Travel Guide Martinique | Itineraries and Highlights

Known as the island of flowers, Martinique charms visitors with its activities, dream villas, lush nature and warm people. In 2022, the TV show Occupation Double was even filmed on the island.

With a history shaped by the Indigenous peoples of South America and the arrival of the French in 1635, Martinique’s heritage is as diverse as its landscapes and its people.

When you travel to this island of mountains, mangroves and tropical forests, here’s what you shouldn’t miss.

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Travel Guide Martinique | Itineraries and Highlights - Presqu ile de la Caravelle Martinique Crédit Frédéric Deluen 3

Martinique – Discovering the island

Unique diving experiences

Martinique has more than 20 professional and accredited dive centers and hundreds of well-protected sites for divers of all levels.

With temperatures ranging from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius, Martinique’s waters offer colorful marine life: hawksbill turtles, eagle rays, barracudas and schools of tropical fish, pristine coral reefs, gigantic sea sponges and gorgonian sea fans.

You can also dive into the wrecks of Saint-Pierre, boats that were wrecked during the eruption of Mount Pelee in 1902.

Heavenly beaches

The Martinique coastline is accessible everywhere, so there’s no shortage of beautiful, unspoiled beaches, and they’re open to the public all year round. Active travellers can try surfing, kayaking, kitesurfing, windsurfing and “Flyboarding.”

For long stretches of white sand lapped by calm blue water, head to the Caribbean coast. The Atlantic coast offers many secluded, palm-lined bays, while the north coast features strips of black volcanic sand against a backdrop of lush green mountains.

Among the most beautiful beaches in Martinique, these are must-sees: Grande Anse des Salines in Saint-Anne (white sand), Pointe Marin beach (golden sand) and Anse Noire in Les Anses d’Arlet (volcanic sand).

A distinctive gastronomy

Through the Martinique cuisine, you will find African, Indian and French influences. On the menu:

Fresh fish – sea bream, snapper and tuna
Locally sourced foods – bananas, coconuts and pineapples
Creole dishes such as fish blaff, stuffed crab and green papaya gratin

You’ll also enjoy the quintessentialMartiniquan appetizer: acra de morue, as well as curry-based dishes such as chicken colombo, not to mention the culinary savoir-faire of France.

For sweet tooths, you have to try the coconut blancmange and the delicious homemade fruit sorbets and ice creams.

Travel Guide Martinique | Itineraries and Highlights - Plantation Bananes Martinique Crédit Frédéric Deluen 03

Travel Guide Martinique | Itineraries and Highlights - Plantation Bananes Martinique Crédit Frédéric Deluen 06

The natural beauties of the island

While hiking, you can discover the beauties of the island in all its forms. There are more than 250 kilometers of trails that connect the rugged coastline, tropical forests and misty mountains. And since two thirds of the island is covered by protected parks, the territory is wonderfully preserved.

The Jardin de Balata, near Fort-de-France, and the Domaine d’Émeraude, near the northern town of Le Morne-Rouge, are two vast parks to discover, with beautiful landscaped gardens and forests where you can admire native plants and trees.

Outdoor enthusiasts can also discover the mangrove forests by kayak or canoe, practice cycling, horseback riding and bird watching.

Fort-de-France, capital of Martinique

To experience a typical atmosphere in Fort-de-France, don’t miss the large covered market, one of the most dynamic markets in the Caribbean, where fruits, flowers and souvenirs are sold.

To take a cultural bath, take the time to admire the beautiful murals decorating the capital’s streets.

Fort-de-France has two ports of call. The two terminals at Pointe Simon and Les Tourelles are located within minutes of the city’s main attractions. On a day trip, take one of the ferries from the bay of Fort-de-France to the coastal town of Les Trois-Îlets for lunch at a seaside restaurant.

Travel Guide Martinique | Itineraries and Highlights - Fort de France Marché couvert Martinique Crédit Frédéric Deluen

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Travel Guide Martinique | Itineraries and Highlights - Nord BassePointe Martinique Crédit Frédéric Deluen3

Great agricultural rums of world renown

Did you know that Martinique is recognized as the rum capital of the world? Its agricultural rums benefit from the prestigious appellation of controlled origin (AOC). They stand out thanks to the unique production technique of rhum agricole: freshly pressed juice from locally grown sugar cane is fermented and distilled before being rested or aged in oak barrels.

To discover them, follow the Route des Grands Rhums which leads to the eleven distilleries of the island.

