And we should warn you: the bar is set particularly high! Our selection is based solely on the beaches we’ve actually visited. In this guide, we compare not only their beauty but also their accessibility, the quality of the swimming, how family-friendly they are, snorkeling opportunities, and the main things to keep in mind before you go.
A Quick Look at Martinique’s Most Beautiful Beaches
| Beach | Why go there? | With children | Snorkeling | Point to Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Les Salines | Crystal-clear water, white sand, and palm trees | Adapted | High School | Very busy |
| Grande Anse d’Arlet | Turtles, atmosphere, and restaurants | Very suitable | Excellent | Attendance |
| Anse Michel | Shades of blue and meals with your feet in the sand | Adapted to the conditions | Variable | Possible Sargassum |
| Anse à Voile | A true beach at the end of the world | Not very suitable for swimming | Not tested | Walking and possible strong waves |
| Figuier Cove | Shallow water and a family-friendly atmosphere | Very suitable | Good, near the rocks | Very lively on the weekend |
| Anse Noire | Black Sand, Open Water, and Snorkeling | To be qualified | Very good | About 130 steps |
| Anse Dufour | Turtles and a Small Fishermen’s Cove | Adjusted by arriving early | Excellent | Very crowded and limited parking |
| The Village of Anses-d’Arlet | Ponton, the Village, and Fish | Adapted | Excellent | Busy area |
| Le Carbet | Volcanic Sand and Sunset | Vigilance | Variable | Quick Depth |
| Trabaud Cove | Nature and Tranquility | Depending on the access option selected | High School | More restrictive access |
| The Diamond | View of the rock | Suitable for swimming while | No | Waves and Currents |
This table reflects the conditions we encountered during our stay. The sea, the wind, visibility, and Sargassum blooms can completely change the experience from one day to the next.
Les plages de Martinique
Repérez une plage sur la carte, puis cliquez sur son nom pour lire notre expérience.
Les numéros situent les plages sur l’île. Cliquez sur un nom pour accéder directement à la partie correspondante de l’article.
Our ranking of the most beautiful beaches in Martinique
As you may already know, we love beaches and water sports. In fact, one of the main reasons we chose to live on the Île d’Oléron was so we could enjoy the ocean every day. We also discovered many of them during our ten-month road trip around Europe in a campervan.
And despite all these experiences, Martinique’s beaches still managed to surprise us with their beauty and diversity. So here’s our personal ranking.
1. Les Salines, our favorite picture-perfect beach
Grande Anse des Salines is truly a picture-perfect beach. It’s exactly what we imagined Martinique’s beaches to be like before we left: a long stretch of light-colored sand, crystal-clear water, and palm trees lining the shore. It’s very well-known and often crowded, but we found its reputation to be entirely justified.
Its length allows you to get a little away from the busiest areas.
Parking is free, and the trees provide shade, but it’s best to avoid sitting directly under the coconut trees because coconuts may fall. If you arrive early, the experience is even more enjoyable.
We went back there before catching our flight. We spent part of our last day at the beach, then used the indoor showers set up at the beach entrance to rinse off and change before heading to the airport. This is especially convenient when your flight leaves late in the day.
🌴 To us, Les Salines is the quintessential postcard beach: clear water, sparkling sand, and palm trees as far as the eye can see.
| + | − |
|---|---|
| Natural setting with coconut palms Crystal-clear water Free parking | None, even if I looked really hard. Or maybe it’s just way too beautiful! |
2. Grande Anse d’Arlet, our favorite beach for seeing turtles
Grande Anse d’Arlet is the beach that best combines everything we were looking for in a day in Martinique. The bay is lovely, the sea was calm during our visits, and it’s easy to spend several hours there. There are several restaurants along the beach, including Ti Sable, where we had a delicious grilled fish for lunch.
Its main attraction—and by no means the least—is the presence of green sea turtles that come to feed in the seagrass beds. We spotted them right from the shore. Watching them move freely in their natural habitat was one of the most memorable moments of our trip.
The first time, we had to swim for several minutes before we saw our first turtle. We recommend sending an adult ahead to scout the area and then bringing the children along afterward so they don’t get tired.
We also advise you to keep a safe distance, never chase them, and certainly never touch them.
