Destination comparison
Martinique vs Seychelles
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Martinique | Seychelles |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Caribbean | Indian Ocean |
| Peak season | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder | Nov, May | May, Oct, Nov |
| Sailing difficulty | moderate | moderate to difficult |
| Recommended level | intermediate | intermediate to advanced |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 17 / 13 kn | 16 / 17 kn |
| Hurricane risk | Aug, Sep, Oct | Jan, Feb, Mar |
| Currency | EUR | SCR (pegged to EUR) |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $9,800 | $14,000 |
| Luxury tier price | $38,000 | $60,000 |
| Detail page | View → | View → |
At a Glance
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
Steady SE trade winds May-October (winter for southern hemisphere calm). Reaches across open ocean between islands; reefy anchorages. Small charter infrastructure; book crewed.
- • 2 base marinas
- • 4 must-visit anchorages
- • 11 boats in our fleet database for this region
Sailing Conditions
Martinique averages 17 knots in winter and 13 knots in summer. Hurricane risk runs Aug, Sep, Oct — outside these months the sailing is generally dependable.
Seychelles averages 16 knots in winter and 17 knots in summer. Hurricane risk: Jan, Feb, Mar.
In terms of sailing difficulty, Martinique is generally rated moderate and Seychelles is moderate to difficult. The difference matters: Seychelles asks more of the skipper — confidence at the helm and some experience with coastal navigation helps.
Cost Comparison
For a 7-day charter of a typical 45-ft catamaran (4 cabins, sleeps 8):
- Low season: $3,800
- Mid season: $9,800
- High season: $19,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $38,000+
- Low season: $5,500
- Mid season: $14,000
- High season: $28,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $60,000+
Bareboat base rates. Crewed typically adds ~$1,500/day (captain + hostess). Prices exclude fuel, provisioning, mooring fees, gratuity.
Anchorages & Must-Do
- Baie du Carbet — Volcanic backdrop
- Anses d'Arlet — Authentic Creole vibe
- Les Salines — Long white sand
- Saint-Pierre — Ruins of volcanic destruction 1902
- La Digue - Anse Source d'Argent — Iconic granite boulders; top photo
- Praslin - Vallée de Mai (UNESCO) — Coco de mer palm
- Cousin Island — Bird sanctuary
- Aldabra Atoll (UNESCO) — Giant tortoise habitat (expedition yachts only)
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 Martinique or Seychelles.
Both sit in warm waters — temperature is broadly similar. The differentiator is which coast or chain: Martinique vs Seychelles. Read the must-visit lists above.
Martinique has 1 cultural anchorages vs Seychelles's 0. Pick by what kind of stop you want between swims.
Timing and Budget: Martinique vs Seychelles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Martinique or Seychelles better for a first-time charter? ▾
Which is cheaper to charter — Martinique or Seychelles? ▾
When is the best time to visit Martinique vs Seychelles? ▾
How do sailing conditions compare — Martinique vs Seychelles? ▾
Which has better flight access — Martinique or Seychelles? ▾
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Choose Between Martinique & Seychelles
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