Martinique's Nightlife

The concept of nightlife is a rather new one in Martinique, but since the idea was introduced, the island has been working hard to fill the gap.  While Martinique wouldn't be the top spot for nightlife in the Caribbean, it wouldn't be the last choice either.

Much of the island's nighttime happenings occur at resorts, where guests are treated to live music , theatrical performances, and even the occasional foam party.  Often this entertainment is for guests only, but every now and then they are opened to the public.  Outside resorts , visitors will find nightclubs, bars,  and a few family-friendly places to spend their evenings.

Be aware that the legal drinking age in Martinique is 18, and you must also be 18 to enter into either of the island's two casinos .

After Dark Hot Spots

Fort-de-France has the largest concentration of nightclubs, though others can be found throughout the island.  All of the nightclubs charge covers nearly double that of what most American's are used to, and drinks are just as expensive, regardless of what you oder. 

There are a few restaurants in Martinique that are worth checking out for more than the food.  Calebasse Cafe is a funky restaurant that is especially popular on Saturday night (no reservation means no table).  Jazz music is the norm, and local artists often play a set in the evenings. 

Club Med Buccaneer's Creek is a unique nightclub setting.  It costs between EUR 93 and EUR 118, however, this price includes a buffet dinner, a theatrical performance, and a night of dancing. 

Crazy Nights is a popular dance club that holds upwards of one thousand people at a time.  Everyone who enters the building can't help but join the throng of dancing partyers, especially on nights when a local band is playing live. 

At Hotel Bakoua , patrons can hang out at the bar drinking top shelf rums, or choose to have a full meal in the restaurant.  The restaurant is right in front of a stage where local artists play live music, the likes of which are known around the island for their high quality. 

If you're interested in a club that has theme nights, check out Hotel Cap Macabou .  Saturday and Sundays have rotating theme nights, and Latin night is every third Friday.  A “dancing buffet” is their claim to fame. 

For the full-service experience, you won't want to miss Karaoke Cafe .  Each day begins with the bar opening, then a restaurant appears around dinner time.  Soon, the karaoke begins, and when that is over the partying starts, as patrons dance the night away.

The younger set tend to enjoy L'Amphore , where the speakers are pumping disco, funk, and techno beats.  Dress code is in full affect, so no beachware is allowed, and there is a cover charge.  L'Amphore is only open on weekends during the low tourist season, though it has extended hours during the high season.

Other bars and clubs in Martinique include Alibi , Aubenic , Au P'tit Bonheur J , Bodeha , Boheme , Challenger , Cocoloco , Coin des Ami , Coconuts Club , Endroit , H'Club , Holly Night , Manhattan , Mayflower , Monte Carlo , Negresko , Palacio , Shangai , Terminal , Top Night Club , Ti Bart , Tribal Cafe , Xenakis Club , and Zipp's Club .

If you are a fan of dance, but don't necessarily want to be the one doing the dancing, look out for performances by  Les Grands Ballets de la Martinique and Les Balisiers .  Each is a professional dance troupe that tours the island performing at different hot spots on a regular basis. 

Don't let the setting sun make you believe you need to return to your hotel and hit the hay.  Whether you want to enjoy your dinner while listening to a live band or you feel the urge to dance the night away, it can be done in Martinique.