Martinique: The Perfect Family Winter Getaway to a Tropical Carribean Island
If you’re looking for a winter getaway that’s both tropical, affordable and family-friendly, look no further than Martinique. This Caribbean island is a French overseas department, which means that it’s part of France and shares the same currency, making it easy to navigate for Europeans and North Americans. And what’s even better is that this authentic Caribbean island is a great option for families who want to enjoy some sun and sand without breaking the bank.
Keep reading to learn more about why Martinique is the perfect place to take your family this winter.
About Martinique
Martinique is a French territory located in the Lesser Antilles, making it a great option for families who want to experience a new culture. Most of the islanders only speak French. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning mountains, vibrant culture, and lush rainforests. Martinique also has a rich history and culture, which you can explore by visiting some of the museums and historical sites on the island.
One of the best things about Martinique is its weather. The island has a tropical climate, which means that it’s warm and sunny all year round. Even in the middle of winter, air temperatures hover around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the perfect escape from the cold and dreary weather of the northern hemisphere.
Martinique is also a great destination for families who want to experience the island’s culture. Visitors can explore the island’s capital, Fort-de-France, which is home to many historical and cultural sites, including the Schoelcher Library, which was built in 1889 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Families can also take a guided tour of the island’s distilleries and learn about the production of rum, which is one of the island’s most famous products.
Best of all, Martinique is an affordable destination compared to other Caribbean islands, making it a great option for families on a budget. There are many ways to save money on your trip, such as staying in an Airbnb instead of a hotel, cooking meals at your accommodation instead of eating out all the time, and taking advantage of the Martinique’s free activities like hiking and visiting the beach.
Accommodations
Accommodations are one of the biggest expenses when it comes to vacationing, but there are ways you can save on this cost. Consider booking a villa or renting an apartment rather than staying at a hotel. This will give you more privacy and space than a hotel would, and many times they come with amenities like kitchens that can help keep food costs down as well. This option has been very successful for our family when staying in Martinique. However, you might also consider camping if your kids are up for the adventure!
If you are not looking to stay on the island on a small budget, there are many family-friendly hotels and resorts to choose from in Martinique. Most of these hotels offer kids clubs, babysitting services, and other amenities that make traveling with children easier.
There are also plenty of activities for kids of all ages to enjoy, such as swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and exploring the many parks and playgrounds on the island.
Book Your Accommodations Ahead of Time
Accommodations (especially bigger hotels and resorts) in Martinique can be quite costly, so it’s best to book ahead of time to get the best deals. There are many discounts available online, such as hotel packages that include meals and discounted rates if you book multiple nights at once. You can also look into renting a house or apartment instead of staying at a hotel; this often proves to be much more cost-effective for families.
Transportation
Once you’ve arrived in Martinique, getting around can be surprisingly cheap if you utilize public transportation such as buses or shared taxis called “collectifs”. Buses tend to be the cheapest option and they run frequently throughout the day between major cities on the island. If you do decide to rent a car while in Martinique, be sure to book in advance so you can take advantage of any discounts offered by rental companies. Additionally, if your kids are old enough, biking is also an affordable way for them to explore the island at their own pace!
Activities
Kids love fun activities when traveling, but these outings can often add up quickly in terms of cost. Luckily there are plenty of free or low-cost activities that your family can enjoy while visiting Martinique! For example, spend some time exploring local markets like Marché de Fort-de-France where you can find fresh produce and handmade crafts from local artisans at great prices. Or take a stroll through La Savane des Esclaves where visitors learn about life during colonial times through exhibits and statues scattered throughout the park grounds – admission is free!
Martinique is a beautiful French Caribbean island full of unique activities that will make your family vacation unforgettable! Whether you’re looking for a beach adventure, an educational experience, or some outdoor fun, there are plenty of things to do in Martinique with your kids.
Beaches
Martinique has no shortage of stunning beaches where you can relax and enjoy the sun with your kids. With plenty of white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s easy to find spots where you can relax after a day full of adventures. Plus, many of these beaches are great for swimming and other water activities like kayaking or snorkeling. As an added bonus, most of them have nearby restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat when hunger strikes.
