French Caribbean fact file

The islands all enjoy a warm, tropical climate, although St Barth’s and St Martin are generally much drier than the others.

January to June is typically drier and windier with relatively cool nights. The hurricane season is from July to October/November. ‘Christmas Winds’ from December to January keep a few yachts in port, but the cruising is usually terrific.

Immigration
Visitors must have a valid passport and some nationalities need a French Antillean visa. US and EU citizens do not need visas, but other nationals should check with their local French Embassy if they need one.

For all entry details, contact: consulat@ambafrance-sg.org

Pets
Cats and dogs over three months old may be admitted temporarily with certificates of origin and good health and proof of anti-rabies inoculation.

Nautical rules and regulations
Formalities are free on St Barth’s, Martinique and Guadeloupe, and yachts must have the original document of national registration. Picking up and dropping off charter guests is free.

Foreign-flagged vessels can only do international charters. Charters from the French side of St Martin to St Barth’s and back are permitted only for French-flagged vessels.

ST BARTH’S

By air
There are no direct flights. International flights arrive into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) located in St Maarten (Netherlands, Antilles) where passengers transfer to the short (10-12 minute) flight to St Barth’s Gustave III Airport located on the island’s north coast. The descent is an adventure for the faint-hearted, necessitating a pass through a narrow break in a hilltop and a landing on the 280 metre runway that ends on St Jean beach.

Gustave III Airport (only open in daylight)
T: +590 590 276541

By ferry/water taxi
For those who would rather avoid the short flight, several inter-island high-speed (45 minute) ferry services operate regularly between St Maartin and St Barth’s.

Voyager Ferry (daily travel between St Martin, St Barth’s and Saba)
T: +590 590 275410
www.voyager-st-barths.com

Master Ski Pilou (private water taxi transfer from St Barth’s to St Maarten Juliana Airport and Anguilla)
T: +590 590 279 179
F: +590 590 275570
www.masterski-pilou.com

By yacht
No customs as St Barth’s is a duty-free zone. Immigration is handled at the port office in Gustavia. It is possible to clear in and out at the same time for stays of up to 24 hours.

Gustavia Port Office
VHF: Ch 12
T: +590 590 276697
F: +590 590 278154

MARTINIQUE

By air
Le Lamentin is Martinique’s large, ultra-modern international airport. In season, there are four to six daily flights from Paris. American Eagle operates daily flights to/from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Air France has daily flights to Miami. The airport enjoys H24 status, which allows planes to land 24 hours a day without prior authorisation. The airport also has a heliport available, with two other heliports located at Trois-Ilets and Habitation Clément, respectively. Note that authorisation is required to take off and land from different spots on the island.

Le Lamentin Airport
T: +596 596 421995 or +596 596 421996 or +596 596 421600

By ferry
Ferries from Fort de France to Dominica, Guadeloupe, Les Saintes and Marie-Galante.

Brudley Frères
T: +596 596 700850
www.brudey-freres.fr

L’Express des Iles
T: +0 825 359 000
www.express-des-iles.com

West Indies Company Maritime
T: +596 596 749338

Martinique customs, immigration and clearance
Douglas Rapier
Superyacht agent Douglas Rapier can organise electronic clearance (along with everything else from taxi to restaurant reservations, technical problems and provisioning).
M: +596 696 458975
T: +596 596 521428
E: douglas.rapier@orange.fr

Trois-Ilets
Marina Ponton du Bakoua
T: +596 596 661730
F: +596 596 661546

Le Marin
Marin Yacht Harbour Marina
T: +596 596 749164
F: +596 596 747032

Saint Pierre
Cyber Café l’Escapade
T: +596 596 781586

Brigade de Surveillance
T: +596 596 781011
F: +596 596 782864

Trinité
Brigade de Surveillance
T: +596 596 580399
F: +596 596 581795

GUADELOUPE

By air
Guadeloupe’s Pole Caraïbes International Airport is a short ride from the Bas-du-Fort Marina and Pointe-à-Pitre. There are daily flights from Paris and two flights per day from Puerto Rico. Air France flights to Miami several times a week as does Air Canada to Montreal. Pole Caraïbes has H24 status.

Pole Caraïbes International Airport
T: +590 590 211 472

By ferry
Brudey Frères
T: +590 590 900448
www.brudey-freres.fr

Caribbean Spirit
T: +590 590 574574

L’Express des Iles
T: +590 590 831245
www.express-des-iles.com

Guadeloupe customs, immigration & clearance
It is possible to clear customs directly in Les Saintes. Yachts coming from Guadeloupe do not need to clear customs again.

Deshaies
T: +590 590 284119

St Francois
T: +590 590 884076

ST MARTIN

By air
There are two airports on St Martin/St Maarten: L’Espérance on the French side for flights from Guadeloupe, Martinique and St Barth’s; and the larger Princess Juliana International on the Dutch side.

