Port of Basse-Pointe

Port of Basse-Pointe: in the far north of Martinique on the Atlantic side

When people visit the North of the island, they often head to the beaches of Trinité or explore the ruins of Saint-Pierre. However, they might overlook the beautiful town of Basse-Pointe, which has its own unique attractions, including its famous fishing port that's worth spending some time exploring!

Port of Basse-Pointe: A Brief Overview of This Charming Little Paradise

Just behind the town's charming church and its seaside cemetery in the center, you'll find the port. Once a transit point for sugar cane during the colonial period, it's now a lively and friendly place. Fishermen, surfers, and strollers engage in friendly conversations about various topics, including the town itself!

A Little History of the Port of Basse-Pointe

This former wharf was reinforced in 1895. Long before that, it saw the comings and goings of foreign travelers and various goods, including the island's prized sugarcane, which was a true culinary treasure. This facilitated the expansion of culinary horizons for populations in European countries and beyond. A plaque engraved with the date of the last reconstruction was installed to commemorate the activities that took place here.

Port of Basse-Pointe: A Beloved Spot for Surfers

Nestled beneath an impressive cliff and protected by a breakwater, this tranquil spot is a favorite for surfers who enjoy swimming and braving the Atlantic Ocean's waves, all under the warm sun. Surf enthusiasts appreciate riding the waves here during cyclonic depressions between July and September.

The spot, also known as "Le Chaudron," benefits from north to northwest swells under ideal conditions. It hosts the most consistent wave in Martinique, providing locals and visiting riders with magnificent tubes and a consistent ride of over 200 meters as it rolls toward the port.

Thanks to the regularity of the waves, it's the main spot for the Martinique Surf Pro.

For advanced surfers, there's a much more powerful wave that crashes near the cliffs.

If you're interested in learning to surf or bodyboard, don't hesitate to contact the Basse-Pointe Tourism Office, which offers lessons.

Fishermen are also a common sight here; early in the morning, they are already hard at work casting their nets and bringing in fresh fish to sell at the nearby market!

As you may have gathered, this has been a lively gathering place for many years, where both young and old take the time to come together and socialize, and where tourists capture beautiful photos, leaving them with lasting memories of their visit to the heart of Basse-Pointe!

As a side note, this place was one of the favorite spots of the poet Aimé Césaire, who was born in the town. He enjoyed finding inspiration and rejuvenation here!

What to Do Around the Port of Basse-Pointe?

The Port of Basse-Pointe in Martinique is surrounded by numerous tourist activities and attractions. Here are some of the things to do in the vicinity:

1. Beaches: Martinique is known for its white sandy beaches with turquoise waters, and there are several near the Port of Basse-Pointe.
2. Hiking: There are many hiking trails in the region, offering spectacular views of the sea and the surrounding nature.
3. Museums: Habitation Pécoul invites you to step into the history of northern Martinique. In Sainte-Marie, Maison du Bèlè.
4. Rum Distilleries: You can visit Distillerie J.M and Habitation Beauséjour. They offer tastings and guided tours.
5. Local Markets: There are several local markets offering fresh local produce, spices, and local craftsmanship.

These are just some of the activities and things to do around the Port of Basse-Pointe in Martinique. There's certainly much more to discover and explore!