The Top Things to do in Martinique
Martinique is a hidden gem in the Caribbean. Primarily a destination for French tourists, Martinique offers a less US-centric approach to Caribbean tourism, which is a welcome break from the sometimes overwhelming cruise destinations. If you’re trying to iron out your itinerary, the following are some of the top things to do while in Martinique:
Map of the Island
1. Hike Mt. Pelee
2. Explore the Caravelle Peninsula
The Caravelle Peninsula juts out of the east side of the island and is home to some of Martinique’s most beautiful but less popular beaches such as Anse L’Etang. The rugged landscape of the peninsula makes it an ideal destination for surfers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the scenic hiking trails. You can also visit the ruins of Chateau Dubuc, the 18th century sugar estate that is said to have been heavily involved in smuggling and other nefarious activities.
3. Wander the Jardin de Balata
Jardin de Balata is a botanical garden located only a short drive from Fort de France. The garden has been open to the public since 1986 and is home to over 3,000 varieties of plants from around the world.
4. Take a Boat Ride to Josephine’s Bath
Several boat tour operators offer guided tours along the east coast of Martinique, and most of these tours make it a point to stop at Josephine’s Bath. This shallow section of ocean between two islands is said to have been the favorite swimming spot of Napoleons wife, Josephine. The crystal clear water is only a few feet deep, and every day tour boats congregate around the patch of shallow water, playing music, serving drinks, and allowing visitors to wade in the shallows.
5. Lounge on Les Salines Beach
Les Salines is far and away the most popular beach in Martinique. On a volcanic island with rugged coastline and black sand beaches, Les Salines offers the most traditional Caribbean beach experience, complete with white sand, crystal clear water, and swaying palm trees. It’s an undeniably beautiful beach; however, given its popularity, it is generally very crowded. For this reason, we preferred Anse L’Etang on the Caravelle Peninsula, but no trip to Martinique is complete without at least a few hours at Les Salines.
6. Check out Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach is not as quintessential Caribbean as Les Salines, nor is it as rugged and secluded as Anse L’Etang, but the rock feature for which it is named makes it worth a visit.
7. Visit Habitation Clement
Habitation Clement is the epicenter of Martinique’s rum industry. Visitors can tour the recently refurbished estate, walk the botanical gardens, and taste /buy the rum.
8. Tour Fort Saint Louis
If you plan on spending any time in the city of Fort de France, then you should be sure to visit Fort Saint Louis. The coastal fort has evolved over the centuries since its initial construction in the 17th century, and today serves as an active naval base. Tours of the fort are offered daily.
Anse L’Etang
Martinique is so nice place, but avoid it during the new year’s eve. Even Fort de France is dead then, and it’s completely impossible to find anything to eat if you don’t have a table reservation to one of the few restaurants that are open.
But of course Martinique is a beautiful place, and you should definitely go snorkeling and seeing the turtles’ world.