There’s something undeniably special about exploring the Caribbean by sailboat. Our journey through Saint Lucia and Martinique combined breezy passages, colorful marine life, quiet anchorages, and plenty of great meals — all against a backdrop of volcanic peaks and turquoise water. Whether you’re planning your own charter adventure or just want to know where to stay, eat, and explore, this guide shares the real highs (and a few honest lows) from our latest trip. Let’s dive in.
Arriving in Saint Lucia we deplaned quickly on the runway and fortunately customs was a breeze for us, but passengers on the JetBlue flight that landed immediately after us probably would disagree. If you're considering the Fast Track, it's really a toss up on whether or not it is worth it - you will probably just end up waiting on your bags instead of customs, but the agents were very nice and it was exceptionally fast. The majority of my group had a private driver waiting for them who was fantastic — friendly, patient, offered information about St Lucia on the ride and even stopped at a lookout viewpoint on the way. If you're visiting St Lucia and looking for a private transportation you can click here to book now with PHVTours. Blake and I rented a car to go tour some resorts and that is something I certainly discourage, and if you're going somewhere like Jade Mountain where arriving by helicopter is an option, I recommend it.
Our first night in Rodney Bay was all about convenience. The hotel, Bay Gardens Marina Harbor, wasn’t anything to write home about — definitely a basic three-star experience — but it did the job. It had A/C, breakfast was free and surprisingly decent, and there was someone walking around pouring coffee and clearing plates, which was a nice touch. Dinner was a buffet (not included), and while the bar was small, the premade rum punch did the trick. The pool was average, but clean. All in all, an acceptable overnight option before hitting the water.
Rodney Bay itself felt safe and had a casual charm. It’s one of the few places on the island I’d actually feel comfortable walking around solo. There’s a nice little strip of restaurants, and we grabbed a bite at SeaSalt — which turned out to be one of our best meals of the trip. If you’re looking for pizza, ice cream, or something easy before heading out on a charter, this is the spot.
Check-in at The Moorings was a smooth transition into charter life. Their staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating. While they started the boat briefing early, the vessel itself wasn’t quite ready until noon. Some of our provisioning items were out of stock (lemons instead of limes, a few mix-ups on crackers and cheese), but the team was upfront and offered reasonable substitutions. Not everything was perfect, but the overall service was great and set us up for a solid start to our journey.
Arriving at Jade Mountain? Skip the drive and take a helicopter — it’s faster, smoother, and the views are unreal.
We set sail mid-afternoon for Marigot Bay, which turned out to be a great first stop. The bay is stunning, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the selection of waterfront restaurants — including Hurricane Hole — makes it easy to settle in. Dive Fair Helen delivered a fantastic dive experience, and it’s worth noting that the marina mooring ball cost us 100 ECD (plus a tip for the boat boy, who may or may not have made up that price — such is sailing life in the Caribbean).
Our next stop in Soufrière came with postcard-worthy views of Petite Piton. While it’s a breathtaking sight from the water, this is definitely an area that begs for time on land. With waterfalls to visit and hikes to enjoy, it felt like we were only scratching the surface. We paid 54 ECD to the official park ranger for our mooring, though several boat boys also appeared, expecting tips.
Our final anchorage near Pigeon Island was... fine. We didn’t make it in time to hike the trails, and much of the surrounding area is locked up by all-inclusives. With no access to provisions and a lackluster dinner, it ended up being our least favorite stop. If we had it to do over again, we’d head back to Rodney Bay for dinner and dockage instead.
Crossing from Saint Lucia to Martinique was a serious undertaking. The wind was ripping and the channel crossing was rough — but we weren’t the only ones out there. We saw everything from tiny boats braving the waves to more reasonable center consoles making the journey. Once we reached the lee side of Martinique, things calmed significantly, and it was smooth sailing along the west coast.
Our first major stop was St. Pierre. The town is charming and full of history — especially the volcanic kind — but nearly everything was closed because it was a Sunday. Still, we loved walking around, the food at Le Mix was possibly the best of the trip, and the calm water made it a peaceful anchorage. The black sand beach was striking, and while we didn’t find the snorkel-accessible wreck, we did spot a cool mermaid statue underwater. If you have the time (and it’s not a Sunday), this town is a great blend of culture and coastline.
