Traveling to Martinique

Once you've decided on spending your island getaway in Martinique, getting there is the next step. Arrival should be the method of transportation that is most comfortable and accommodating for your trip.

Air Travel

Air travel is the most popular way to get to the island. Travelers will find that several major airlines, including American Airlines and Air France, are scheduled to fly into Martinique's Lamentin International Airport near the island's capital Fort de France. For the most part, planes are the quickest way to get to the island from most parts of the world, but you may have to catch a connecting flight from Puerto Rico or one of the other islands in the Caribbean like Antigua.  Over 500,000 tourists arrived in Martinique via plane in 2004.  With numbers like that, it is important that the airport be kept in top notch condition and that it have state-of-the-art equipment.  Martinique is purposeful in making sure to maintain a high quality airport for just that reason.

Cruising

Travel time can also be a relaxing and enjoyable part of your vacation time if you decide to take a luxury cruise to Martinique. Cruise ship passengers will find that this particular stop on their tour of the Caribbean Islands to be very exciting and eventful. After coming ashore from the gorgeous blue waters that surround the island, cruise ship passengers will be welcomed and greeted by a few of Martinique's locals, and then the choice is up to you, whether you want to take a guided tour of one of the many attractions or explore the island's historic sites.

Note, that there are several ports of call in Martinique, and the one you arrive at will depend upon the discretion of your cruise line.  The Passenger Terminal in Fort de France is just moments from the heart of the city, while Pointe Simon lets out directly into the middle of Fort de France, offering even easier access to shopping, dining, and touring opportunities.

Sailing

Another method of water travel that has become increasingly popular with visitors of Martinique is sailing and yachting. Fort de France has one of the safest and beautiful marinas in the Caribbean, and it is easy for water lovers to charter a boat on the island. The island also hosts a number of annual boat races, like the Yole Racing, which is exciting for both spectators and participants.

There are six marinas on the islands where sailors can park their watercraft.  Port de Plaisance is the largest and best equipped, while Pointe du Bout is the closest to Fort de France.   Yachters planning to make the trip on their own should familiarize themselves with Martinique's official rules of entry, and be prepared to provide customs officials with any necessary documents.  If this seems a little much, you can hire a crew familiar with the island to sail your vessel for you and take care of all of the legal requirements while you just enjoy the ride.

However you choose to arrive on the island, you are sure to have an unforgettable island vacation while in Martinique.