The most popular beach destination is Anse Mitan, but there are also several other gorgeous beaches like Grand Anse des Salines and Grande Anse Diamant, which offer many opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring rock pools. Many of these beaches have restaurants and bars where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a cool drink while soaking up the sun.
Water Activities
Of course, no trip to Martinique would be complete without spending some time at one (or more) of the beautiful beaches! The warm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling – and if you want something more adventurous, there are plenty of scuba diving excursions available too! If you are traveling with smaller kids, we recommend that you check out our tips for getting to do some not-so-kid-friendly activities while traveling as a family.
If you’re looking to stay dry but still get out on the water, try renting kayaks or paddle boats – your little ones will love them! If you have older kids who are looking for thrills they can try their hand at windsurfing or kite boarding at Pointe du Bout beach !
Snorkel with Sea Turtles
Martinique is home to some incredible wildlife that your family won’t want to miss out on! You’ll be able to spot amazing creatures like sea turtles, manta rays, sea snakes, dolphins, and more when snorkeling. Plus, there are plenty of protected areas where you can swim safely without disturbing any marine life.
Exploring underwater is one of the most popular activities in Martinique. There are several spots around the island where you can go snorkeling and get amazing views of coral reefs filled with colorful fish and other marine life. Not only will this give your kids an opportunity to connect with nature, but it’s also a great way to learn about ocean conservation efforts in action!
If you like snorkeling, Egypt and French Polynesia are other great place to go as a family. In this post, we also share some tips about snorkeling as a family in general. For watching sea turtles in particular, we highly recommend Cape Verde and the Gili islands.
Exploring the city of Fort-de-France
Fort de France is the the capital of Martinique. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities to explore here, including La Savane Park and the Schoelcher Library. La Savane Park is one of the most popular spots on the island; it’s a lush garden filled with exotic flowers and plants where visitors can take a leisurely stroll or relax on a bench under a shady tree. You can also take a walk around Fort-de-France and admire its stunning colonial architecture while learning about its rich history. And don’t forget to stop by Schoelcher Library – a historic building built in 1890 that houses an impressive collection of books and artifacts from around the world.
The Botanical Garden
Another must-see spot is the Jardin de Balata Botanical Garden. This gorgeous botanical garden features over 500 species of tropical plants and trees from around the world as well as colorful birds and butterflies flitting around in their natural habitats. There’s even an interactive maze that will keep your little ones entertained for hours! And if that’s not enough, the parks is full of hummingbirds which will intrigue the little ones just as much. The tropical climate makes this garden perfect for exploring any time of year, so be sure to add it to your itinerary when visiting Martinique with kids.
Hike the Volcano Mount Pelée
Take your family on an exciting adventure by climbing up Mount Pelée – the active volcano on Martinique! Learning about volcanoes and how they shaped the landscape can be an educational experience for your kids!
If your family loves nature and outdoor activities, then make sure to take advantage of Martinique’s active volcano.
The hike up Mont Pelée is challenging but rewarding – not only will you get some amazing views from the top but also the chance to explore its lush rainforest trails. It’s definitely worth packing some snacks and plenty of water before heading out on this incredible adventure! See here for more tips on hiking with kids.
Visit the Zoo, La Perle des Antilles
Visit a local zoo in Martinique. The La Perle des Antilles Zoo is located near Fort-de-France and offers both animal shows and guided tours through its habitats. You can get up close with exotic animals like lemurs, sloths, porcupines, giant tortoises, toucans and more! This zoo is perfect for families who want to learn more about wildlife while having fun at the same time. Here your kids will get up close and personal with animals from all over the world – from monkeys and meerkats to tigers and tortoises! Plus, there are plenty of interactive exhibits that will help keep everyone entertained throughout the day. Make sure not to forget bringing along cameras so your family can capture these special moments forever!
Cuisine
In addition to the many activities and amenities that Martinique has to offer, the island is also home to some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean. Visitors can sample traditional French-Caribbean cuisine, including dishes like accras (deep-fried fritters) and colombo (a spicy stew).
Final words
Overall, Martinique is the perfect destination for a tropical and affordable family winter getaway. The island’s French heritage also offers a unique cultural experience that you can’t find elsewhere in the Caribbean. With Martinique’s warm weather, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly activities, it’s sure to provide an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
