Boat and Ferry Travel in Martinique

Express des Îles operates ferries to Dominica, Guadeloupe, and St. Lucia. Any of these trips costs in the neighborhood of EUR 79 one-way, and the crossings generally take between three and four hours, or even five on a bad day. Most of these services are daily, with extra departures on weekends, but call ahead to confirm schedules and prices. The services can be crowded on weekends and after music festivals and other popular events.

The latest nautical news is that a forward-thinking ferry operation, Caribbean Spirit, is now plying the route from Guadeloupe to Martinique, with fares from EUR 79 to EUR 99. Passengers can opt to stay aboard overnight in accommodations that range from a simple cabin, one with four berths, or a first-class, deluxe cabin (prices per cabin range from 25 to 80 euros. The ships, which can transport vehicles as well, house dining and bar facilities and even a wide-screen cinema. Look on site for various promotions and creative packages.

Weather permitting, vedettes (ferries) operate daily between Quai d'Esnambuc in Fort-de-France and the marinas in Pointe du Bout, Anse-Mitan, and Anse-à-l'Ane. Any of these trips takes about 20 minutes, and the ferries operate about every 30 minutes on weekdays, with long waits in the low season. Two companies, Vedettes Madinina and Caribéenne de Transport Maritime, operate the ferries. If you buy a round-trip ticket (about EUR 6) you must use the return ticket for the same ferry company. The ferry is the best way to go into the capital, where traffic and parking are a tropical nightmare.

Information

Caribéenne de Transport Maritime (0596/42-41-25). Caribbean Spirit (0811/57-45-74 or 0590/57-45-74. www.caribbean-spirit.net). Express des Îsles (0825/35-90-00 or 0596/63-12-11. www.express-des-iles.com). Vedettes Madinina (0596/63-06-46. www.vedettesmadinina.com).