Fort-de-France (Martinique)

Where ships dock

Pointe Simon is on the downtown waterfront. From the Tourelles terminal it's about a 20-minute walk to the waterfront.

• Pointe Simon cruise terminal, Fort-de-France

Best time to go

The port authority doesn't publish a cruise calendar, so check your cruise line's itinerary.

Hurricane season runs June to November and peaks in August. Heavy rain in the May–November wet season can cause flash floods.

How far from the pier

One way. Short call OK means 20 minutes or less.

• Waterfront and ferry jetty (from Tourelles terminal)Walk20 min
• Pointe du Bout, Trois-ÎletsFerry20 min
• Jardin de BalataTaxi20 min

Ship tour or go independent?

Fort-de-France is easy to do on your own. You can walk downtown from Pointe Simon, and the Blue Lines ferry to the Trois-Îlets beaches leaves from right nearby for a few euros. The north of the island, with Saint-Pierre, Mont Pelée and the distilleries, is farther out, and there's no rideshare and taxis quote their fares, so an independent tour is the simple way to see it. Booking your own gives you more choice and often smaller groups. The ship's own tours suit anyone who would rather leave the timing to the cruise line. Browse the tours below and use the time-ashore filter to find one that fits.

• If your ship docks at Tourelles instead of Pointe Simon, allow about 20 minutes each way on foot to the waterfront and ferry jetty.
• Taxis aren't metered. Agree on the fare before you go, and expect a surcharge of up to 40% at night, on Sundays and on holidays.
• There are no rideshare apps on the island, so plan rides ahead or pick a tour with transport.
• Shared taxicos run only from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and not on Sundays, and some local buses don't keep to their timetables. Don't count on them to get back to the ship.
• Check the Blue Lines timetable before you cross the bay, and catch a ferry back that leaves plenty of time before all-aboard.

Getting around

No rideshare

• WalkPointe Simon is on the downtown waterfront, next to the Tour Lumina and the Pointe Simon bus station. The Schoelcher library, La Savane and the cathedral are all close together. From Tourelles, allow about 20 minutes to walk to the waterfront.
• Ferry€5 one way, €7 returnBlue Lines runs the public sea shuttles across the bay, with three lines from Fort-de-France to Pointe du Bout, Anse à l'Âne and the Trois-Îlets town center. The jetty is close to Pointe Simon. Buy tickets in the MT Ticket app, online, at ticket machines or at an agency. Children under 5 ride free.
• TaxiQuoted fares, about $25–70 (US State Dept)Taxis wait at Tourelles for excursions, and there's a taxi rank near Pointe Simon. They aren't metered: agree the fare first. Up to 40% extra applies at night, on Sundays and on holidays.
• BusShared taxicos serve every town, from about 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., but not on Sundays. Bus service in the north and center is thin.

The US State Department says no rideshare apps operate in Martinique, though some apps can call a licensed taxi.

Money, tipping & phones

Money

Martinique is part of France and uses the euro. You'll find ATMs across the island. Hotels, restaurants and larger shops take major cards, but small vendors and markets may take cash only. Stay alert at ATMs in quiet spots.

Tipping

Tipping is never required under French rules. Any service charge must already be included in the listed price, so a tip is a thank-you, not an expectation.

Must-sees

• Bibliothèque SchoelcherWalkableA 19th-century iron library built in Paris and reassembled in Fort-de-France, holding more than 130,000 works of Caribbean and African literature. It honors Victor Schœlcher and the 1848 decree that ended slavery in the French colonies.
• Cathédrale Saint-LouisWalkableRebuilt several times after fires, an earthquake and a cyclone, with bright stained glass and a bell tower. Open every day.
• La Savane and Fort Saint-LouisWalkableA big waterfront park of about 5 hectares in the heart of town. Fort Saint-Louis, the city's oldest building and a listed historic monument, is in view from the cruise terminal.
• Pointe du Bout and Anse MitanRide neededA 20-minute ferry ride across the bay to the Pointe du Bout marina, a few minutes on foot from Anse Mitan, a beach for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking.
• Jardin de BalataRide neededA tropical garden with over 3,000 species and canopy walkways almost 15 meters up, about 20 minutes by taxi from Pointe Simon. Open daily 9:00–18:00; €16 standard, €11 children.
• Saint-PierreRide neededFounded in 1635 and once called the Paris of the West Indies, the town was destroyed by Mont Pelée on May 8, 1902, when nearly 30,000 people died. A volcano museum holds objects recovered after the eruption.
• Mont Pelée and the northern pitonsRide neededAn active volcano close to 1,400 meters high, with the forests and Pitons du Carbet around it. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2023.
• Rum distilleriesRide neededMartinique's rhum agricole is made from fresh cane juice and has had its own AOC since 1996. About 15 distilleries operate; Depaz in Saint-Pierre offers tastings.

Free & cheap near the pier

• La SavaneA waterfront park of about 5 hectares with benches, snack bars and small restaurants.
• Cathédrale Saint-LouisA Romanesque-Byzantine church with colorful stained glass and a tall bell tower, open seven days a week.
• Bibliothèque SchoelcherA 19th-century iron building, made in Paris and put back together here, a short walk from the pier.
• Mada Paint muralA life-size street-art fresco from 2023 by the Mada Paint collective, below the Tour Lumina beside Pointe Simon. Some angles give a 3D effect in photos.
• Ferry ride across the bay€5 one way, €7 returnThe Blue Lines shuttle to Pointe du Bout takes about 20 minutes and costs a few euros.

Eat like a local

• ColomboA curry-style spice blend that turns up in many Creole dishes, often with chicken or pork.
• Féroce d'avocatA spicy avocado dish, a classic Martinique starter.
• Lambi and chatrouConch and octopus, two seafood staples on local menus.
• MatoutouSpiced crab dishes, traditionally served at Easter.
• Gratin de christophinesA baked gratin of christophine, a mild green squash.
• Ti-punchThe island's welcome drink: white rum, lime and cane syrup. Martinique's rum has its own AOC label.
• Creole lunch on rue Garnier PagèsA colorful downtown street lined with restaurants, a short walk from the pier.

Rainy-day backups

• Cathédrale Saint-LouisDuck inside to see the stained glass. Open daily.
• Bibliothèque SchoelcherA public library with more than 130,000 works of Caribbean and African literature.
• Saint-Pierre volcano museumThe Frank A. Perret museum shows objects recovered after the 1902 eruption. Best on a tour to the north.

Safety & scams

Official advisoryUS State Dept: Level 1 — Exercise normal precautions (as of August 20, 2026)

• Martinique is generally safe. Petty crime such as purse snatching happens, so keep valuables close and leave expensive jewelry on the ship.
• Take care at ATMs and with beach vendors, and avoid isolated beaches after dark.
• Don't swim alone at remote beaches.
• Dengue is a risk, especially after rainy spells. Use insect repellent.
• Tap water is generally safe to drink.
• Mont Pelée is an active volcano under close watch by the island's volcano observatory.
• Stay away from any street protests.
• Emergency numbers: 112 general, 17 police, 15 ambulance, 18 fire.

From official government and port sources. Check the latest advisory before you travel.

Accessibility

At the pier

Ships tie up alongside the quay at Pointe Simon or Tourelles, so there's no tender. The port authority doesn't publish step-free or wheelchair details for either terminal.

• La Savane, on the downtown waterfront, has plenty of benches for a rest.
• The Jardin de Balata lists access information for visitors with disabilities on the tourism board's page, but no specifics.