Best Ways to Travel in Martinique

There are so many things to see and do on the quaint French island of Martinique, from its massive northern mountains and rainforests to its southern white-sand beaches. As the island is relatively small, only 436 square miles, it is possible to see everything if you plan your travels well.

Your best bet for making the most of your time and seeing all Martinique has to offer is to rent a car. The car rental process is easy, rates are low and the island offers a great infrastructure system and safe roadways. Lonely Planet recommends an unlimited mileage rate rather than a lower rate that charges per kilometer, especially if you plan on touring the entire island.

Other transportation options are available for shorter distance travel. Bus transportation is available that services both urban and some more remote locations, although these are limited. Buses, often minivans, are marked TC on the top with destinations labeled on the side or front window. Bus travel is best for shorter distances.

A regular ferry, Vedettes Madinina, runs between Anse Mitan, Anse-à-l’Ane, Pointe du Bout and Trois-Îlets to the capital city of Fort-de-France daily from 6:20 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., offering a great alternative to traffic-heavy car and bus travel around the capital and other cities.

Shared taxis are a popular way to get around with the locals. These taxis are in service from early morning to 6 p.m., perfect for daytrips. They are inexpensive and are known to be a safe means of travel. All towns of the island can be reached via shared taxis.

Martinique offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes, such as Mont Peleé, a world-famous volcano offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea; Josephine’s Bath and White Shoals offering exceptional swimming’ La Pointe du Bout which features a charming collection of hotels, restaurants, shops and sandy beaches; and Les Salines, one of the most beautiful beaches in the lesser Antilles with its fine sand, coconut trees and turquoise water. Regardless of how you get around, you’ll find unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural traditions everywhere you go on the French Caribbean island.