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10 Things To Do In Martinique On A Cruise

By Erica Moody | Published on September 25, 2025

Rugged landscapes, colorful festivals and distinctive dining are just some of the reasons to visit Martinique, a French overseas region in the Lesser Antilles. The West Indies island boasts a vibrant blend of cultural influences, most notably French, African and Caribbean. Residents speak French or Creole (or both!) and gather for an annual Carnival that’s one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular festivals. With so many things to do in Martinique, we rounded up the top Martinique attractions to experience on your cruise vacation.

1. Sample Creole And French Fusion Cuisine

The rich diversity of cultures in Martinique is reflected in its celebrated food scene, where fine upscale options from renowned chefs flourish alongside standout street food and casual beachfront cafes. Popular dishes include:

● Accras de morue (crispy cod fritters often served with spicy Creole sauces).

● Boudin créole (a spicy grilled or boiled blood sausage frequently seen on menus as an appetizer).

● Chatrou (an octopus stew that goes well with a side of fried plantains).

On the sweeter side, desserts are delightfully refreshing; try blancmange (a light dessert featuring coconut milk), coconut flan or a homemade sorbet in fruity flavors.

2. Sip Some Of The World’s Best Rum At A Local Distillery

No trip to Martinique is complete without sipping some of the world’s finest rum, known locally as rhum agricole. Unlike most rums, which are distilled from molasses, rhum agricole is crafted from freshly pressed sugarcane juice, giving it a grassy, aromatic complexity that’s earned the island the prestigious AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) designation.

Longer cruises give you plenty of time to tour a local distillery, try samples from the source and learn about the island’s centuries-old rum-making tradition. Order a ti’ punch (the island’s signature cocktail of rhum, lime and cane syrup) at a waterfront bar in Fort-de-France, and if you love it, you can purchase bottles of rum at distilleries or duty-free shops to bring home.

3. Soak In Rainforest Views And Tropical Plants At Balata Botanical Garden

On your Martinique vacation, marvel at more than 3,000 plant varieties at the Balata Gardens, including hundreds of varieties of palm trees, just a short drive from Fort-de-France. Families can walk the suspended bridges that stretch across the mahogany treetops of the rainforest and take in panoramic garden views. Keep an eye out for Martinique’s four species of hummingbirds, which often gather around the garden’s feeders.

4. Learn About Martinique’s History In An Open-air Museum

The best things to do in Martinique include learning about its history. Step back in time with a visit to La Savane des Esclaves, an open-air history museum that illuminates more than 400 years of Martinique’s past with a focus on what life was like for enslaved individuals. Over three hillside acres in the charming coastal village of Trois-Îlets, the museum immerses you in life in the 18th and 19th centuries. It has dozens of traditional thatched huts, a Creole garden, a medicinal garden, informational panels and more. Learn about traditional plants used for healing and get the stories behind everyday objects and powerful artworks on a guided tour.

5. Relax Under Coconut Palm Trees On La Salinas Beach

Take some time to relax on this popular mile-long beach lined with coconut trees. Located near the southern town of Sainte-Anne, Les Salines is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Its shallow waters make it particularly family-friendly, and its unobstructed ocean views make for supreme sunset viewing. For a similar laid-back vibe, with gentle waters and shaded spots, head to Anse Michel on the Atlantic coast near Le François or Anse Figuier near Rivière-Pilote.

6. Visit A Former Sugar Refinery On Horseback

Habitation Céron, a 17th-century former sugar refinery on Martinique’s northwestern coast, gives you the option to explore the sprawling rainforest estate on foot or on horseback. Pause to admire a giant 300-year-old kapok tree and then taste an artisanal chocolate bar from cacao grown on the property, crafted entirely on-site from hand-harvested cocoa pods. Rustic, open-air shacks across the estate serve as stations for the production of the velvety chocolate.

7. Hike The Foothills Of Mount Pelée, Martinique’s Highest Point

One of Martinique’s most famous landmarks is a 4,500-foot volcano known for a catastrophic eruption in 1902. Now, Mount Pelée is a popular hiking destination renowned for its spectacular views, range of moderate to challenging routes and place in geological history. Look into Royal Caribbean cruise excursions that take you on a scenic drive to Mount Pelée to get a full sense of the picturesque landscapes.

For those looking to explore beyond Pelée, Martinique has a variety of trails to suit different skill levels. For casual or family hikers, the Presqu’île de la Caravelle takes you along dramatic Atlantic headlands and mangrove forests. For experienced or ambitious hikers, the Trace des Caps stretches for nearly 20 miles along the island’s southeastern coast.

8. Take A Ride On The Scenic Coastline To Diamond Beach

The drive along Martinique’s southwestern coast leads to Diamond Beach, a striking stretch of sand named for the volcanic Diamond Rock that rises dramatically offshore. Diamond Rock, a towering outcrop once used as a British naval stronghold, now makes for one of the island’s most photographed landmarks. Due to its strong currents, the beach is better for strolling and photography than swimming. Just inland, about 20 miles south of Fort-de-France in Le Diamant, Diamond Village offers a chance to browse local craft stalls, enjoy Creole snacks and soak in coastal scenery.

9. Snorkel With Sea Turtles In The Sheltered Cove Of Anse Dufour

Martinique boasts some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean, with clear waters and reefs that attract plenty of tropical fish. A highlight for many visitors is the chance to see green sea turtles up close, especially at Anse Dufour on the southwest coast of the island. You’re also likely to see trumpetfish, angelfish, damselfish, eels and diverse varieties of coral. It’s one of the island’s most popular snorkeling spots, with calm conditions that make it easy for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike to enjoy the marine life.

10. Wander The Colorful Streets Of Fort-De-France

Fort-de-France, Martinique’s bustling capital and cultural epicenter, is known for its lively streets filled with colorful markets, local boutiques and colonial-era architecture. The city is home to landmarks like the Schœlcher Library, St. Louis Cathedral and a statue of Empress Josephine, Napoleon’s wife, in La Savane Park. It also hosts Martinique’s famous Carnival, when parades, music and elaborate costumes fill the city each February to celebrate the island’s African, European and Caribbean traditions.

Why A Cruise Is The Best Way To See Martinique

If you want to experience all that Martinique has to offer while avoiding the stress of planning and coordinating logistics, a cruise is the way to do it. A Royal Caribbean cruise puts you right in the center of vibrant Fort-de-France, a short walk to shops, dining and historic Martinique attractions. And from there, you can take excursions to all the must-see activities on your list, from snorkeling with sea turtles to exploring one-of-a-kind museums.

Explore cruises to Martinique and plan your adventure today.