L’Espérance Airport
T: +590 590 590447

Princess Juliana International Airport
T: +599 546 7542

By ferry
A terminal at Marigot Harbour offers ferry service to St Barth’s and Anguilla.
T: +590 590 275410

By yacht
HAZARDS
Between Point du Bluff and Marina Port Royale: when entering from the northwest at night, keep a sharp eye out for the very large mooring buoy (about 2.4 metres across). It has no lights and appears on few charts.

Grand Case Beach: watch out for two unmarked rocks on this approach.

Tintamare: Spanish Rock is an unmarked reef area just west of Tintamare. This does not break in calm water but is on navigational aids.

St Martin customs, immigration & clearance
The main customs office is next to the ferry dock on the harbour. All visiting yachts must clear in and out with Border Police Marigot (SPAF) (Immigration).
T: +590 590 292933

Marinas, ports and anchorages

ST BARTH’S

Marina
Port de Gustavia
Quai General de Gaulle, Gustavia, 97133
LAT/LONG: 17°53.9’N/62°51.4’W
Maximum length: 60m
Maximum draught: 4.6m
Maximum beam: 12m
Berthing: Stern-to
Extras: Power, water, fuel, parking, security, WiFi
Contact: No reservations, call ‘Port de Gustavia’ on VHF Ch 12 before coming in.
T: +590 590 276697
F: +590 590 27 8154
E: port.de.gustavia@wanadoo.fr

Anchorages
Gustavia Harbour
Pristine anchorage and easy access to the village. Great snorkelling around La Baleine and Gros Ilets.

Colombier
Lovely secluded bay not easily accessed from the shore. Excellent snorkelling. Hike to Anse Flamand.

Ile Fourche
Protected anchorage a few miles north-west of St. Barth’s. Excellent snorkelling close to the rocks.

Yachts can also anchor off Shell Beach, St Jean or Saline Beach when weather permits.

MARTINIQUE

Marinas
Marin Yacht Harbour
Capitainerie, Le Marin, FYI, Martinique 97290
LAT/LONG: 14º28’N/60º52’W
Maximum length: 55m
Maximum draught: 4.7m
Maximum beam: 13m
Berthing: Alongside & Stern-to
Extras: Power, water, fuel, parking, security, WiFi
T: +596 596 748383
F: +596 596 749220
E: port.marin@wanadoo.fr

Marina du Bakoua
**NOTE
The marina was damaged during Hurricane Omar on 17 October 2008. To date, access is closed and rebuilding works have not yet started.
LAT/LONG: 14º33.4677N/61º02.9591W
Maximum length: 60m
Maximum draught: 6m
T: +596 596 661010 (office)
T: +596 596 661730 (marina and fuel dock)
F: +596 596 661546
E: leponton@wanadoo.fr

Anchorages
Many anchorages are available around the island.

LEEWARD NORTH TO SOUTH
Anse Couleuvre
At the north tip, this gorgeous black beach tucked at the edge of the rain forest is suitable for a day anchorage. Excellent snorkelling in transparent water.

St Pierre
A deep bay that is a popular overnight anchorage but can be rolly. A victim of the 1902 volcanic eruption, the once-thriving village never recovered, but the ruins and museum are worth a visit.

Fort de France
Yachts can anchor in Baie des Flamands, just in front of the downtown area, to enjoy the activities ashore.

Pointe du Bout
On the south side of the Baie de Fort de France, this is one of the most popular anchorages and is also a touristy area with shops and restaurants. The highly acclaimed Marina du Bakoua offers several berths for superyachts (see Marinas***).

Anse Noire and Anse Dufour
These two narrow coves, separated by a small peninsula, offer a pleasant day anchorage with good snorkelling.

Grande Anse d’Arlet
Good snorkelling and diving, with bars and restaurants ashore.

Anse Chaudière
Lovely day anchorage with great snorkelling.

Le Marin Bay
Surrounded by hills and mangroves, this is one of the most protected and nicest bays in the Caribbean. The channel entrance is well marked. Home to Marin Yacht Harbour marina (see Marinas).

Ste Anne
Yachts can anchor in front of Ste Anne’s Club Med. The Ste Anne village is lovely, with quaint buildings and a colourful church. Beach, watersports, and catching the sunset over the Diamond Rock are worth a visit.

WINDWARD NORTH TO SOUTH
Martinique’s windward side is seldom visited, making it one of the Caribbean’s last hidden treasures.

Baie du Gallion
Tucked away on La Caravelle peninsula, Baie du Gallion is a quiet spot with fantastic views and spectacular sunsets.

Havre du Robert
Dramatic scenery and crystal-clear water set the scene for this anchorage under Ilet Ramville. The reef of Ilet Eau is close, offering great snorkelling and sunbathing on the white sand beach.

