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Within the same region

Antigua vs Martinique

Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.

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Quick Comparison

Dimension Antigua Martinique
Region Caribbean Caribbean
Peak season Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Shoulder Nov, May Nov, May
Sailing difficulty moderate moderate
Recommended level intermediate intermediate
Avg wind (winter / summer) 17 / 13 kn 17 / 13 kn
Hurricane risk Aug, Sep, Oct Aug, Sep, Oct
Currency XCD (pegged to USD) EUR
Mid-tier price (7 days) $11,000 $9,800
Luxury tier price $42,000 $38,000
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At a Glance

Caribbean
Antigua

365-beach island. Stronger winds than BVI; Antigua Sailing Week late April. Cross to Barbuda for pink-sand beach.

  • • 3 base marinas
  • • 4 must-visit anchorages
  • • 31 boats in our fleet database for this region
Caribbean
Martinique

Strong winds on Caribbean side; Atlantic coast swells. Le Marin is the largest sailing hub in French Antilles. Some provisioning in French, less English than BVI.

  • • 2 base marinas
  • • 4 must-visit anchorages
  • • 31 boats in our fleet database for this region

Sailing Conditions

Antigua averages 17 knots in winter and 13 knots in summer. Hurricane risk runs Aug, Sep, Oct — outside these months the sailing is generally dependable.

Martinique averages 17 knots in winter and 13 knots in summer. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct.

In terms of sailing difficulty, Antigua is generally rated moderate and Martinique is moderate. They're at the same level — your decision will hinge on route and vibe, not on whether you can handle the conditions.

Cost Comparison

For a 7-day charter of a typical 45-ft catamaran (4 cabins, sleeps 8):

Antigua
  • Low season: $4,200
  • Mid season: $11,000
  • High season: $21,000
  • Luxury / crewed peak: $42,000+
Martinique
  • Low season: $3,800
  • Mid season: $9,800
  • High season: $19,000
  • Luxury / crewed peak: $38,000+

Bareboat base rates. Crewed typically adds ~$1,500/day (captain + hostess). Prices exclude fuel, provisioning, mooring fees, gratuity.

Anchorages & Must-Do

Antigua
  • English Harbour / Nelson's Dockyard (UNESCO) — Historic British naval base
  • Shirley Heights — Sunset parties Sunday
  • Barbuda lagoon — Frigate bird sanctuary
  • Prickly Pear Island — Day trip from Jolly Harbour
Martinique
  • Baie du Carbet — Volcanic backdrop
  • Anses d'Arlet — Authentic Creole vibe
  • Les Salines — Long white sand
  • Saint-Pierre — Ruins of volcanic destruction 1902

Which Should You Choose?

If you've never chartered before

Both work for first-timers. The default choice for the industry is BVI; choose that unless you have specific reasons to prefer Antigua or Martinique.

If you want warmer / tropical water

Both sit in warm waters — temperature is broadly similar. The differentiator is which coast or chain: Antigua vs Martinique. Read the must-visit lists above.

If you want history / culture / food

Antigua has 1 cultural anchorages vs Martinique's 1. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.

Timing and Budget: Antigua vs Martinique

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Antigua or Martinique better for a first-time charter? ▾
Neither is a "first-charter" pick — both lean intermediate. Consider starting in BVI or Greece before tackling Antigua/Martinique.
Which is cheaper to charter — Antigua or Martinique? ▾
Martinique is the cheaper of the two at the mid-tier: ~$9,800/week vs ~$11,000/week for Antigua. Bareboat low-season starts around $3,800 in Martinique vs $4,200 in Antigua.
When is the best time to visit Antigua vs Martinique? ▾
Antigua: peak Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr; shoulder Nov, May; off Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Martinique: peak Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr; shoulder Nov, May; off Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Both are Caribbean-style (peak = Dec–Apr).
How do sailing conditions compare — Antigua vs Martinique? ▾
Antigua: typical winter winds 17 knots, summer 13 knots. Sailing difficulty: moderate. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct. Martinique: typical winter winds 17 knots, summer 13 knots. Sailing difficulty: moderate. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct.
Which has better flight access — Antigua or Martinique? ▾
Antigua: V.C. Bird International (ANU), also Connection through SJU. Martinique: Martinique Aimé Césaire (FDF), also Connection through FDF.
Which is more beginner-friendly, Antigua or Martinique? ▾
Both are accessible to first-time charterers (intermediate and intermediate respectively). Many charterers combine both on one trip.
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