Cruises from Martinique

Martinique, which is part of the Windward Islands, is a unique place in terms of both its geography and culture. Two major bodies of water, the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, border it and because of this it has two distinctly different types of beach. Martinique is a tiny island of only 420sq miles and its land is varied, with large sections being flat and others mountainous.

The best time to visit the island is between November and May, when the temperatures are in the 70° to 80°F and nights are only slightly cooler, between 60° and 70°F. July to November is the rainy season and hurricanes are always possible during this period.

Transportation is plentiful, but taxis are rather expensive, since they are not metered. It is always best to agree on a price with the driver before setting foot in the vehicle. A more economical option is the bus service, which operates throughout the capital city. For a longer trip, you can take what are called taxis collectifs, which are privately owned vehicles and for shorter journeys, bicycles and motor scooters are a popular option. A ferry service provides links between Fort-de-France, where the cruise ships dock and Pointe du Bout.

Since the island belongs to France, the official language of Martinique is French, though English is also widely spoken. The currency is the Euro, though most shopkeepers will accept US dollars.

If you head to the island in the months of January or February, you can experience the magic of their carnival celebrations. They begin right after New Year and run until Ash Wednesday. Every weekend there will be a parade of floats, along with dancing and celebrating in the streets. On Ash Wednesday, in Fort-de-France, the mood changes as a funeral procession meanders through the streets and a large bonfire is lit in the town centre, La Savane.

For more things to do on this quaint island, why not start in the town centre where there are plenty of shops and cafes to be explored? Then there is the ornate and beautiful St. Louis Roman Catholic Cathedral, which was built in 1875 and stands on the rue Victor-Schoelcher.

If it’s museums that tickle your fancy, head to the Musee Departemental de la Martinique, where you can see artefacts that date back centuries. It is located directly adjacent to the town centre and houses relics dating back to Martinique’s original settlers, the Arawaks and Caribs.

The Gauguin Art Centre and Museum is dedicated to the life and art of Paul Gaugin. It contains letters, artefacts and reproductions of some of his most famous works.

If you’re a nature lover, don’t miss a visit to the Valley of the Butterflies. Located on a plantation that dates from the 17th century, over 1,500 butterflies can be observed, a sight that just cannot be rivalled elsewhere.

Les Salines is where you head if you want some beach time. It is best known for its soft white sand and gentle protected waters.

Martinique is a little taste of France in the middle of the Caribbean and a great holiday destination for just about anybody.