Martinique is our favorite island in the Eastern Caribbean. It offers everything from white beaches and clear waters to great snorkeling and convenient amenities.
While the language barrier poses a challenge, as we don't speak French and often rely on Google Translate, it's a small price for the rich culture and facilities available.
We've passed through Maritinqe three times in our Caribbean journey, and every time, we liked it more—from discovering the Caribbeans and island time for the first time, as it was our first stop in the Caribbean, to appreciating the variety of rainforests, waterfalls, beaches, and other activities.
Our stays in Martinique have been enlightening, offering us unique insights into island time, diverse cultures, the history of slavery, and the relentless trade winds.
May this guide assist you in your sailing and exploring adventures in Martinique!
Key Tips for Your Stay:
Check-in/out: In all the French islands, check-in/out is done via computer in specific locations, no questions asked. Look in Noforgeinland for the locations and open hours. Note that the businesses offering this service might charge a small fee for using it.
Provisioning: If you're staying in Saint Anne or Le Marine, Your best options are Leader Price or Carrefour. Leader Price is cheaper and has better access in Le Marine, but Carrefour has the best produce in Carrefour Génipa, which is a drive away from town.
Safety: You should lock your dinghy
Anchoring: A general recommendation for the Caribbean anchorages. Always check your anchor is set by putting the engine in reverse. Gusts can be pretty cruel sometimes.
Shipping: You can get mail and Amazon shipped to Le Marine Marina. If you do, make sure to pick it up as fast as you can as they don't like being responsible for them. especially if you're not their customer.
Transportation: Local buses are available for around 2 or 2.5 Euros. If you're a family, you better check a car rental agency.
Car Rental: Search Google for local rentals and call them. They are much cheaper than the big companies.
Cell phone: If you get Digicell, it will work in all the Caribbean until you get to the USVI.
Carnival: Carnival festivities start in January on the first Sunday after Epiphany and culminate at Shrovetide, ending with Ash Wednesday. For more information on specific dates for your visit, check Le Martinique's website.
Sailing Families: There are two options: near Le Marine Marina capitainerie, where you can find happy hours in the bars and lots of happy kids running around, or Saint Anne's Beach during the day or near the dinghy dock in the afternoon.
Family-Friendly Places to Explore:
Le Saut Du Gendarme
Our top pick for waterfalls.
Drive through the lush rainforest, descend a staircase, and relish this beautiful, refreshing spot.
It's pleasantly uncrowded, and tourists tend to pass through quickly.
The main area requires no hiking gear, as it's a brief walk from the parking spot. However, if you're feeling adventurous, the upper part looks like it offers a more challenging hike. We did not get to check it.
Cascade Absalon
Another charming waterfall on the same main road that's easily accessible and somewhat hidden, attracting fewer tourists.
Simply park along the road and look for the staircase descending next to the bridge.
Cascade de la rivière Couleuvre
A scenic hike through Martinique's lush forests leads to the highest waterfalls on the island, which have a refreshing pool. This picturesque spot, surrounded by vibrant flora and many coca tries, is perfect for cooling off and enjoying the island's natural beauty.
It is a must-visit for an immersive experience in the heart of Martinique's wilderness.
It takes about 45 min to get to the waterfall, so have your hiking gear on.
Get as early as possible as the nearby beach gets very crowded and the parking is not friendly.
Make sure to take a right by the river at the beginning of the hike so you won't end up at the beach.
Château Dubuc
Tucked away by a breathtaking rainforest and overlooking the sea. Wandering through these haunting ruins transports you back to the sugar plantation era, teaching firsthand about the island's colonial past and its dark history of slavery.
By bringing history out of history books and into reality, you will experience a different level of realization, making the visit both educational and profoundly moving.
Habitation Clément
This Rum distillery is a historic estate that taught us about Martinique's rum-making traditions and its poignant history of slavery. Exploring the Creole architecture, wandering through the botanical gardens, and diving into the art exhibitions provided a profound understanding of the island's past and present. It's a place where history is palpably intertwined with the scenic environment, making every visit a deeply enriching experience.
Manman Dlo
A big underwater statue of the island's mermaid.
It is a bit deep, but you can snorkel close enough to view it.
Follow the directions on Noforgeinland, and you'll find it in no time.
Mount Pelée
An iconic site known for its dramatic history and striking landscapes. While we didn't tackle the full-day hike to the summit, we explored the beginning of the trail, which gave us a taste of its rugged beauty. The path offered fascinating views and a glimpse into the lush, diverse vegetation that cloaks the area.
Recommended Anchorages:
Saint Pierre
This beautiful little town is super accessible for boaters and should be explored regardless of its check-in/check-out location.
With a vast history of volcanic eruptions, take your time exploring around.
While anchoring, make sure you have enough place to spin.
Check the anchorage, as there might be new mooring fields installed.
Fort de France
Anchoring right by the fort makes it easy to access downtown, where the parade takes place, or catch a bus to Decathlon.
Make sure there are no special events that might affect the availability of this anchorage, as they sometimes close it.
Anse Noir
Wow. This little anchorage with clear water and black sand was my personal favorite. There is something to tranquility about it.
Although it is very protected, you will swing a lot, so make sure you have room around you and avoid it if it is too crowded.
Le Marine
This is the most functional anchorage.
Close to the supermarket, to the marina, and to the chandleries.
If you prefer not to dinghy your way in from Saint Anne, this anchorage will answer your needs.
Saint Anne
This is the biggest anchorage in Martinique, and it has easy access to shore.
The beach is beautiful, and the water is clean compared to Le Marine.
Don't rush your time here.
Additional Activities
Clip'n Climb
You should try it out if your kids need a break from nature.
We loved going there after long Dechathelon/provisioning days, and it was so much fun!
You should reserve a spot via their website
Maya Beach Club
This floating park is a great activity for kids.
I dare you to join them!! haha Check their prices and opening hours on their Website.
The Carnival
Of all the carnivals we have seen, this was our favorite.
Humble, colorful with vibrant drums you can feel through your body.
It's a must-do if you get to the island at the right time!
Carnival festivities start in January on the first Sunday after Epiphany and culminate at Shrovetide, ending with Ash Wednesday.
For more information on specific dates for your visit, check Le Martinique's website.
Put it All Together
If you make it all the way here, let me try and make things easier on you :)
Check out our favorite spots in Martinique on Google Maps
And a very creative screeshot of our NoForgeinland favorites :)
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