According to data from BOATPro, 1,259 yachts visited the Caribbean in the past 12 months, reaffirming the region as one of the world’s most in-demand cruising grounds. From the Grenadines to St Barths, these islands attract a constant stream of superyachts during the winter season. What often surprises captains and engineers, however, is how few full-service shipyards exist across the Caribbean to support such a vast and steady flow of traffic.
That’s where Carenantilles, based in Martinique in the French West Indies, has carved out a reputation as a trusted, capable and strategically located solution. For yachts requiring anything from a quick fix to a complex refit, this long-established shipyard has become one of the region’s most reliable ports of call.
A Complete Marine Center in the Heart of the Southern Caribbean
Located in Le Marin, facing the beautiful Caribbean Sea, Carenantilles occupies a 2.5-hectare marine center able to welcome more than 200 boats at once and manage 1,000 boats per year. Its 14 professional workshops form the backbone of a facility that supports everything from welding and mechanical services to fiberglass work, sandblasting, epoxy treatments, air-conditioning systems, electronics, painting, antifouling solutions, plexiglass fitting, sailmaking, marine adhesive applications and a well-stocked ship chandler.
The yard's infrastructure is substantial, including a 480-meter deep-water work dock accommodating two superyachts alongside up to 70 smaller vessels. Yachts up to 50 meters LOA can be handled with ease, supported by a dependable 440-ton and 80-ton travel lift system that captains consistently praise for its precision and reliability. Terminals provide 125A electrical distribution and ample water supply, while state-of-the-art recovery and water treatment systems ensure that the facility meets stringent European environmental standards.
“With Carenantilles, you’re assured of quality service backed by the expertise of the Caribbean’s leading artisans,” the shipyard notes — an ethos reflected in its more than 30 years of experience.
Trusted by Superyacht Captains
Carenantilles’ reputation is built not just on infrastructure, but on consistently strong feedback from captains, engineers and fleet managers. The facility has welcomed well-known vessels, including 34-meter Benetti Star of the Sea and 39.9-meter Bodrum Oguz Marin Rox Star.
This year, 49.5-meter Mondomarine Oceanos completed an extensive yard period at Carenantilles. The project included hull cleaning, antifouling, a fresh Awlgrip finish, a comprehensive safety inspection and upgrades to lighting and air-conditioning systems. For a remote region with limited heavy-duty shipyard choices, it’s a telling example of the caliber of refit work available here.
Captains repeatedly praise the team’s responsiveness, professionalism and meticulous planning. When 45.7-meter Pipe Dreams suffered a shaft seal failure, Captain Jared Burzler recalls the shipyard’s seamless emergency response. His concerns about hauling out at an unfamiliar facility disappeared quickly as the crew worked “professionally, efficiently and ahead of schedule”, even assisting with logistics including hotels, transportation and contractors. “Carenantilles will be a yard I would highly recommend and certainly would not hesitate to utilize in the future,” he says.
Managers of multi-vessel fleets echo this sentiment. One long-time client overseeing three 60- to 80-foot catamarans notes the team's “responsiveness, professionalism and warm welcome”, while Captain Tyler Boruff of 24.4-meter Ohana described his haul-out as “exceptional in every way.” He praised the clean, well-laid-out yard, the highly skilled lift operators and the supportive, proactive staff who coordinated a network of reliable outside vendors. Bartosz Dawidowski, captain of 15-meter trimaran Poly, also highlights the team’s friendliness and efficiency, noting that any small issues were resolved quickly and easily.
Capability, Safety and Surroundings
For crews spending weeks ashore during maintenance periods, the wider setting of the shipyard is just as important as its technical performance. Carenantilles benefits from one of the Caribbean’s most protected natural environments, located in Cul de Sac du Marin, a renowned hurricane hole sheltered by four acres of mangroves. The yard sits next to Marina du Marin and only a short distance from the town of Le Marin, giving crew easy access to shops, restaurants, transport and provisioning.
The site itself offers 24/7 surveillance, a fully lit yard and on-site security seven days a week, giving captains and owners peace of mind throughout their stay. The combination of safety, technical depth and natural beauty makes it one of the most appealing maintenance stops for yachts cruising the Lesser Antilles.
To learn more about planning your next haul-out or refit in Martinique, visit Carenantilles and explore how its team can support your upcoming yard project.
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