There is free parking nearby, which makes it easy to get there with your beach gear. The area can get crowded, though: if you arrive early enough, you can enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
🐢 We went back to Grande Anse several times during our stay, which pretty much sums up how much we loved it.
We’ll be publishing a comprehensive guide to the best places to see turtles in Martinique.
| + | − |
|---|---|
| Snorkeling with sea turtles , Free parking | Urbanized environment ; Busy area |
3. Anse Michel, our most wonderful surprise
Anse Michel was one of the most beautiful discoveries of our trip. The light-colored sand, the palm trees, and the many shades of blue come together to create a particularly photogenic landscape. Small sheltered areas form in the water , like natural pools, creating various shades of blue.
This beach is located on the Atlantic coast and may be affected by Sargassum. During our visit, it was completely free of Sargassum, and conditions were perfect. The experience can be very different after a Sargassum bloom: it’s best to check the situation shortly before heading out.
Two beachside cafés, in particular, serve seafood dishes. We chose to have lunch there with our feet in the sand after our hike at Trou Cochon. This simplicity was a big part of why we fell in love with the place. Anse Michel can also be combined with a visit to Cap Chevalier or a broader exploration of the southeast.
| + | − |
|---|---|
| Palm Trees and Shades of Blue Shallow Areas 2 open-air cafés | Possible Sargassum ; conditions vary depending on the wind |
4. Anse à Voile, the wildest spot of our trip
This time, we headed north, where Anse à Voile is quite different from the more famous beaches in the south. To get there, we set out from the Anse Couleuvre parking lot and took a pleasant 1.5-kilometer walk through the forest. The trail passes by the ruins of an old house, leads to a lookout point, and then descends to the beach.
The view upon arrival is magnificent: the dense vegetation, the dark sand, and the coconut palms make it feel as though you’ve reached a beach at the end of the world.
Even on a weekend in February, the place wasn’t very crowded. Our 4-year-old daughter walked there, but getting there requires more planning than going to a beach that’s directly accessible by road.
Another family on the beach lent us their machete to open a coconut. Matthieu had learned how to do it in Tahiti during our trip around the world, so we were able to drink the coconut water right there by the ocean. That little impromptu moment is one of our best memories of the day.
On the other hand, Anse à Voile isn’t necessarily the best place for a family swim. During our visit, the waves could be rough. The setting is well worth the walk, but you should assess the conditions before entering the water and be especially careful with children.
- Be sure to wear shoes that are suitable for the trail.
- Bring water and whatever else you need for the beach.
- Avoid hiking after heavy rain if the ground is slippery.
- Don’t always rely on the phone network.
| + | − |
|---|---|
| A remote, out-of-the-way atmosphere A beach lined with coconut palms Not very crowded, even on a February weekend | Waves may be rough Accessible on foot |
5. Anse Figuier, one of the most enjoyable places to visit with children
We stopped at Anse Figuier one Sunday while moving between Le Diamant and Le Marin. With its shallow, crystal-clear water, its amenities, and its very family-friendly atmosphere, the beach almost reminded us of a small tropical public pool. There was even an aqua aerobics class taking place in the water that morning. Several beach huts offer food and drinks on site.
For snorkeling, head to the rocks on the left side of the beach when facing the ocean. We’ll cover this spot in more detail in our upcoming guide to the underwater world. For us, the main appeal of Anse Figuier is its simplicity: you can alternate between swimming, eating, and relaxing without any complicated arrangements.
| + | − |
|---|---|
| Shallow, crystal-clear water Family-friendly atmosphere and huts for dining Snorkeling near the rocks on the left as you face the sea | A lively atmosphere on Sundays |
6. Anse Dufour: a small beach and snorkeling
Anse Dufour is a small , light-sand beach lined with fishermen’s houses. Its setting is very different from the long beaches in the south. While snorkeling there, we saw some fish and a turtle.
The main problem is logistical. The beach is small, the access road is narrow, and parking spaces are limited. When we were there, the area was already quite crowded. Arriving early means you won’t have to park far away and then walk with your bags, masks, and the kids’ stuff.