Frégate
The Frégate Cul de Sac is surrounded by gorgeous islands and feels like the Grenadines with no crowds. Several islands are inhabited, and Ilet Oscar boasts a wonderful Creole mansion transformed into a guest house. Close by, the shallow waters of Baignoire dé Joséphine is a favourite with the kids. The anchorage offers myriad activities, from paddling to snorkelling and even surfing.

GUADELOUPE

Marina
Bas-du-Fort Marina
Point-à-Pitre, 97110 Guadeloupe
LAT/LONG: 16˚13.1’N/61˚31.5’W
Maximum length: 58m
Maximum draught: 5m
Maximum beam: 20m
Berthing: Stern-to for 20 yachts up to 30m in length.
Extras: Fuel, water, sewage removal, electricity, parking, security, ISPS, WiFi
VHF: Ch 09
T: +590 590 90 8740
F: +590 590 90 8153
E: info@marinabf@loret.net
www.caribbean-marinas.com

Anchorages

BASSE TERRE
Anse Deshaies
A popular and protected anchorage on the northwest of Basse Terre. Be sure to stop to eat at Le Poisson Rouge.

Ilet Pigeon
Home of the Cousteau Marine Park, a diver’s paradise. The overnight anchorage is off Malendure Beach.

Anse à la Barque
Lovely cove with good snorkelling.

Grande Terre
Shallow-draught yachts can find nice anchorages here and enjoy its beautiful beaches.

Ilet Gosier
Just outside Bas-du-Fort Marina, this green island is kept out of reach by its 3m depth.

Ste Anne
Lovely village with a daily open-air market and beautiful beaches. Low-draught yachts can anchor in front of the village.

St Francois
Located east of Ste Anne, low-draught yachts can anchor. The reef is gorgeous.

Les Saintes

Ilet Cabrit
This tiny island offers a quiet anchorage but the most popular anchorage is in front of Le Bourg.

Pain de Sucre
A spectacular piton offering great snorkelling in turquoise waters.

Anse de Boi Joli
A great place to spend the day snorkelling followed by a drink on the Hotel Bois Joli’s terrace.

ST MARTIN

Marinas
Please be aware that the smaller marinas have limited availability and draught.

Marina Fort-Louis
Baie de Marigot, St. Martin 97150
LAT/LONG: 18˚04.1’N/63˚05.4’W
Maximum length: 60m
Maximum draught: there is a 3.5m controlling draught but some deeper slips are available.
Maximum beam: no limit
Berthing: Alongside & Stern-to
Extras: Electricity, fresh water, fuel, sewage removal, telephone, parking, security, WiFi
VHF: Ch 16
T: +590 590 511111
F: +590 590 51 1112
E: marinafortlouis@wanadoo.fr
www.marinafortlouis.com

Captain Oliver’s Marina and Restaurant
Oyster Pond, St Martin 97150
Extras: Electricity, fuel, fresh water
VHF: Ch 67
T: +599 581 0790 or +599 523 4770
www.captainolivers.com

Radisson Marina at Anse Marcel
LAT/LONG: 18˚07’N/63˚02’W
Maximum length: 27m
Extras: Electricity, fresh water, security, WiFi
VHF: Ch 16
T: +590 590 873 194
www.radissonmarinastmartin.com

Power
As in France, with the same plugs: 220 Volts and 60 Hertz. Because the islands are a part of France, they enjoy modern roads and infrastructure, as well as a higher standard of living than their Caribbean counterparts. They also boast the best medical facilities in the Lesser Antilles.

Medical

ST BARTH’S
One small hospital, Hospital de Bruyn, is located in Gustavia, and has less than 10 resident doctors. Pharmacies are located in Gustavia, St Jean and La Savane.

MARTINIQUE
The island’s largest hospital is Hospital Pierre Zobda Quikman, but there are over 20 hospitals and clinics on the island, and specialists are available. Pharmacies can be found in Fort-de-France and elsewhere.

GUADELOUPE
Guadeloupe is home to five modern hospitals and 23 clinics. A 24-hour emergency room is available at Le Centre Hôpitalier Universitaire de Pointe-à-Pitre.

Roads and Driving
ST BARTH’S
There is no public transportation system on the island and taxis are scarce. Renting a car is recommended if you wish to explore the island and visit the many shops and restaurants located outside of Gustavia. All of the major car rental agencies are represented –located at the airport – and accept major credit cards with a valid driver’s license.

Events

ST BARTH’S
New Year’s Eve
St Barth’s is the place to be to celebrate the New Year in style, but make your travel arrangements well in advance, as securing a berth or hotel room on short notice is nearly impossible. For the superyacht set, New Year’s sees the world’s largest gathering of superyachts and a most impressive ‘Who’s Who’ list.

