Martinique
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
14
Cost of living
Capital
Fort-de-France
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- Good righthand reef set-ups
- Consistent Tartane spots
- Low tidal influence
- Safe tourist haven
Negatives
- Seasonal north swells
- Onshore trade winds
- Sharp shallow reefs
- Some crowded spots
Where to surf in Martinique
Martinique lies in the heart of the Lesser Antilles, or Windward Islands and is dominated by the peaks of the Carbet and the Mont Pelée dormant volcanoes. The southern shores are highly regarded by tourists seeking picture perfect beaches, leaving surfers to focus on the northern and eastern coastline, ideally exposed to winter's North Atlantic swell and peppered with volcanic and coral reefs. The main waves are concentrated on the unusually protruding Caravelle Peninsula close to Tartane, allowing for offshore winds on an otherwise windblown east coast. The southern beaches can provide a summer swell bodyboard option.
Surf spots in Martinique
Research the 14 surf breaks in Martinique and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 14 breaks in Martinique.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Martinique
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 536,000
- Population
- 375,265
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- EUR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 0.7 EUR EUR
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +596
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- French, Creole patois
Electricity
- Plug Type
- cde
Visas
Same as France : France is a Schengen state and citizens of most European countries, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and japan do not require visas. All others, including South Africans and those planning to stay more than three months, must obtain a visa from the French consulate in their home country.
Getting There
Tartane is 30min away from Fort de France, 20min from Fort de France Airport (FDF)
Getting Around
Rent a car in Fort-de-France, rates begin at $62/d, including taxes, insurance and unlimited mileage. While public buses are inexpensive, much public transport is by collective taxis, 8-passenger limousines bearing the sign TC. Traffic jams are common and can happen any time of the day.
Accommodation
Accommodation options range from large hotels to family-run 'Relais Créoles' or 'Gîtes de France', usually studios in private homes. Around Tartane, try Résidence Océane (fr $90/n), L'h™tel La Caravelle ($90/dble) or Bliss from $325/wk. Sample Martinique's culinary magic, a marriage of French and Creole cuisines.
Activities
Hiking, diving and mountain biking are great. A wealth of sightseeing: white sand beaches, tropical rainforest, floral gardens and the majestic Mount Pelee. Sample product at rum distilleries before dancing to Biguine and Zouk.
Hazards & hassles
Spots around Tartane can get crowded, but it's easy to move to less popular spots. Stay clear of the poisonous manchineel trees that border some beaches; they are sometimes marked with red paint. Martinique has the best medical care in the Eastern Caribbean.
Handy Hints
Surfing equipment at Itacaré Surfshop. Reef boots are advisable. Bliss surf school located on Plage des Surfeurs, offers surf lessons (group $36/1.5h) and board rentals ($30/d; $120/w).
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
Travel Gallery
Surf Culture
Cultural surf gallery for Martinique
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