Martinique, Dominica, Guadeloupe 8 days cruise
Cruise Martinique, Dominica, Guadeloupe

Meet at the Marin pier, in the south of Martinique, to board your catamaran starting at 6 p.m. You'll meet the crew and your fellow travelers over a welcome drink. The captain will present the cruise program and safety instructions. After dinner, you'll set sail for a nighttime cruise in the Caribbean Sea, along the coast of Martinique, all the way to the north of the island. Your captain will drop anchor at Anse Céron or Anse Couleuvre to end the night in one of the quietest and wildest spots in Madinina.

At dawn, Anse Céron, nestled at the foot of Mount Pelée, awakens in a soft light, nestled between black volcanic sand and gently swaying coconut palms. From the catamaran, you can hear the song of tropical birds. An early morning dip gives you the rare feeling of having the beach to yourself, with the jungle as a backdrop. After a relaxing morning in this wild setting, depart for Dominica. A beautiful sail of about four hours, with perhaps a few dolphins along the way. Nicknamed "the nature island," Dominica is one of the most unspoiled islands in the Caribbean archipelago. Its wild coastline reveals a rare lush tropical vegetation, stretching over steep peaks, adorned with majestic waterfalls, and home to a volcano with a perpetually bubbling lake. In this almost untouched setting, the last descendants of the Carib Indians still live, as do fishing communities who continue to sail the seas aboard their traditional gommiers. Unique in the world, Dominica is the only place where sperm whales reside year-round. The ideal time to observe them is between November and March, when the females give birth.

 The possibilities for discovery and activities are endless: 365 rivers, waterfalls and natural hot springs, a national park, as well as some of the most preserved seabeds in the Caribbean. We will sail along the west coast of the island, passing Roseau, the small capital with its colorful houses and lively bay. At the end of the day, enjoy a drink on deck, in the lee of Dominica, as the sun sets over the horizon: the perfect atmosphere. 

At Mero Beach, a superb beach of shimmering black volcanic sand, lined with coconut palms, you will be welcomed by a relaxed and authentic atmosphere. The atmosphere is friendly, often punctuated by family laughter and Caribbean music emanating from the small beach bars. 

Dinner and overnight stay at anchor in Mero.

After breakfast, indulge in a moment of communion with nature on an optional excursion. Included in the itinerary: a dip in the Wotten Waven Hot Springs, a swim in the magnificent Titou Gorge, and a marvel at Trafalgar Falls. This half-day excursion is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in Dominica's natural paradise.

 Return aboard your catamaran for lunch. In the afternoon, the catamaran will depart Mero Beach for Dominica's second port of call: the charming town of Portsmouth, in Prince Rupert Bay. 

For sunset, a hike to the remains of Fort Shirley, overlooking the bay, is a perfect choice.

 Dinner and overnight at anchor in Portsmouth.
 

Depart early in the morning for another excursion (optional) into the interior of the natural island, along the Indian River. It takes its name from the Kalinago people, formerly known as Carib Indians, who lived along its banks. This river was a natural passage to the Caribbean Sea for them and played an essential role in their daily lives, particularly for transporting goods traded with sailors and inhabitants of neighboring islands. Surrounded by mangroves and dominated by the impressive bwa mang, this river is one of the most emblematic of Dominica's 365 waterways. Aboard traditional boats guided by experienced boatmen, you will glide peacefully through this rich ecosystem, between lush vegetation and discreet wildlife. Film buffs will recognize some of the filming locations from the movie Pirates of the Caribbean, which immortalized the mysterious atmosphere of the site. 

After lunch on board, head north towards the archipelago of Les Saintes, which you will reach at sunset. Keep your eyes peeled while sailing; it's not uncommon to spot whales and dolphins! 

Dinner and overnight at anchor in the Bay of Les Saintes.

The Saintes archipelago, located off the southern coast of Guadeloupe, is a true jewel of the Caribbean. Famous throughout the region, its bay is listed among the three most beautiful in the world. The archipelago is also distinguished by the uniqueness of its population, some of whom have distant Breton origins, giving the place a unique and captivating atmosphere. Many sailors, charmed by this exceptional setting, have made it their home.

 Its nine islands and islets, only two of which are inhabited, offer a multitude of anchorages for boaters, along beaches and coves, each more unique than the last. These include the famous Pompierre Beach, with its small restaurants at the entrance, Anse du Figuier, Anse Crawen, and more. 

To fully enjoy this day in this unique archipelago, rent a bike and explore Terre-de-Haut. Take the time to taste a "Tourment d'amour," a delicious local pastry specialty, and learn about the artisanal production of "Saintoises," the small fishing boats typical of the archipelago. 

Dinner and overnight at anchor in the archipelago.

After breakfast, you'll depart Les Saintes for the island of Marie-Galante, which you'll reach in the late morning. Nicknamed "the big pancake" (la grande galette) in reference to its low relief, or "the island of a hundred mills," Marie-Galante charms its visitors with its authenticity, its easygoing lifestyle, and the friendliness of its inhabitants. It's said to resemble Guadeloupe fifty years ago. Aside from its picturesque villages and countryside, Marie-Galante offers numerous white-sand beaches lined with coconut palms, among the most beautiful in the Antilles, and several turquoise lagoons where your catamaran can anchor for your enjoyment. 

Depending on your current mood, you can explore the island, including one of its three famous rum distilleries—such as the Poisson distillery, which produces the rum of Père Labat, the inventor of the distillation method still used today—or indulge in the pleasures of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. 

Dinner and overnight at anchor in Marie-Galante.

You'll have the morning to enjoy the beautiful Anse Canot beach. After lunch, head south of Grande-Terre to reach the islet of Gosier. The catamaran will anchor in the bay, near the islet and the coast. 

You can head back to the shore to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the waterfront. Beach bars, Creole restaurants, and a craft market: Gosier comes alive in the evening.

 Dinner and overnight at anchor in Gosier.

During breakfast, a short sail will take you from the islet of Gosier to the marina Bas-du-Fort for disembarkation at 9 a.m.