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Martinique Travel Guide
Martinique or the "island of flowers" as it was known by the indigenous people, didn’t get that reputation undeservedly. This land is full of lush vegetation from well-tended botanical gardens to vibrant rainforests and coral reefs. In fact, over 50% of Martinique is a protected National Park and has some of the best flora and fauna in this region. It's also home to stunning beaches, striking volcanos, emerald-clad mountains and exciting family-friendly activities.
Beaches in Martinique
Martinique sits between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea so there is a great deal of variation between beaches. If you're looking for more tranquil waters that are family-friendly, then the beaches on the Caribbean west side are ideal. However, if you want to surf or consider yourself a strong swimmer then the eastern Atlantic side beaches are great, plus they tend to be less crowded. The north side of the island has mostly volcanic, wild beaches with grey or black sand compared to the pristine beaches of the south which have golden or white sands.
Beaches
Grande Anse d’Arlet
If you're looking for a beach that ticks every box for a day out, then this is it. Golden sand surrounded by tall rolling hills, lined with seemingly endless restaurants and greeted by a calm sea. It's great for families and is generally busy, especially when they host concerts at the weekend.
Anse Couleuvre Beach
This is often seen as the most stunning volcanic beach the island has but you’ve got to work for it if you want to make it here. The parking isn't near the beach and it’s a bit of a rough hike there, but it's assuredly worth it to see the charcoal sand and the energetic sea. There's a waterfall nearby which is secluded and incredibly picturesque. If you love a more active beach day then this one is for you.
Grande Anse des Salines beach
This beach has that classic postcard look that you imagine when someone mentions the Caribbean. Powdery white sand and a glistening gem-like sea, enveloped by a slew of palm trees. You won't have to trek so far to get to this beach as the parking is right nearby. There are plenty of little cafes that you can buy snacks at while you relax and take in the view of Diamond Rock.
Martinique geography
Martinique history
Wildlife in Martinique
Activities in Martinique
Watersports
Diving in Martinique
One of the best things to see while diving in Martinique is one of the amazing shipwrecks. Several of these came from the 1902 volcanic eruption which caused many boats to sink to the seafloor.
One of our favourites is the Tamaya wreck in Saint Pierre. Even though it may be out of the way, it’s a great piece of history. Sitting on the seafloor for over 100 years it’s a time capsule to a bygone era. Another interesting wreck is the Nahoon wreck which was intentionally sunk in 1993 to become a manmade reef. It has now become home to many different species of fish like giant morays and barracudas.
If you prefer a natural coral reef, then Diamond Rock is for you. This spot is easy to get to if you're staying in Les Trois-Îlets. Diamond Rock, named for the light hitting its dacite and quartz shell, has underwater caverns full of marine life. Swimming through a lava rock is just about as awesome as it gets so getting to see coral and swathes of tropical sea life is just a wonderful plus. However, since it features underwater caverns and strong currents its not the best for new divers, but if you have experience then this isn't a site to miss.
Surfing in Martinique
The best surfing in Martinique is on the east Atlantic side of the island. Not only do you get quieter beaches on this side, but more importantly, there are great offshore winds that create perfect waves.
The southern beaches in Martinique, while great for paddleboarding, aren't as great for surfing. So, if you're looking for a surf-taclular holiday then staying in the northern part of the island is best.
The Caravelle peninsula in the north has the best locations for surfing, including L'Anse Bonneville where there are companies that have lessons both for children and adults. If you're more experienced then a great beach to go to is Bagasse Grand Riviere which has powerful barrels and three-metre-high waves. Basse Pointe is also a great one for more experienced surfers as it has great waves most of the time.
Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Martinique
Windsurfing and kitesurfing for beginners can be good on the Caribbean Sea coast of the island as it offers a calmer glide across the water. There are two good areas for this... One is Pointe du Bout in the bay of Fort-de-France and the other Anse Du Diamant.
