Martinique

What is there to do in Martinique?

Jardin Balata -A botanical garden with exotic plants from around the world, a treetop walkway, & mountain views.
La Savane des Esclaves- The history of slavery in Martinique.
Habitation Clément- Heritage preservation In Martinique.
Travel to Guadeloupe, St.Lucia, or Dominica by ferry.
Mount Pelée-Mount Pelée is an active volcano at the northern end of Martinique.
Diamond rock- A rock that permits interdiction of navigation between Martinique and its southern neighbor, St Lucia. Its also a well knownscuba diving site!
Cap 110- A modern sculpture installation by Laurent Valere & memorial to local victims of the slave trade.
Fort Saint Louis- A 17th-century military fort on the hill overlooking the sea.

Beaches in Martinique..

Anse Mitan- A bayside beach with a bunch of tourist, restaurants, and shops.
Anse Dufour- A white sandy beach great for snorkeling.
Anse Couleuvre- A black sand beach with many hiking trails.
Anse Noire- A popular beach for snorkeling and scuba diving. This beach is also a black sand beach with a boating dock.
Grande Anse des Salines- One of my favorite white sandy beaches with many shops and restaurants. This beach is great for families and you can pull up on the beach with your car, so you won't have to walk far to the water.
Plage de Pointe Marin- A white sandy beach with clear waters.
Grande Anse du Diamant- A white sandy beach.

I didn't get a chance to check out any beaches along the Atlantic because they're not suitable for younger kids.

The Atlantic beaches are beautiful but the ocean waves on this side can get pretty rough.

Where to stay in Martinique?

If you rent a car you can pretty much travel to each of these destinations under an hour, from one point to another. Here are your options when choosing where to stay in Martinique...

Fort-de-France

is a cruise ship destination so expect to see many tourists moving in and out of the capital. Fort-de-France is more city like and has many accommodations in the area.

Les Trois-Ilets

is directly across the bay of Fort-de-France near the beautiful fishing villages. You'll find all the 5-star resorts here but will be close to the port.

Southern Martinique

if you're looking to sunbathe and want to relax on the best white sand beaches, stay in the southern part of the island. We stayed in Sainte- Annes and we went to a few beaches on the island and by far Sainte-Annes had the best beaches. The most southern part of the island is also great for families. You'll find fewer crowds in the area, numerous water sports, and affordable accommodations.

Northern Martinique

if your traveling to Martinique for the mountain scenery and hiking opportunities travel to the northern part of the island. In the north, you'll find a semi-active volcano called Mont Pelée and will be close to the capital, Fort-de-France. Expect to find more black sand beaches in the north from the volcano here.

Currency?

Euros.

Check out Google Currency Converter for current rates.

How to get to your destination from the airport?

Rent a Car

Car rentals await for you outside the airport so you won't have to look too far for one. My recommendation is to reserve the car in advance because most of the people getting off your flight will be renting a car as well. Also, check the times you land and the times that the car rental shops open up at. Car rental shops here aren't open 24/7. If all the car rental shops are closed or sold out, don't worry.. there are many car rentals throughout town. The only issue is that you'll need to figure out how to get to and from your destination without a car.

Taxi

Taxis also wait for you outside the airport, if you need a ride. Taxis are an effective way to get around the island but will break your pockets. One way rides can cost you anywhere from 20 to 60 euros(about $23 to $68USD). At night the fare can cost you even more than the normal price you would pay.

How to get around Martinique?

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is common on the island! You'll find many local and tourist that used this method to get around the island. If you do ever decide to hitchhike or pick up one always proceed with caution.

On Foot

Walking is only a realistic option if you don't intend to leave the resort. Many activities and sites are way too spread out to reach on your own, even in Fort-de-France.

Rent a Car

Renting a car is the most ideal way to get around this small island. Public transport is very limited throughout the island and so renting a car is the best option if you plan on exploring. It gives you the flexibility to move around when you chose. When renting a car, make sure you have a GPS in the car to avoid difficulties getting around. For us it was pretty easy to navigate around the island without a GSP. Most destinations you want to travel to are one straight point to another.

Taxi

Taxis are an effective way to get around the island but will break your pockets. One way rides can cost you anywhere from 20 to 60 euros(about $23 to $68USD). At night the fare can cost you even more than the normal price you would pay.

Bus

Buses are unreliable because the drivers are willing to change the route according to their passengers' needs and can change the fare to what they want to charge you. You'll find many bus stops along the road but you'll just have to sit and wait until a bus comes by and picks you up.

When to travel to Martinique?

Typically, Martinique has consistent temperatures in the 80s throughout the year, but there is a chance of hurricanes in the summer and fall. December to May is the perfect time to visit the Martinique island when it's warmer and dry. The rainy months on the island are July to November.

We traveled to Martinique early November during the rainy season. The weather was very pleasant and was 80-degree temperatures. The only time we experience rainfall was early in the morning, but by noon the sun was out shining like it never rained!

What language is spoken in Martinique?

Martinique is a French speaking country. Creole is also spoken on this Caribbean island. Most do speak english but limited.

Learn basic French.

Hello- Bonjour.

Goodbye- Au revoir.

Excuse me- Excusez-moi.

How are you?- Comment allez-vous.

Thank you- Merci.

How much- Combien.

Nice to meet you- Ravi de vous rencontrer.

Toilets- Toilettes.

Where to eat in Martinique?

You'll always be able to find food if you go into town or by the beach. Eating by the beach can get a little pricey and you can pay about 10-15 Euros for a plate. Just don't forget to bring cash to the beach if you want to try homemade yummy icy along the beach. Most places take credit cards if you don't have cash handy.

Spice n' Sugar- For local cheap eats.
Ti Toques- Their delicious menu has pretty much everything from local eats to pizza!
Le Mango Bay- The food here is a bit pricey but sure delicious!
Le Ti Punch Coco - One of my favorite restaurants by the beach.
L'Ajoupa- More on the high-end side but still great food!
Poivre et Sel- Yummy Italian food.

Things you should know when traveling to Martinique?

Martinique is ranked as #1 in Best Affordable Destination Wedding Spots!
Driving is a must here. Public Transportation only goes so far and only runs from early mornings to the evening.
Martinique is surrounded by two bodies of waters! One side is the Caribbean and the other side is the Atlantic.
Hitchhiking is common on the island! You'll find many local and tourist that used this method to get around the island. If you do ever decide to hitchhike or pick up one always proceed with caution.

Is Martinique kid friendly? Things to do with kids?

Martinique is definitely kid-friendly. This island may not have a ton of kid activities but there are sure numerous beaches and hiking trails to check out!