St Barth’s Music Festival (January)
This prestigious music festival features prominent jazz and classical musicians as well as modern and classical ballets.

Carnival (February/March)
Held for the two weeks preceeding Ash Wednesday. Colourful events, costumed parades on Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday.

Saint Barth’s Bucket Regatta (end March)
The renowned superyacht regatta draws more than 30 yachts over 30 meters in length each year.
Contact: Hank Halsted
T: 1 (401) 848.5500
E: hank@nandj.com
www.bucketregattas.com

Fete de Saint Barthelemy (24 August)
In honour of the island’s patron saint, boat blessings, regatta and fireworks, concluded with a public ball.

MARTINIQUE

Mardi Gras

Chanté Nwèl (Christmas parties)

Collectively known as the French West Indies or French Caribbean, St Barth’s, St Martin, Guadeloupe and Martinique are a taste of France in the tropics. As French overseas Départements, Martinique and Guadeloupe enjoy essentially the same status as mainland France; while St Barth’s and St Martin are overseas collectivities, a status that affords them more autonomy.

ST BARTH’S
No other island in the world can match the unique blend of style, history and nature that St Barth’s offers. A favourite hideaway of sophisticated travellers and jetsetters, St Barth’s is both beautiful and casually elegant. While tourism has increased in recent years, on-island development has been harmonious, thanks to building restrictions. The natives are descendants of the early French settlers from Brittany and Normandy: predominantly fisherman but moreso focused on the main economic stimulus: tourism. As recent as 40 years ago, most homes did not have power or water, and there were almost no cars, hotels or restaurants. Today St Barth’s boasts numerous gourmet restaurants, top-notch hotels and spas, beautiful boutiques, and more than 20 gorgeous beaches.

History
Saint-Bathelemy, also called St Bart’s, St Barts, St Barth or St Barth’s, was discovered in 1493 by Colombus who named it after his brother, Bartolomeo. The island remained relatively ignored until the late 17th century, when it was settled by peasants from Brittany and Normandy who overcame the native Carib Indian resistance. Except for a brief military takeover by the British in 1758, St Barth’s remained French until 1784, when it was sold to Sweden and its capital renamed Gustavia, after their king, Gustav III. The island was sold back to France in 1878. In 1946, St Barth’s was given the legal status of a French oversees Département and officially became part of Guadeloupe (and the European Union). In 2007 it was granted overseas Collectivite (COM) status (along with St. Martin) and seceded from Guadeloupe.

MARTINIQUE
The Creole culture is predominant and influences the island’s cuisine, music and traditions. While the economy is thriving, high-end tourism is not the main focus here. Visitors are drawn to Martinique to enjoy its natural beauty, rich culture and history, and to experience a ‘breath of civilization.’

History
Known as L’ille aux Fleurs, this second largest island of the lesser Antilles was discovered in 1502 by Colombus but has been largely under French rule since its colonisation and has enjoyed a colourful and intense history. In 1902 a volcanic eruption destroyed St Pierre, the then-flourishing and elegant capital known as the ‘Paris of the West Indies.’ In 1946, Martinique became a Département d’outre Mer (DOM) of France, which helped to elevate its standard of infrastructure.

GUADELOUPE
Shaped like a butterfly, Guadeloupe is comprised of two islands—Grande Terre and Basse Terre—separated by a narrow river, and is part of an archipelago that includes the neighbouring islands of Les Saintes, Marie Gallante and La Desirade.

A Département of France since 1946, Guadeloupe enjoys a high standard of living compared to the rest of the Caribbean. The region is home to many writers, artists, dancers and musicians. No glamorous resorts or fancy restaurants here, but the chance to discover a unique blend of France and the tropics in an unspoiled and beautiful setting.

History
The Arawaks, a peaceful Indian tribe of fishermen, were the first known inhabitants of Guadeloupe, but were eliminated by the cannibalistic warrior Caribes in the 9th century. Columbus discovered the island in 1493 and named it after a Spanish monastery: Santa Maria de Guadalupe de Extremadura. The French took control in 1635 and subsequently imported African slaves to work on the sugar, coffee and cocoa plantations. The British took over the island in the mid 18th century, but the Treaty of Paris returned it to the French in 1763.

ST MARTIN
St Martin is the official name of the French (north and larger) half of the island of St Martin/St Maarten, the smallest island in the world under the governance of two countries – France and The Netherlands. Until recently, St Martin was a commune of Guadeloupe, but received COM (overseas collectivity) status in 2007 and is now its own administrative government as part of France and the EU. The French side remains less developed than the Dutch side, and the emphasis is on comfort and elegance: the beaches are secluded, the luxury resorts provide lavish accommodation, and the restaurants offer the finest dining experiences anywhere in the Caribbean. Attractions include the nature reserve covering the island’s north end and the museum located in the original Fort St Louis overlooking Marigot.

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