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Meeting the people of Martinique

The Carnival is undoubtedly the most famous festival in Martinique. It’s a great opportunity to meet the local population. The festivities begin in January, with parades every weekend throughout the island. They end at the end of February or March with four days of parades, celebrations and shows: Dimanche Gras, Lundi Gras, Mardi gras and Mercredi des Cendres.

The month of May is also particularly festive since the Martiniqueans commemorate the eruption of Mount Pelee in 1902 as part of the Mai de Saint-Pierre. This event brings together a range of music, dance and theatre performances.

In the summer, the Tour des Yoles is a colorful competition not to be missed. Boats known as round skiffs participate in a race around the island, in front of thousands of spectators on the shore and on board the catamarans.

The guides to prepare your trip

As you know, we love to share books from our partner, Ulysses Guides. And on Martinique, we can say that they offer a whole bunch! To order online or to download, take advantage of it and get inspired.

Travel Guide Martinique | Itineraries and Highlights - Martinique Guides Ulysse

Go to Martinique with your points

To save money, here are a few tips for traveling to Martinique using points.

First, when you travel with Air Canada, which offers direct flights from Montreal to Fort-de-France, you can use your Aeroplan points. And to earn Aeroplan Points, here are several recommended credit cards:

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$120	Welcome offerAfter $7,500 in 6 months Up to 45,000 points After $7,500 in 6 months	Apply NowCompare
American Express^® Gold Rewards Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$250	Welcome offerAfter $12,000 in 12 months Up to 60,000 points After $12,000 in 12 months	Apply NowCompare
FeaturedTD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual feeFirst Year Annual Fee Rebate$139 $0First Year Annual Fee Rebate	Welcome offerAfter $12,000 in 12 months Up to 50,000 points After $12,000 in 12 months	Apply NowCompare
American Express Cobalt^® Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$191.88	Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months Up to 15,000 points Get 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months	Apply NowCompare

Travel Guide Martinique | Itineraries and Highlights - Vol AC Martinique Crédit Frédéric Deluen

Travel Guide Martinique | Itineraries and Highlights - Vol AC Martinique Crédit Frédéric Deluen1

Where to stay in Martinique?

Martinique offers its visitors a vast choice of accommodation. You can book them through the booking.com platform. Here are some good addresses to look at. Again, your points can be used to save money, I take you back to our article on the booking.com loyalty program!

Club Med, hotels, aparthotels and all-inclusives

Bakoua Hotel (four stars)
Hotel La Batelière
Diamant les bains
Four-star hotel residence
Hôtel Bambou (three stars)
Club Med Les Boucaniers (four-trident)
Domaine Saint-Aubin
Residence Fort Savane
Aparthotel (two stars)
La Frégate Bleue
Domaine de la Palmeraie
Hôtel l’Impératrice (three stars)
Karibéa Hotel
La Valmenière

Unusual accommodations

Le Domaine des Bulles
L’Ilet-Oscar Guest House
Le Hameau du Morne des Cadets
Moon Sphair

Bungalow rental

Antilles Exception
Archipel Evasion
Carefree Caribbean
Locations Vue Turquoise
Prestige Villa Rental
Under the Tropics
Villaveo
Residence Les Cayalines
Résid’Anses
Le Village de la Pointe
Cap Cabaret Kréol’lodge

An Airbnb rental with travel points

If you prefer a rental with Airbnb or VRBO, don’t forget that you can use travel points on your apartment or house rentals.

Here are the best cards to use in this case:

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
ExclusiveNational Bank World Elite^® Mastercard^® Apply NowCompare	Annual feeFirst Year Annual Fee Rebate$150 $0First Year Annual Fee Rebate	Welcome offer$150 annual fee rebated First Year Annual Fee RebateEnds Nov 4, 2026 $150 annual fee rebated	Apply NowCompare
Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$150	Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months Up to 35,000 pointsEnds Nov 1, 2026 After $2,000 in 3 months	Apply NowCompare
Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$150	Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months Up to 35,000 pointsEnds Nov 1, 2026 After $2,000 in 3 months	Apply NowCompare
American Express Cobalt^® Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$191.88	Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months Up to 15,000 points Get 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months	Apply NowCompare

Map of the Caribbean island

Want to discover Martinique from the sea? The Comité martiniquais du tourisme (Martinique tourism board) has created an interactive map showing all the land-based facilities available from anchorages.

Travel Guide Martinique | Itineraries and Highlights - martinique

Bottom line

As you can see, the island of Martinique has many resources to help you have an excellent vacation. Let us know what you think on our Facebook group!

What do you need to know about Martinique?

