Getting around — South Martinique

South Martinique imperatively requires a car rental to be explored correctly. Public transport is almost non-existent between villages, and distances between poles, although modest (15-45 minutes), are not covered by a usable bus network.

Car rental is ideally done upon arrival at Aimé Césaire airport (Lamentin), 25-45 minutes from the main South resorts. All major agencies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) and several local agencies (Jumbo Car, Auto Évasion, RC Location) are present in the terminal. Plan €35-50/day for a small city car in high season (book 2-3 months in advance), €25-35/day in low season. Air conditioning is essential (tropical heat). Fuel costs €1.70-1.90/L, distances are modest (50 km maximum between extreme South poles), plan €8-12/day of fuel for normal use.

Roads of the South are globally of good quality — the A1 motorway connects the airport to Fort-de-France and Rivière-Salée, the N5 national road serves Le Diamant, Rivière-Pilote, Le Marin and Sainte-Anne, the N7 joins Le François and the Atlantic coast. Secondary roads to the Anses d'Arlet, Anse Caffard or Pointe Baham (Anse Trabaud start) are narrow and winding: careful driving recommended.

The Pointe du Bout — Fort-de-France maritime shuttle is an interesting option to reach the capital from Trois-Îlets in 20 minutes (€4-6 per trip, several rotations per hour from 6:30am to 6:30pm). It avoids traffic jams on the Fort-de-France ring road and offers a pretty view of the bay. Maritime shuttles also serve Anse Mitan, Anse à l'Âne and Trois-Îlets village from Fort-de-France.

Parking is globally easy and free in South villages (Sainte-Anne, Anses d'Arlet, Le Diamant, Trois-Îlets), except at the most popular beaches (Salines especially) where you must arrive early in high season. Pointe du Bout has paid parking near hotels.