Martinique North Island: Small Group Tour, Waterfall & Rum Tasting

Summary

Martinique’s north—cathedral views, jungle paths, rum & black sand

You’ll wind through Martinique’s lush north island with a local guide—exploring Sacré Coeur cathedral, swimming in a rainforest waterfall, tasting fresh fruit and local rum, wandering botanical gardens, crossing Saint Pierre’s haunting ruins, then unwinding on a black sand beach with time for lunch or just letting your feet sink into warm volcanic sand.

What’s the experience like?

We started winding up the Route de la Trace in that minivan just after sunrise—windows cracked for the thick green air. Our guide, Jean-Luc, pointed out the cathedral as we passed: Sacré Coeur, he called it, and I squinted up at its white dome against the hills. “Like Montmartre,” he said, but with chickens strutting around outside instead of Parisian pigeons. The bells echoed across the street market where someone was selling hot cassava cakes—I could smell them even from the van.

The road twisted deeper into Martinique’s north island and suddenly everything was rainforest—ferns brushing the windows, air heavy with that wet-earth smell. We stopped to walk a short trail and ended up at this waterfall hidden behind tangled roots. It was cold enough to sting when I slipped in (I yelped, not proud), but honestly? Worth it for how awake it made me feel. Jean-Luc handed us slices of pineapple from his backpack and told stories about old volcanic eruptions while we dripped dry on mossy rocks.

I didn’t expect to get so interested in plants at Domaine d’Emeraude but our guide knew every name—he crushed a leaf between his fingers and let us smell something sharp and citrusy. The garden felt like another world; even the light looked different under those tall trees. Later we drove past Saint Pierre’s ruins where you can still see scorched stone walls from 1902—there’s an odd silence there, like everyone lowers their voice out of respect without meaning to.

The last stop was a rum factory (the barrels smelled sweet and smoky) before we landed at a dark sand beach for lunch. Sunbeds scattered under palms, waves slapping quietly nearby. I tried to order my drink in French—got laughed at by the bartender but she winked and poured extra anyway. Still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore North Martinique highlights

• Visit cathedral like Montmartre
• Hike to waterfall in tropical forest
• View six volcanic peaks
• Guided tour of botanical garden
• Stop at three volcano viewpoints
• Visit rum factory and garden
• Cross ruins of old capital Saint Pierre
• Relax at beach restaurant

Top questions

How many people are on this Martinique North Island tour?

The small group tour takes up to 8 people per minivan.

Is pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup is included as part of the experience.

Does the tour visit Saint Pierre ruins?

Yes, you’ll cross through the ruins of Saint Pierre during the route.

Can you swim during this day trip from Fort-de-France?

Yes, there is time to swim at a rainforest waterfall and later relax on a black sand beach.

Are entry tickets included for Domaine d’Emeraude?

Yes, entry fees for Domaine d’Emeraude botanical garden are included.

Is food or lunch provided?

No set lunch is included but you stop at a beach restaurant where you can buy food and drinks.

Are infants or young children allowed?

Yes; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What happens if cruise ships arrive late?

If your ship docks late or you miss departure time, the tour starts without you and no refund is given.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned minivan (max 8 guests), all transportation between stops, entry tickets for Domaine d’Emeraude botanical garden and forest park with your private guide leading throughout; plus seasonal fruit tastings along the way before finishing at a beach restaurant where you can buy lunch or cocktails before heading back.