Anse Dufour and Anse Noire are separated by just a short walk. Visiting both on the same day allows you to see the contrast between the light-colored sand of one and the volcanic sand of the other.
| + | − |
|---|---|
| A charming little fishing cove Turtle watching Snorkeling from the shore | Small beach that gets crowded quickly : Narrow road and limited parking |
7. Anse Noire, the most unique beach in the southwest
Anse Noire is a steep-sided cove and the only black-sand beach in southern Martinique. It stands in stark contrast to Anse Dufour, located just a hundred meters away. Of the two, this was our favorite: it seemed a little larger, more pleasant, and better for snorkeling.
Access is via a large staircase with about 130 steps. Going down isn’t particularly difficult, but you’ll need to keep the climb back up in mind, especially if you have young children or a lot of luggage. This access also limits the number of visitors somewhat. During our visit, Anse Noire was quieter than Anse Dufour.
🖤 Anse Noire is worth a visit for its scenery.
| + | − |
|---|---|
‘s Black Sand and Enclosed Frame Snorkeling | A long flight of stairs to go down and then back up Less convenient access when carrying a lot of stuff |
8. The beach in the village of Anses-d’Arlet, between the pier and the tropical fish
The village beach offers one of Martinique’s most recognizable views, with its pier lined up directly across from the church. It makes it easy to combine exploring the village with a swim and lunch nearby.
Our best memory is underwater. About thirty meters from the shore, around several rocks, we saw many fish.
A true natural aquarium.
We loved watching the variety of species and their behaviors: some were playing with each other, while others were feeding around the rocks. We enjoyed this area so much that we went back a second time before the end of our trip.
Details about our outings, the areas we explored, and our equipment will be included in our next article on the best snorkeling spots in Martinique.
| + | − |
|---|---|
| View of the dock and the church Many fish around the rock Nearby village and restaurants | Small-town atmosphere, less rugged Busy area |
9. Carbet Beach, for its volcanic sand and sunsets
Le Carbet allowed us to discover another side of Martinique’s coastline. Here, there are no vast white-sand beaches: the volcanic sand ranges from black to gray, while the lush green hills of the north rise behind the coast.
We had a picnic there, enjoyed water that was around 26 °C during our stay, and admired our first sunset in Martinique. The sea was a little choppy when we were there, and the water got deeper fairly quickly, so we stayed close to the shore with our daughter.
⚠️ Do not sit directly under coconut trees: a falling coconut can cause a serious accident.
| + | − |
|---|---|
| Volcanic sand and the landscape of northern Beautiful sunsets Pleasant setting | Water depth increases rapidly . The sea was slightly choppy when we passed through. |
10. Anse Trabaud, a secluded beach at the far end of the Savane des Pétrifications
We discovered Anse Trabaud during our hike through the Savane des Pétrifications. After passing through arid landscapes, cacti, and cracked earth, coming upon this wild beach created a striking contrast.
Its isolation gives it a real “end-of-the-world” feel, but you’ll need to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes if you’re arriving on foot. The trail is very exposed, and the heat can be intense. We didn’t go swimming—the waves were too strong when we were there.
| + | − |
|---|---|
| A wild beach with a “end-of-the-world” feel —a wonderful discovery after the Savane des Pétrifications | The waves were too strong for us to swim during our visit . The walk there was exposed to the sun along our route. |
Three beaches worth checking out, but which didn’t quite win us over
Diamant Beach: beautiful scenery, but not so great for swimming
Our vacation rental had direct access to Diamant Beach. We really enjoyed the view, the length of the beach, and the time we spent in front of the house. However, the sea can get rough, and the currents should be taken seriously.
We recommend it more for walking, admiring the Diamant Rock, or enjoying the sunset than for a leisurely swim with young children. Conditions vary, but be sure to pay attention to the signs and the state of the sea.
| + | − |
|---|---|
| View of the Diamond Rock A long beach perfect for a stroll A pleasant setting to enjoy the coastline | Waves and Currents —Not our first choice for a peaceful family swim |
Pointe Borgnèse: A Disappointing Snorkeling Experience During Our Visit
We had read many positive reviews about Pointe Borgnèse, so we went there to go snorkeling. On the day of our visit, however, we weren’t impressed with the visibility or the seabed. We left fairly quickly.
