Martinique North Tour: Rainforest, Rum & Black Sand Beach

Summary

Explore Martinique’s wild north with rainforest rivers, rum tasting and volcanic history

You’ll walk through Martinique’s lush rainforest with a local guide, taste freshly made rum at Depaz distillery near Mont Pelée volcano, wander Saint-Pierre’s haunting ruins, and finish swimming at a black sand beach. Expect real stories, snacks along the way, and moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever tasted rum straight from a 17th-century distillery?” That’s what Sebastiano asked as we bumped along the road out of Fort-de-France. I’d barely finished my fruit juice (he handed it over right after pickup — cold, sweet, smelled like guava) before we were winding up into the greenest hills I’ve seen. The air in the rainforest was thick and wet; you could hear water everywhere but not always see it. At one point, Sebastiano stopped us by a river just to show us some plant — I forget the name now — that locals use for medicine. He laughed when I tried to say it in French. Probably butchered it.

The botanical garden was next, and honestly, I didn’t expect to care much about flowers but… there’s something about seeing them with someone who actually knows their names. The little museum inside had these old photos of Martinique before the eruption — kind of haunting. We walked a short trail under trees so tall they blocked out most of the sun, except for these sharp slices of light on the path. It smelled like earth and something sweet I couldn’t place.

Saint-Pierre is just ruins now, mostly — Sebastiano called it “Little Paris” before 1902, which is wild to imagine because now it’s quiet except for birds and our footsteps crunching on gravel. He told us about the one guy who survived the volcano (I still think about that story). After that came Depaz rum distillery at Mont Pelée’s feet; you can taste the difference in their rum — sharper somehow? Maybe it was just being there with sugarcane fields all around.

We ended at a black sand beach where the water felt colder than I expected but in a good way. There were kids playing nearby and someone selling coconut slices from a cooler. My shoes filled with sand immediately but honestly, I didn’t care by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore rainforest, history, and rum

• Visit Montmartre Sacre Coeur replica
• Stop in tropical forest rivers and waterfalls
• Tour botanical garden and tropical trail
• Walk through ruins of former capital
• Visit Depaz rum distillery and taste rum
• Relax at black sand beach

Top questions

How long does this Martinique north tour last?

The tour covers a full day with several stops including rainforest walks, Saint-Pierre ruins, Depaz rum distillery visit and tasting, plus time at a black sand beach.

Is hotel pickup included on this day trip?

The tour includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle as part of your experience.

Are entrance fees covered for attractions like the botanical garden?

Yes, entrance fees for the botanical garden are included in the price of your tour.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is lunch provided during this private tour?

No formal lunch is included but snacks and local fruit juice are provided during the day.

Will we have time to swim at the black sand beach?

Yes, there is time planned for bathing or relaxing at the black sand beach towards the end of your tour.

What languages does the local guide speak?

The guide speaks multiple languages including English and French.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking trails and uneven ground at some sites.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle with Sebastiano as your local guide; entrance fees to attractions like the botanical garden; fresh fruit juice and water; plus snacks along the way before returning after your swim at the black sand beach.