Martinique with kids
Martinique With Kids: A Family Guide
A French island in the eastern Caribbean with volcanic mountains in the north, white sand beaches in the south, Euro as currency and French as the everyday language. Martinique is an overseas department of France, which means EU healthcare, French bakeries and rum distilleries all on one island.
Martinique sits between Dominica and St. Lucia in the Lesser Antilles. It is a full department of France, not a territory, so the Euro is the currency, French is the language and EU citizens can visit with just an ID card. The north is volcanic and green, dominated by Mount Pelée. The south is where the beaches are. The island blends Caribbean warmth with French infrastructure, and the food is some of the best in the Caribbean.
When to go
Martinique by season
- 1December through May
Dry season
The most popular time to visit. Temperatures around 27°C (81°F), low humidity and very little rain. This is peak season, and prices are higher from mid-December through mid-April.
- 2June through August
Shoulder season
Warmer and more humid, with occasional short showers. Prices drop noticeably. Still a good time for families who do not mind afternoon rain.
- 3September through November
Hurricane season
The wettest months and the highest hurricane risk. Some smaller hotels and restaurants close. Prices are lowest, but most families avoid this window.
Where to go
What families do in Martinique
Hike through volcanic ruins at Saint-Pierre, swim at Les Salines, walk the hanging bridges at Jardin de Balata and eat fresh accras on the beach at Anse d’Arlet.
Les Salines, Sainte-Anne and Anse d’Arlet
Les Salines is half a mile of white sand shaded by coconut palms. Sainte-Anne has calm coves and shallow water. Anse d’Arlet is a fishing village with a church on the sand and sea turtles in the shallows.
Mount Pelée, Jardin de Balata and the rainforest
Mount Pelée is the volcano that destroyed Saint-Pierre in 1902. Kids can hike the lower trails. Jardin de Balata has 3,000 tropical plant species and hanging bridges through the canopy. Gorges de la Falaise has waterfalls and natural swimming pools.
Saint-Pierre, La Savane des Esclaves and Habitation Clément
Saint-Pierre was called the Paris of the Caribbean before the 1902 eruption. The ruins are compared to Pompeii. La Savane des Esclaves is an open-air museum about the history of slavery. Habitation Clément is a former plantation with a museum and sculpture gardens.
Where to sleep
Accommodation in Martinique
Martinique is not a mega-resort island. Most accommodation is small hotels, gîtes (self-catering apartments) and one Club Med. The south coast between Les Trois-Îlets and Sainte-Anne is where most families base themselves.
| Option | Expect to pay | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek (Sainte-Anne) | €200 to 500 per night all-inclusive | Families who want a kids club, water sports and meals handled |
| Boutique hotel (Hotel La Pagerie, Hotel Corail Residence) | €120 to 250 per night | Families who want beach access, a pool and restaurant on site |
| Gîte or apartment rental | €60 to 150 per night | Families who want a kitchen, space and lower costs |
| Villa rental | €150 to 400 per night | Families who want a pool, privacy and room for grandparents |
Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek has a kids club for ages 4 and up and a teen programme. It is beachfront in Sainte-Anne and includes meals, drinks and water sports. Hotel La Pagerie in Pointe du Bout has a pool and is five minutes from beaches and the ferry to Fort-de-France.
Getting around
How families get around Martinique
- Fly into Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) near Fort-de-France. Direct flights from Paris, and connecting flights from Miami, San Juan and other Caribbean islands
- Rent a car. It is the easiest way to see the island. Book in advance, especially in high season. Driving is on the right
- Maritime shuttles run from Fort-de-France to Pointe du Bout for €5 one way. A nice alternative to driving around the bay
- Taxis cost about €40 per hour for up to four people. Useful for airport transfers but expensive for daily use
- Local buses serve the south coast between Les Trois-Îlets and Sainte-Anne. Schedules can be irregular
- A valid home-country driving licence works for stays under 90 days
Before you go
The practical stuff
Combine trips
Add Dominica or St. Lucia
Dominica is a short flight north and is the adventure island of the Caribbean, all waterfalls and jungle. St. Lucia is a short flight south and has the Pitons, resorts and chocolate tours. Both pair well with Martinique. You can also ferry to Dominica or St. Lucia from Fort-de-France.
“Martinique is what happens when France meets the Caribbean and both sides show up strong. The bakeries are real. The beaches are real. The rum is excellent. And the food is some of the best I have had anywhere in the islands. Your kids might not speak French, but it does not matter as much as you would think. Point, smile, and order the accras.”
Nicole Damiano, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor · Certified Family Travel Advisor with FG Luxury Travel. Former social studies teacher, mom of three, 60+ countries.
Thinking about Martinique with your family?
Club Med or villa, which coast to base on, how to combine it with another island. I can sort the logistics and find the right fit for your crew.
Quick answers
Is Martinique safe for families?
Yes. Martinique is a department of France with French law enforcement and infrastructure. Crime rates are low by Caribbean standards. The emergency number is 112, same as mainland France.
Do you need a visa for Martinique?
US, Canadian and EU citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. You need a valid passport. EU citizens can enter with just a national ID card.
What currency does Martinique use?
The Euro. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and can be exchanged at the airport or in Fort-de-France. Credit cards work at hotels and larger restaurants. Smaller places may prefer cash.
Do people speak English in Martinique?
French is the official language and Martinican Creole is widely spoken. English is limited outside of hotels and tourist spots. Basic French phrases go a long way. Most restaurant menus are in French only.
How do you get to Martinique?
Fly into Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) near Fort-de-France. Direct flights operate from Paris year-round. From the US, connect through Miami or San Juan. Inter-island flights and ferries connect Martinique to Dominica, St. Lucia and Guadeloupe.
Do you need a car in Martinique?
A rental car is the easiest way to explore the island. Book in advance in high season. Driving is on the right. Roads are generally good but can be narrow and winding in the mountains.
What is the best time to visit Martinique with kids?
December through May for the driest weather. June through August is warmer and more humid but less crowded and cheaper. Avoid September through November because of hurricane risk.
Keep planning: Dominica with kids, Caribbean with kids, international travel with kids, step by step.
Nicole Damiano, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor · Certified Family Travel Advisor with FG Luxury Travel. Adventures We Seek is my travel blog and planning resource. Trips are booked through Favorite Grampy Travels. Prices and availability last checked October 2026 and change often.
Family trip plans
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