North Martinique Rainforest & Volcano Discovery Tour
- Tour code
MTQSHO01
- Start
Fort-de-France
- End
Fort-de-France
- Min. age
16 years old
- Group size
Max 6-16 travellers
- Trip style
Comfort
- Trip pace
Relaxed
- Language
English
Northern Martinique is where the island turns wild. Steep rainforest climbs toward Mount Pelée, rivers drop into cool pools, and the old capital of Saint-Pierre still carries the marks of the 1902 eruption that buried it.
This day strings those places together at an easy pace. You'll swim at two waterfalls tucked into the forest, Cascade Absalon and Saut Gendarme, hear how the volcano reshaped the island's history, and snack on local bites with a cup of traditional peyi tea along the way.
The last stretch is all about rum. Martinique's agricole rums carry their own AOC appellation, and you'll taste them at Distillerie Depaz, where they're made, before a final photo stop above the coast at Anse Marigot.
Why This Journey
Waterfalls, a volcano, a lost city and a rum estate cover most of what makes the north of Martinique distinctive, and this tour fits them into one unhurried day from Fort-de-France.
It suits travelers who like to swim as well as sightsee, and anyone curious about the history behind Saint-Pierre and the island's agricole rum.
Good to Know
The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting and ending in Fort-de-France. Saut Gendarme is reached by a short walk down into a ravine. Bring swimwear for the two waterfall swims.
What you will see and do
Cool off in a rainforest waterfall pool
Mount Pelée and the story of Saint-Pierre
AOC rum tasting, with local snacks along the way
What's included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip
One farewell group activity when possible
Max 16 travellers per group
Group transportation
Transfers to and from the excursion
What's excluded
- Flights, accommodation and airport transfers
- Travel insurance (required)
Group itinerary
Your day starts in the rainforest. At Cascade Absalon, the first falls of the day, you can slip into the water and let the green canopy close in around you.
Next comes Saut Gendarme, reached by a short walk down into a ravine. The pool at the bottom is cold, clear and good for another swim if you're up for it.
Along the way there's a break for local bites and a cup of traditional peyi tea.
The road then opens up toward Montagne Pelée. Cloud often hangs on the summit, so how much of the volcano you see is down to the weather, but its presence dominates the landscape either way.
In Saint-Pierre you'll walk among the ruins of the city the volcano destroyed in 1902, once known as the Paris of the Caribbean, and hear what happened on the morning of the eruption.
At Distillerie Depaz, set on the slopes below Pelée, you'll learn how agricole rum is made from fresh cane juice and taste the AOC rums produced on the estate.
The final stop is the lookout at Anse Marigot, known for its heart-shaped landmark, for a last round of photos before the drive back to Fort-de-France.
Rooms
- Included
Shared double
Shared with the person you book with, or a fellow traveller of the same sex.
- Extra cost
Single room
A room to yourself, subject to availability.
You choose your room when you book.
Tour FAQS
Fly into and out of Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF).
Everything that's part of the tour price is listed under What's Included on this page. Anything not listed there, including flights and accommodation, isn't included.
Yes. Transfers to and from the excursion are included. Airport transfers are not included. Contact our Customer Experience team to confirm your pickup point and time.
Swimwear for the swims at Cascade Absalon and Saut Gendarme.
Contact our Customer Experience team to ask about booking this tour for a private group.
Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.
Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.
There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.
We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.
Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.
Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.
While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:
- Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
- Up-to-date medical advice:
- US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
- Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.
3. Government travel advice:
- US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
- Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.
4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.
We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.
We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.
Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.
Would you like to learn more or customise our North Martinique Rainforest & Volcano Discovery Tour trip?
Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.
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