Destination comparison
Brazil vs Martinique
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Brazil | Martinique |
|---|---|---|
| Region | South America & Galápagos | Caribbean |
| Peak season | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder | Apr, Nov | Nov, May |
| Sailing difficulty | moderate | moderate |
| Recommended level | intermediate | intermediate |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 15 / 10 kn | 17 / 13 kn |
| Hurricane risk | None | Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Currency | BRL (Brazilian Real) | EUR |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $16,000 | $9,800 |
| Luxury tier price | $75,000 | $38,000 |
| Detail page | View → | View → |
At a Glance
Brazil's charter belt runs from Angra dos Reis south of Rio up to Bahia. December-March is the sunny, settled season; June-November trade winds freshen on the north-east coast - the window for Noronha and Abrolhos. Crewed catamarans dominate, with a growing bareboat scene out of Paraty.
- • 2 base marinas
- • 3 must-visit anchorages
- • 8 boats in our fleet database for this region
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
Brazil averages 15 knots in winter and 10 knots in summer. There's no hurricane season, which makes year-round planning easier.
Martinique averages 17 knots in winter and 13 knots in summer. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct.
In terms of sailing difficulty, Brazil 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):
- Low season: $6,000
- Mid season: $16,000
- High season: $38,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $75,000+
- 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
- Fernando de Noronha — UNESCO marine park with Brazil's clearest water and strict daily visitor caps
- Ilha Grande & Paraty — Colonial town, rainforest-clad islands and 300+ beaches inside a sheltered bay
- Abrolhos Marine National Park — Whale nursery June-November and the South Atlantic's richest reef system
- 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?
Both work for first-timers. The default choice for the industry is BVI; choose that unless you have specific reasons to prefer Brazil or Martinique.
Both sit in warm waters — temperature is broadly similar. The differentiator is which coast or chain: Brazil vs Martinique. Read the must-visit lists above.
Brazil has 0 cultural anchorages vs Martinique's 1. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.
Captain's Take
"Think of Brazil's charter coast in two halves. December-March is Paraty and Angra: warm, sheltered, party-lite island hopping between green mountains. June-November is the north-east trade-wind season and the window for Fernando de Noronha - clearer water but you earn it with a 300nm offshore leg from Recife. For most first-timers to Brazil, Paraty is the right introduction."
Timing and Budget: Brazil vs Martinique
Frequently Asked Questions
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Choose Between Brazil & Martinique
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