This feedback doesn’t mean the spot is always disappointing. The swell, wind, visibility, and water conditions can completely transform a session. We simply prefer to be transparent: among the spots we’ve tested, this isn’t the one we’d recommend first.
| + | − |
|---|---|
| You can explore the site by snorkeling from the shore | Visibility was disappointing during our visit ; the seabed we observed was less impressive than that of Anses-d’Arlet |
Anse Caritan: a pleasant way to end a day in Sainte-Anne
We made a quick stop at Anse Caritan after visiting Piton Crève-Cœur and exploring Sainte-Anne. We mainly came to take a few photos around the swing set in the water. Since the beach was pretty narrow, we didn’t go swimming there.
We see it as a supplementary stop, one that’s easy to fit into a day spent around Sainte-Anne, rather than as a primary destination in and of itself.
| + | − |
|---|---|
| We stopped to take a photo near the swing during our stay . It’s easy to combine this with a visit to Sainte-Anne. | A fairly narrow beach We didn’t go swimming: we just took some photos |
Where can you see the white reefs in Martinique?
The white sandbanks are found mainly along the Atlantic coast, off the coast of Le François and Le Robert. Among the best known are the Baignoire de Joséphine, the Le François islets, Îlet Madame, and the Trapèze white sandbanks. These sandbars, located in the open sea, are accessible by boat, either as part of an organized tour or using a boat that doesn’t require a license. Once there, the turquoise water is so shallow that you can often stand in it.
We explored the Baignoire de Joséphine and the François Islets on a boat that didn’t require a license. This outing was truly one of our best days in Martinique. So we’ll be dedicating a full article to it soon to share our itinerary, our tips, and all the information you need to plan this excursion.
Which beach should you choose based on your preferences?
| What you’re looking for | Our top choice | Two alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| 🏝️ A picture-perfect beach | Les Salines | Anse Michel, Grande Anse |
| 🐢 See turtles | Grande Anse d’Arlet | Anse Dufour, boat tour |
| 🤿 Go snorkeling | The Village of Anses-d’Arlet | Anse Noire, Anse Dufour |
| 👨👩👧 A Family Day | Figuier Cove | Grande Anse, Les Salines, early in the morning |
| 🥾 A secluded beach | Anse à Voile | Anse Trabaud, Anse Noire |
| 🌅 A sunset | Le Carbet | Grande Anse, Le Diamant |
| ✈️ Take a bath before your flight | Les Salines | Anse Figuier, Anse Caritan |
Which beaches should you choose when traveling with children?
Martinique was a great destination for a trip with our 4-year-old daughter, but not all beaches offer the same conditions. We focused on sheltered coves, easy access, and days that allowed us to maintain a relaxed pace.
- Anse Figuier was the easiest choice for a family day out.
- At Grande Anse d’Arlet, you can enjoy swimming, watching turtles, and having lunch.
- Les Salines is a good choice if you arrive early and keep an eye on the conditions.
- Le Carbet calls for increased caution because the water gets deeper very quickly.
- Le Diamant wasn’t our first choice for a peaceful swim with a child.
- Anse Noire involves going down and then back up a long flight of stairs.
No matter which beach we went to, we always checked the sea conditions before going in the water. We also kept water, sunscreen, UV-protective clothing, a picnic, and appropriate footwear in the car.
Sargassum in Martinique: Which beaches are most affected?
Sargassum strandings mainly affect the Atlantic-facing coast. Le François, Le Vauclin, Anse Michel, Sainte-Anne, and some beaches in the far south may be affected. The Caribbean coast, particularly Anses-d’Arlet and Le Carbet, is generally less exposed.
Algal blooms can occur year-round and are difficult to predict with precision. They are often more pronounced from spring through summer, but a beach can be clear one day and covered in algae shortly afterward. During our visit to Anse Michel, there was no Sargassum, even though this beach can be heavily affected at other times of the year.
💡 Before crossing the island, check the official Sargassum bulletins and look for recent local sightings.
Our practical tips for enjoying the beaches
Get to the most popular beaches early
Les Salines, Anse Dufour, Anse Noire, and Grande Anse d’Arlet can get very crowded. Arriving in the morning makes parking easier, reduces the distance you have to walk with your gear, and allows you to enjoy more pleasant temperatures.
