Martinique is a fantastic cruise port because of its diverse scenery, rich culture, and easily accessible attractions. Whether you’re craving lush rainforest vistas, historical ruins, or flavorful local cuisine, the island offers options to suit many interests. We love the Martinique Shore Excursion – Unmissable Martinique North tour for its small-group intimacy and mix of nature and history, and the Authentic Tour of Southern Martinique for its variety of beaches, local markets, and rum tastings. If you’re into discovering the city’s culture and trying local sweets, the Fort-de-France Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour provides a more urban, flavorful experience.
Below, you’ll find an honest look at each tour’s strengths and what makes them unique, so you can pick the one that fits your style.
1. Martinique Shore Excursion – Unmissable Martinique North tour
At number one, this north Martinique tour is perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see a variety of landscapes and historical sites. Spanning about 5 hours, it covers everything from a rum distillery visit to black-sand beaches and colonial ruins. The tour is designed for small groups (maximum 18 people), ensuring a more personal and flexible experience, which many reviews highlight as a major plus.
The tour kicks off with a visit to Balata Cathedral, a smaller replica of Paris’s Sacré-Cœur, offering a stunning view and photo opportunity. From there, the drive along the rainforest road called La Trace takes you through lush scenery with stops at Alma River and the Saut Gendarme waterfall—a favorite for its scenic cascade. The tour continues to Saint-Pierre, the ruined town destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1902, providing a poignant glimpse of the island’s history. The final stop at Le Carbet beach includes a local rum tasting, making this an engaging mix of natural beauty, history, and local flavors.
What makes this tour stand out is its well-rounded itinerary and the chance to sample local drinks and see varied landscapes in just half a day. With rave reviews praising guides like Manuel and Leslie for their friendliness and knowledge, it’s clear this tour offers excellent value.
Bottom line: If you want a compact, engaging overview of northern Martinique with friendly guides, this tour is hard to beat.
2. Martinique Shore Excursion – Authentic Tour of Southern Martinique
Number two on our list is a Southern Martinique tour that also lasts around 5 hours. This tour is ideal for those wanting to explore beaches, local villages, and historic sites in the south. Picked up conveniently from the port, you’ll enjoy a diverse itinerary that includes Le Monde des Épices, where aromatic spices, chocolates, and teas await; the famous Trois Rivières Rum Distillery for tastings; and the Les anses d’Arlet, a charming fishing village with time for photos and swimming.
A highlight is visiting Diamond Rock—an iconic volcanic formation—and its viewpoint, offering a photo-worthy vista. The tour also stops at Memorial de l’Anse Caffard, a site commemorating the 1902 volcanic eruption, adding a meaningful historical element. The combination of beaches, market visits, and local rum tasting makes it a well-rounded experience focusing on the island’s southern charm.
What sets this tour apart is its emphasis on local culture, markets, and natural scenery, with many travelers mentioning how relaxed and personalized the experience feels. The guide, Sandra, gets particular praise for sharing detailed insights and answering questions, making the tour feel tailored.
Bottom line: For travelers who want a mix of beaches, local markets, and a taste of Martinique’s rum, this tour offers excellent variety in just five hours.
3. Shore Excursion: Fort-de-France Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour
Third, this urban cultural tour is designed for food lovers and history enthusiasts. Lasting around 2 hours and 40 minutes, it explores Fort-de-France’s lively streets, markets, and landmarks. The tour starts at La Savane, where you’ll see the Josephine statue and the Savannah Park, often home to iguanas. From there, it visits the Schoelcher Library, an architectural gem.
The highlight is the local market, where you’ll taste traditional sweeties, baked goods, and local specialties. The tour also passes by the old city hall, now home to the Aimé Césaire Museum, offering insights into Martinique’s cultural icons. With a maximum of 10 people, this small-group experience feels intimate and personalized, perfect for those who prefer exploring cities on foot.
What makes this tour appealing is its combination of food and culture in a short time, with reviewers mentioning the flavorful tastings and friendly guides. It provides a great way to understand Martinique’s vibrant city life, especially if you’re short on time but eager for a taste of local life.
Bottom line: This tour suits travelers interested in city culture, architecture, and tasting local sweets, making it a delicious, compact experience.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider what kind of experience you’re after. If you want a nature-focused day with waterfalls and ruins, the North Martinique tour is your best bet. For a relaxed exploration of beaches, villages, and rum, go for the Southern Martinique tour. If your interest lies in urban culture and food, the Fort-de-France walking tour offers a quick, flavorful immersion.
Think about your budget and time—all tours are around 5 hours except the city walk, which is shorter. Check your fitness level: the city tour involves walking, while the other options include some driving and outdoor stops. Booking early is wise since these popular excursions fill quickly, especially during peak cruise season.
Final Thoughts
Martinique is full of options, whether you’re after scenic landscapes, cultural insights, or culinary treats. The North Martinique tour offers a well-rounded look at the island’s natural beauty and history, perfect for those with limited time. The Southern Martinique trip emphasizes beaches and local flavors, excellent for relaxed travelers wanting to soak in the island’s sunny side. Meanwhile, the Fort-de-France city tour is ideal for foodies and urban explorers eager to taste local sweets and see the city’s architecture.
For maximum enjoyment, consider what interests you most—nature, culture, or food—and pick the tour that best fits your style. Remember, booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on these top-rated experiences, allowing you to make the most of your cruise port time in Martinique.