Martinique is a five-hour flight from Montreal
The languages spoken by the population are mainly French and Creole. As for English and Spanish, they can be heard in resort areas.
Martinique’s currency is the euro
The electrical current is 220 volts. Visitors bringing hairdryers, electric shavers and other appliances designed for use in North America will need a power adapter.
In restaurants, prices include a 15% service charge.

When is the best time to visit Martinique?

The best time to visit Martinique is in winter, from December to April, during the dry season.
The population enjoys warm weather all year round, with an average temperature of 26°C. The trade winds that blow across the island help keep it cool.

How to get around in Martinique?

Local and international car rental companies (Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Alwego) are in Martinique. Cabs and car services are also available. In Fort-de-France, it’s easy to find a cab at the stations located near tourist attractions.
For car rentals, if you pay via a site like Expedia, a card like the Scotiabank Passport^™ Visa Infinite +* Card allows you to pay the rental bill with the bonus earned of 30,000 Scene+ points. It’s an attractive card abroad, because it doesn’t incur any currency conversion fees.

Compare

Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card

Scotiabank Scene+

Annual fee: $150
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $350
Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months: Up to 35,000 points; Ends Nov 1, 2026

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite^+* Card, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

No fees for foreign currency transactions
6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

Legal

* The potential value of savings and rewards during the first 12 months includes the value of the welcome offer, the potential value of points earned in the first year, the value of savings on foreign currency transaction fees and the cost of airport lounge access as of May 22, 2026:

$250 in travel rewards (25,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Cardholders who charge $2,000 in purchases to their account within the first three (3) months;

$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for cardholders who charge $40,000 in purchases to their account;

$50 in savings from the annual fee waiver on the first additional card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card account holders;

$132 in savings on foreign currency transaction fees based on the average amount of foreign currency purchases made per active account over the past 24 months (by saving on the 2.5% foreign currency transaction fees typically charged by other credit card issuers);

$364 representing the potential value of points earned in the first year (36,400 Scene+ points) based on the average amount of purchases made per active account over the past 24 months, assuming an average spend of 21% of purchases in categories eligible for accelerated earn rates of 2X and 3X points;

$358 representing the value of complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion program which includes 6 airport lounge passes (based on « Preferred » membership valued at approximately $357 CAD/$259 USD). Based on the exchange rate in effect on May 22, 2026.

Maximum potential value after the first year = $1,254 (rounded to $1,250)

The actual value of offers, savings realized and points earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.

1 Offer description and conditions: The 25,000 Scene+ points offer (the « offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card accounts (the « accounts ») opened between August 4, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account) subject to the conditions below. The offer may be modified, cancelled or extended at any time without notice, and it cannot be combined with any other offer.

In addition, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Cardholder, you are eligible for an annual bonus of 10,000 Scene+ points if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible everyday purchases to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account over the course of one year. Conditions apply; see below for more details.

Description and conditions of the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: To be eligible for the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (« 25,000 bonus points »), you must charge at least $2,000 in total eligible purchases to your account within the first three months following the account opening date.

Conditions for the annual 10,000 Scene+ points bonus:
As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit cardholder, you can earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points (the « annual points bonus ») if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible purchases to your account over the course of one year (12-month period). The annual period begins on the account opening date; a new period starts again every twelve months thereafter. If you replace another Scene+-eligible credit card with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card (i.e., it is not a new card or an additional card), the opening date of your original account will be carried over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account and your annual period under this offer will begin on the next anniversary date of your original account opening. For example, if you originally opened a Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card account on January 15, 2022 and you switch to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025, your annual period under the 10,000 Scene+ points annual bonus offer will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next anniversary date) and a new period will start again on January 15 each year thereafter. You will earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for each additional $10,000 in purchases made during the same year once you have reached the $40,000 annual purchase threshold.

Eligible purchases means purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and excludes payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, as well as card fees and other fees.

Fulfillment of the annual points bonus: Bonus points will be credited within approximately eight weeks after you become eligible for a bonus, provided the account is open and in good standing. In the case of a joint account with a primary borrower and a co-borrower, bonus points will be credited as follows: (i) the 25,000 bonus points and the annual points bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($2,000, or $40,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months, or the first 12 months). If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 25,000 bonus points, or the annual points bonus, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. It is possible to transfer points between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, a co-borrower or an additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no over-limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the account. All other program conditions continue to apply during the offer period.

Offer eligibility and exclusions: You cannot take advantage of the offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or have been one in the past two years, including if you transfer your balance from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card account, and if you are a Scotiabank employee. Subject to the exclusions mentioned above, small business credit cardholders are eligible for this offer.