If you really want to ride some waves, then the Atlantic Ocean side once again is the better bit. There is a multitude of companies in these areas and on the Atlantic coast that teach kite and windsurfing. They offer short lessons of a few hours r even courses over several days so it’s a particular beginner-friendly sport in here.
Sailing in Martinique
There are so many options when it comes to sailing in Martinique. If you want to stretch your sea legs you can rent a private boat for hours or days and travel around the island, catching all spectacular sites. If you aren't an experienced sailor or don’t want to spend oodles of money on a private boat, then you can go on sailing tours from all over the coast. From Fort-de-France or Les Trois-Îlets it's easy to find sailing tour companies that will take you out to sea to watch the dolphins and other marine life.
Some beaches offer ‘yole’ tours which let you experience the traditional way of sailing on a yole boat. Maybe if you get good enough you can take part in the next Yole boat race! The Yole Boat Race is a huge yearly event for Martinicans and many foreign yole experts.
Fishing in Martinique
Whether you're experienced in fishing or just starting out, Martinique has great choices for you. The bay of Fort-de-France has many companies that will take you out on a boat for a fishing tour and it usually includes the preparation of any fish you catch for a nice slap-up meal at the end.
Can you see yourself diving into the rocky shallow waters with a spear to hunt for your lunch? Then you’ll love the thrill of spearfishing tours. Or do you want to out into the deep sea and hunt for a huge catch like swordfish or yellowfin tuna? Then you'll want to try a deep-sea fishing tour.
Canoeing & kayaking in Martinique
The best part of Martinique for kayaking/canoeing is often cited as the Bay of Robert. This town on the east coast has so many companies and facilities for this that even someone with no experience will be able to enjoy hours of sea exploration. It's not only the best choice for kayaking facilities but the most perfect spot for scenic views. There are several islets that are littered around this Bay and they are full of cascading mangroves and radiant white sandbanks all surrounded by translucent waters. The sea here is incredibly calm as it is sheltered from the rough seas by these islets. One of these is the îlet Chancel which is the last refuge of the endangered lesser Antillean iguana and might even be your only chance to see these fascinating creatures. You'll be able to get out and explore these areas safely with your tour guide and even take a nice dip in the sea. You might even want to bring your snorkel to have a good look at all the marine here.
Land activities
Golf in Martinique
There are golf facilities in Martinique, but they are few and far between. If you want a non-stop golfing holiday then ideally you'd want to go to the Dominican Republic or Barbados.
If you love the idea of going to Martinique and maybe just want a round or two of golf then you'll certainly be able to find that. There's one main golf course on the island at Martinique Golf And Country Club in Les Trois-Îlets. Plus there are certain hotels that offer mini-golf.
Cycling & mountain biking in Martinique
Due to the mountainous topography and narrow winding roads, cycling in Martinique is better suited to experienced cyclists. It is, however, great for mountain biking and there are a variety of companies in areas such as Les Trois-Îlets that will let you rent a ‘fat bike,’ a bike with thick tires designed for taking on tough terrain.
If you really want to keep your carbon footprint to a minimum or want the adrenaline of tearing down a mountain, there are also bike tours with guides which are an eco-friendly way of exploring the island.
Walking & hiking in Martinique
The best part of Martinique for an adventurous hike is in the northern region. There are two mountain ranges here: Mount Pelée and Pitons Du Carbet.
Mount Pelée is over 4000 feet high - a hiking tour here is certainly not for the faint of heart and it would span the entire day! Although a tough climb, it's worth it to see the beauty that awaits you at the summit. In this area, there's a slightly less intense (but not easy) hike in the Gorges de la Falaise. A stunning gorge in the rainforest that ends in multiple rock pools and waterfalls.
If you're not up for such a demanding hike and you'd rather have a more relaxing experience, then opt for one of the many beautiful botanical gardens that are scattered around the island. Jardin de Balata is a popular attraction in Fort-de-France with some of the best flora on the island and the Serene Rope Bridge Walk for unique views of the gardens.