At this time of year, with schools closed, families are preparing to take off on exciting adventures — and top of mind for all parents is finding activities children and teens can enjoy. Giselle Laronde-West suggests why Martinique should be your next stop
With Caribbean Airlines now servicing Martinique and Guadeloupe (both overseas departments and regions of France), it’s getting so much easier to add the magnificent destinations of the francophone Caribbean to your family travel bucket list!
Martinique is smaller and more urban with one main island. Neighbouring Guadeloupe (nicknamed Gwada locally) is larger with two main islands (Grand-Terre and Basse-Terre), four more inhabited islands, and several other smaller uninhabited ones.
Martinique is picturesque and hilly in the interior, with an unspoiled coastline, and much to offer the whole family. It also has deep Creole ties with not only Guadeloupe (4–5 hours away by ferry), but neighbouring St Lucia and Dominica (1.5–2 hours away by ferry) if you want to extend the adventure!
December through April is high season (as in the rest of the Caribbean) — with dry season weather and trade winds that are ideal for outdoor activities on land and in the water. But July and August can offer great deals and savings over the steeper high season prices.
If you want to go exploring in Martinique, renting a car may be your best bet (outside of any scheduled tours), as the public transportation system can be tricky to navigate, even if one is a fluent French speaker, and there are no rideshare services.
Fortunately, the stunning beaches are conveniently located near each other, as noted by Francesca from One Girl One World. The tranquil, white-sand beaches like Les Salines and those in the southern part of the island are particularly good for families with young children.
For any avid kitesurfers, paddleboarders or kayakers in the family, head to Anse Michel beach (in the south), and have lunch at the rustic, self-sustaining, local restaurant there — Le Cocotier. Snorkelling enthusiasts will want to head for Anse Dufour and Anse Noir, where you have the opportunity maybe to see a turtle or glorious tropical fish. Other aquatic activities include dolphin-watching, and visiting a small waterfall and pool nearby called Foret Coeur Bouliki (ideal for little visitors).
One of the most popular places to take the young in Martinique is the Jardin de Balata — the enchanting botanical gardens, located a little over six miles from the capital, Fort-de-France, where the cruise ships dock. There is a tree-top trail made of suspension bridges, which is marvellous for kids to experience.
Another exciting place for children is the Zoo de Martinique, housed in the unique and enchanting Habitation La Touche — one of Martinique’s oldest dwellings, built in 1643. Visitors can stroll along an educational trail to discover the animals, ruins, waterfalls, and exotic flowers.
The quaint Banana Museum — located on a former sugar estate in Sainte-Marie, which has been a banana plantation since 1950 — is also popular among families as a truly immersive, educational, and delectable experience. The restaurant on the property also provides delicious food and desserts made from bananas.
La Savane des Esclaves, meanwhile, is an open-air museum with reconstructed Indigenous and Creole cottages, exhibitions, and materials bringing to life over 300 years of the island’s history — including life during and after enslavement.
The Jesuit Hike isn’t too taxing and doesn’t require too much physical exertion, so it’s perfect for families. It has a gentle descent, with the opportunity to cross a magnificent suspension bridge. There’s a pause for a dip in a refreshing pool before heading back. Experience total immersion in the natural beauty of this stunning island’s lush rainforest.
So, if you are looking for calm beaches, easy access to all historical attractions, adventure, and beautiful weather, Martinique is the island for you — and your family!