Rates and fees: The annual fees are $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates applicable to the account are as follows: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). The rates, fees, and features and benefits, which are described in the disclosure statement accompanying the application, may be changed.

Savings at Shell

Get up to 7 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts for a limited time and earn up to 3 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with an eligible Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + card linked to a Shell Go+ Account:

Instant 3 cents per Litre Discount on Fuel Purchases (All Grades): Receive an instant 3 cents per litre discount on purchases of fuel (all grades) (“Fuel Purchases (All Grades)”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank debit card or credit card linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per Scotiabank debit card and per Scotiabank credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per payment card account. This discount is subject to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Instant 4 cents per Litre Discount on Premium Fuel: Between May 26, 2026 and June 1, 2027 (“Promotional Period”), receive an instant 4 cents per litre discount on purchases of V-Power^® gasoline, or V-Power^® diesel (“Premium Fuel Purchases”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per credit card account. This promotional offer, including the Promotional Period, may be changed, extended, or withdrawn at any time without notice. These promotional offer terms are in addition to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Earn up to 3 cents per Litre in Scene+ points Value (Equivalent) on Fuel Purchases: Each time you use your linked Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points on Fuel Purchases (All Grades) at participating Shell locations in Canada, you will earn at least 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent. Plus, as a Scene+ Member you will also automatically earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre in Fuel Purchases (All Grades), and as a Shell Go+ member, automatically earn 1 additional Scene+ point for each litre in Premium Fuel Purchases, made with your linked Scotiabank credit card. This means that for every litre in fuel purchased with your linked credit card, you can earn the equivalent of up to 3 cents of redeemable Scene+ points value based on a redemption value of $10 for every 1,000 Scene+ points redeemed for fuel purchases at participating Shell locations. Actual value may be lower depending on how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points. Earn and redemption limits may apply. See the Scene+ Program Terms and Conditions available at sceneplus.ca/terms-and-conditions for full details including redemption options and additional terms.

Note: Highest value of 10 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account. Actual value will vary depending on payment card used and whether or not the card is linked, fuel grade purchased, and how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points.

Additional 3¢/L at Shell (limited time)

Additional 3¢/L Fuel Discount Offer: Offer valid from October 5, 2026 to December 31, 2026 (“Promotional Period”), eligible Scotiabank credit and debit cardholders enrolled in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program who have linked an eligible Scotiabank payment card (an “Eligible Card”) to their Shell Go+ account will receive an additional instant fuel discount of 3 cents per litre on eligible fuel purchases at participating Shell-branded retail locations in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories (the “Eligible Provinces”) excluding Shell Flying J locations. Fuel purchases made outside the Eligible Provinces are not eligible for this offer.

To receive the additional fuel discount, customers must pay with their linked Eligible Card at the time of purchase.

The additional fuel discount is in addition to the fuel savings available through the Shell Fuel Benefits Program and may be combined with other eligible fuel discounts, rewards programs, and promotional fuel offers unless otherwise stated in the applicable offer terms and conditions.

The additional fuel discount is available on up to 1,000 litres of eligible fuel purchases per calendar month for each Eligible Card. The 1,000-litre limit resets at the beginning of each calendar month.

The additional fuel discount is non-transferable, is not redeemable for cash, and cannot be substituted or exchanged.

Participation in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program is subject to the applicable program terms and conditions available at Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.

Shell Canada reserves the right to make changes to this offer and to terminate the offer at any time, for any reason and without notice.

All other applicable terms and conditions of the Shell Fuel Benefits Program, Shell Go+ and Scotiabank continue to apply.

Annual fee

Primary card$150

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$60,000

Household$100,000

Conversion fees

Earning rate

3xWith the partner brand
2xGroceries
2xRestaurants
2xTransit
2xEntertainment
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$704

2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 3 days

Trip CancellationUp to $1,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500

Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

What are the risks in Martinique?

From June to November, the population of this island in the Lesser Antilles is exposed to the risk of hurricanes.
Martinique, like Guadeloupe, is prone to strong earthquakes
In the north of the island, Mount Pelée is considered an active volcano.
According to the Government of Canada, the crime rate is low in Martinique. Petty crime is the biggest threat

Known as the island of flowers, Martinique charms visitors with its activities, dream villas, lush nature and warm people. In 2022, the TV show Occupation Double was even filmed on the island.

With a history shaped by the Indigenous peoples of South America and the arrival of the French in 1635, Martinique’s heritage is as diverse as its landscapes and its people.

When you travel to this island of mountains, mangroves and tropical forests, here’s what you shouldn’t miss.