby Pigeon Island. The islands of Marie Galante and the picturesque Iles des Saintes lie just 20nm off the south, and the mysterious island of Dominica is within easy reach to the south. For a more challenging itinerary plot a course to Antigua, 40nm to the north.
Martinique
Like Guadeloupe, Martinique is a French departement and is more relaxed than the islands to the north and more sophisticated than the islands to the south. The French influence gives well-stocked supermarkets, boulangeries and excellent Creole restaurants.
You can spend a whole week cruising the coasts of Martinique, from Sainte-Anne, the southernmost village to Saint-Pierre, famous for the 1902 volcanic eruption of Mount Pelée, sail near HMS Diamond Rock and explore the many delightful harbours and anchorages along the way. For a 2 week cruise head north to undiscovered Dominica or south to St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
What's the weather like for sailing in the French West Indies?
Best time to travel is December to May, the dry season with temperatures 27-29oC, when the trade winds are steady with winds blowing East, Northeast from 15 to 25 knots. From June to November the weather is usually warmer and more changeable with winds blowing Northeast, South from 10 to 20 knots.
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