Anse Dufour was our next snorkeling stop. The shallow reef here was surprisingly healthy, and we had a memorable turtle sighting. That said, we were swarmed by tiny, semi-invisible jellyfish that stung just enough to make it unpleasant. Combine that with fire coral near the cave entrance, and we ultimately chose not to explore the cave. Cool spot, but it came with caveats — and we’re unsure if the jellyfish were a seasonal thing or always present.
Grande Anse d’Arlet was visually stunning but sleepy — most places were closed, and the language barrier was real. That said, I did get to pick out my own live lobster, which was a win. The best snorkeling was actually around the corner at Anse d’Arlet, right off the dock in the swimming area. We saw tons of giant starfish and other colorful marine life. If we had a do-over, we’d have anchored directly there instead. We also hiked the Champagne Moet trail — a short but rewarding trek with panoramic views over both bays. The trail was well-marked and started right off the road.
In 1902, Saint-Pierre was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Pelée, which killed all but one prisoner in a stone jail cell. Today, Saint-Pierre is known as the “Pompeii of the Caribbean”
I had the chance to tour both Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain, and while they share the same dramatic hillside setting and access to two beaches, they cater to slightly different travel styles.
Anse Chastanet offers a charming, low-key experience with a laid-back island feel. The rooms are spread across lush hillside and beachside buildings, with views of the Pitons or the ocean. While the design leans more traditional and rustic, it still delivers quality and comfort, and would suit travelers who want to be close to nature without sacrificing good service, beach access, or a sense of place. It's a great fit for guests looking for an authentic Caribbean resort with character and charm.
Jade Mountain, on the other hand, is one of the most exclusive properties on the island — and for good reason. Each suite (or "sanctuary") has its own private walkway entrance, infinity pool, and open-air design with jaw-dropping views of the Pitons. The architecture is bold and artistic, with a strong focus on privacy and tranquility.
Guests at Jade Mountain enjoy full access to Anse Chastanet’s amenities plus exclusive dining venues and elevated spa and wellness services — many of which can be arranged in-room. There's also a small gym on site, morning and evening yoga, and special activities like the Thursday night sunset jazz sail that add a little magic to the experience.
Between the two properties, you also get access to two lovely beaches, one with a beach bar — perfect for lounging, snorkeling, or just soaking up the St. Lucia sun.
BodyHoliday is a wellness resort with an active heartbeat — perfect for travelers who want to recharge, stay fit, or dive into a schedule full of feel-good options. The property is large but well thought-out, with a strong emphasis on health, fitness, and personal transformation.
The activity list here is impressive: sailing, archery, tennis, yoga, a walking trail, and all kinds of fitness classes, many of which are included. There’s also a waterfront yoga deck, which I loved seeing — peaceful and beautifully positioned.
Each guest receives a complimentary spa treatment daily, with one facial included per stay. While you can choose to pay for add-ons — like premium liquor or specialty experiences — you can absolutely have a fulfilling and rejuvenating stay without them. Repeat guests are welcomed back warmly, and the vibe throughout the resort is friendly and inclusive.
Dining is another strong point, with five restaurants, including one with an upcharge. The beach is lovely, the pools are plentiful, and they’ve thought of solo travelers too, offering well-designed single rooms that don’t feel like an afterthought.
BodyHoliday also runs special themed months like Solo September and Yoga October, which are great times to visit if you want to immerse yourself in a specific focus or meet like-minded travelers. Whether you’re a yoga instructor planning a retreat or a wellness-seeker looking for your next reset, this place is worth considering.
Sailing these two islands gave us the chance to experience the Caribbean differently — from diving in Marigot Bay to lobster dinners in sleepy seaside towns in Martinique. Each stop brought something new, and even the more challenging moments (looking at you, jellyfish) added a layer of adventure.
For travelers who want to go beyond the all-inclusive and uncover what makes Saint Lucia and Martinique so memorable, this kind of itinerary is hard to beat. And whether you’re dreaming of sunset sails, resort stays, or yoga retreats, I’d love to help you plan your own version of this Caribbean escape.
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Wilton Manors, Florida
(919) 943 8918
cara@wolftravels.com
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