TravelTalkOnline Forums Active Threads This Week

Latest from TCN. Early January means late January the way it has gone so far.
=========================================================

UPDATE ON THE PARKING AREA
12/9/25

(Sorry, Folks...)

The County advised us today that the project has suffered further delays. Construction will still be ongoing for the next two weeks, and then the project needs to be signed off by several different agencies.

Opening date is estimated to be sometime early in January 2026.

Greetings,

Let's start by stating that i know very little about Martinique yet wish to share some resources should you need assistance in taking a leap a faith.

Accomm

I found that booking thru a concierge service provided a huge savings. Either way, the concierge will be handling your file, so cut out airbnb. I booked thru Madikeys.com. Madikeys also offers discount codes to car rental, etc.

Be sure you understand the contract as there are some straightforward clauses i havent signed off on in 15 yrs of carib private rentals.

Buses

Buses run, until they dont. Fort de france has reticulating buses...yet i waited 2 hrs for a bus in ste anne (nowhere near same bus. Im pointing out the advanced bus system). Theres a bus schedule website here;

https://busmaps.com/en/martinique

Navette

A 20 mins shuttle from any of the three docks in 3 islets. The point du bout dock by the small marina and le mitan dock (in front of ti taurus resto) are a safe 10 mins walking distance apart. You can hop on either from fort de france. Its 10 euro return trip. You can buy tix online or at outdoor kiosk though the kiosk may be out of service again.

Link https://transitapp.com/en/region/fort-de-france/martinique-transport-navettes-maritimes/ferry-1b

Taxis

Taxis are very costly per km. You are forewarned but with sun soaked patience, you have options on the many ways to delay your travel time.

Prices increase in the evening, and again late at night. My taxi has an app for a meter.


Food delivery

There are a couple options. I chose 123 click martinique for delivery the day after arrival. They delivery all over the island, yachts, and have pick up locations too. Your 2nd order is with a 10e coupon. There english page is a little confusing but it works well, so far.

Sailing

I signed up for get my boat. Its a website for independant captains who will take you out on either a small group sail or private charter.

Tips and tricks

Resto seems to have 2 sections. Be sure to ask which section is for eating (full service) and which side is for drinks (self serve). They will relocate u if you are on the wrong side, or u wait forever as there is no drink service.

Lespress des iles will ferry you to Dominica

Also theres a ferry to st lucia.

Creole village in 3 islets is not worth the trip. Though if you are in the area, you could spend an hour or two here.


Souvenirs

Ste Anne has lovely high quality souvenir shops.

Fort de france grand marche is an excellent covered market for fresh produce, not far from navette.

Notes

Dengue epidemic is over since summer 2025.

Surgassum ???

Language

Bonjour_bonsoir, merci, comment ca va ?, je ne parle pas le francais, parlez-vous anglais ?, une table pour deux (2), un ver de vin rouge/blanc/rose, s'il vous plait. Une boule is one scoup of ice cream. Glace is ice.


Au plaisir et je vous souhaite un bon sejour a martinique.

Joyeux noel

Cc

Yes, I know the bus/taxi situation however my friend opted out of renting a vehicle...so, a 3 hr bus ride/hitchhike to les salines it will be.

I am also joining cruiseship small taxi tours and negotiating the costs for both of us. Basically we will be +2 for bums in seats when trip is not full (and driver gets 100% of our euros)

Then, i linked up with opt in boat company for day tours.

And we are getting groceries delivered rather than stopping at the maCarrefour on our way from the airport.

If all goes sideways, theres lexpress des iles to Dominica. But lets not go overboard.... jk....

Cheers
Cc