Destination comparison
Canary Islands vs Martinique
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Canary Islands | Martinique |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Atlantic & Offshore | Caribbean |
| Peak season | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder | Mar, Oct | Nov, May |
| Sailing difficulty | moderate | moderate |
| Recommended level | intermediate | intermediate |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 18 / 16 kn | 17 / 13 kn |
| Hurricane risk | None | Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Currency | EUR | EUR |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $9,500 | $9,800 |
| Luxury tier price | $36,000 | $38,000 |
| Detail page | View → | View → |
At a Glance
Year-round trade winds (NE 15-25kt) with reliable breeze April-October. November-March has cooler weather and occasional calima (Saharan dust events). Ideal training ground for Atlantic crossing — most ARC rally boats depart from Las Palmas in November.
- • 3 base marinas
- • 4 must-visit anchorages
- • 7 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
Canary Islands averages 18 knots in winter and 16 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, Canary Islands 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: $3,800
- Mid season: $9,500
- High season: $19,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $36,000+
- 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
- Lanzarote - Papagayo beaches — White sand coves, turquoise water, steady wind
- Fuerteventura - Corralejo dunes — Sandy beaches, volcanic island hopping
- La Graciosa — Untouched, no cars; ferry or sail from Lanzarote
- Tenerife - Mount Teide — Spain's highest peak; dramatic backdrop
- 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 Canary Islands or Martinique.
Choose Martinique. Warmer water year-round (often 75–85°F), palm-fringed anchorages.
Canary Islands has 1 cultural anchorages vs Martinique's 1. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.
Captain's Take
"The Canaries are the Atlantic's wind machine - 15-25kt trades most of the year, which is glorious if you plan for it and exhausting if you don't. The classic week is Gran Canaria to Lanzarote via the channel, or a loop out of Tenerife. November-April is the charter season; summer is quieter and windier. Reef to weather early and you will have the anchorages mostly to yourself."
Timing and Budget: Canary Islands vs Martinique
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canary Islands or Martinique better for a first-time charter? ▾
Which is cheaper to charter — Canary Islands or Martinique? ▾
When is the best time to visit Canary Islands vs Martinique? ▾
How do sailing conditions compare — Canary Islands vs Martinique? ▾
Which has better flight access — Canary Islands or Martinique? ▾
Which is more beginner-friendly, Canary Islands or Martinique? ▾
Choose Between Canary Islands & Martinique
Tell us your dates and group. We'll recommend the right one — honestly.