Always check the ocean conditions before going swimming
Two nearby beaches can have very different conditions. Check the waves, the current, whether there are other swimmers, and any signs. On an open beach like Le Diamant or Anse Trabaud, we never rely solely on how it looks at first glance.
Pack Your Own Picnic
In three weeks, we ate out only five times. We often packed a picnic to maintain our flexibility and stay within our budget. Some beaches have restaurants or small eateries, but that’s not the case everywhere—especially in the more remote areas.
What We Kept in the Car
- masks and snorkels;
- UV-protective clothing and sunscreen;
- a large amount of water;
- closed-toe shoes for on-foot access;
- a towel and some dry clothes;
- a bag to carry our trash home.
To easily reach all these beaches, a car is still the most convenient option. Our guide details our experience renting a car in Martinique, including the roads, parking, and choosing a vehicle.
How many beach trips should you plan during your stay?
You don’t have to visit several beaches in a row every day. Some are worth spending a whole day at, while others fit nicely into a hike or a visit to a village.
| Length of stay | Recommended Selection |
|---|---|
| A few days | Les Salines, Grande Anse d’Arlet, and Anse Michel, if conditions are good |
| One week | Add Anse Figuier, the village of Anses-d’Arlet, and a beach in the north |
| Two to three weeks | Divide the beaches by area and set aside some days to revisit your favorites |
Our three-week itinerary in Martinique shows how we combined beach time with hikes, sightseeing, and changes in accommodations.
FAQ About Martinique’s Beaches
What is the most beautiful beach in Martinique?
Les Salines is our favorite beach in Martinique thanks to its crystal-clear water, white sand, and palm trees. Grande Anse d’Arlet comes in a close second for the overall experience: swimming, lunch by the water, and turtle watching.
Which beach should you choose to see turtles?
Grande Anse d’Arlet was our best spot. The turtles come to feed in the bay’s seagrass beds. Anse Dufour is also often mentioned, but sightings are not guaranteed. Always keep your distance and never touch the animals.
Where can you go snorkeling in Martinique?
Of the locations we visited, the village of Anses-d’Arlet, Grande Anse, Anse Dufour, and Anse Noire are the most interesting. Visibility, however, depends heavily on the conditions on any given day.
Which beach should you choose when traveling with young children?
Anse Figuier seemed like the easiest option to us with our 4-year-old daughter. Grande Anse d’Arlet and Les Salines are also good choices when the sea is calm. However, we would avoid choosing Le Diamant solely for swimming with young children.
Where can you find black-sand beaches in Martinique?
Volcanic beaches are found mainly in the north, particularly around Carbet, Le Prêcheur, and Anse Couleuvre. In the south, Anse Noire stands out as a small cove with black sand located right next to Anse Dufour.
Can you go swimming at Diamant Beach?
Swimming is possible on certain days, but the beach is known for its waves and currents. During our stay, we especially enjoyed the scenery and the time we spent in front of our lodging. Be sure to check the conditions and follow the signs posted on site.
Are the beaches free in Martinique?
The beaches featured in this article are open to the public. However, depending on the location, some may require payment for an activity, an excursion, or private parking. Access to Anse à Voile or Anse Trabaud also involves a walk or a more challenging journey.
Our assessment after three weeks
Martinique’s beaches are not limited to Les Salines. As we explored different areas, we discovered completely different atmospheres: volcanic sand and rugged terrain in the north, sheltered coves on the Caribbean coast, wild beaches in the far south, and turquoise landscapes along the Atlantic coast.
- 🌴 Les Salines is our most beautiful beach and offers the postcard-perfect setting we’ve always dreamed of.
- 🐢 Grande Anse d’Arlet is still our favorite spot for the turtles and the atmosphere.
- 💙 Anse Michel captivated us with its colors.
- 🥾 Anse à Voile was our most beautiful experience in the wilderness.
- 👨👩👧 Anse Figuier was the easiest place to enjoy as a family.
We recommend that you narrow down your options, but also remain flexible. In Martinique, the best beach is often the one that combines good sea conditions, minimal sargassum, and whatever takes your fancy at the moment.
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