Is Fort-de-France walkable from the cruise port?

Yes from Pointe Simon, about 10 minutes to the centre. From Tourelles it is about 20 minutes on foot, or take the shuttle or a taxi.

Is Fort-de-France a tender port?

No. Ships dock at Pointe Simon or Tourelles.

How do I get from Fort-de-France cruise port to Anse Mitan?

Take the Blue Lines ferry from the Pointe Simon jetty to Pointe du Bout, about 15 minutes and €7 return (2026), then walk a few minutes to the beach.

Where is the Tourelles cruise terminal?

In the commercial port about 2 km from the centre. It is mainly used when two ships are in.

What can I do in Fort-de-France in one day from a cruise ship?

La Savane, the Schœlcher Library, the cathedral and the market in the morning, then the ferry to Anse Mitan or a taxi to Jardin de Balata.

Do they use US dollars in Martinique?

No, the euro. Some tourist vendors take dollars but give change in euros.

Plan my Fort-de-France day

Port GuidesFort-de-France Cruise Port

Cruise Port Guide

Fort-de-France Cruise Port

Quick answerMost ships berth at Pointe Simon, about 10 minutes' walk from the centre of Fort-de-France; when two ships are in, one usually uses Tourelles, about 2 km out in the commercial port. The Blue Lines ferry from the Pointe Simon jetty reaches Pointe du Bout and Anse Mitan's beaches in about 15–20 minutes, from €5 one way. Catch a ferry that leaves Pointe du Bout two hours before all-aboard.

Checked October 2026 · Sources

Fort-de-France transport details

At a glance

Terminal to centre

On foot

About 10 min from Pointe Simon; about 20 min from Tourelles · Free

Walkable to centre

Yes

About 10 min · 0.5 km

Tender

Dock port

Typical time ashore

~9h

Check your own itinerary

Buffer before all-aboard

90 min

PortTrip planning default

Currency

EUR

French (Martinican Creole widely spoken)

Transport and cost figures are estimates — always confirm current fares at the terminal.

Plan your Fort-de-France day

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When to head back to the ship in Fort-de-France

Your all-aboard time

Central Fort-de-France (ship at Pointe Simon)
Walk, about 10 min
Leave by
16:20
Central Fort-de-France (ship at Tourelles)
Walk about 20 min, or shuttle or taxi
Leave by
16:10
Pointe du Bout / Anse Mitan (ship at Pointe Simon)
Blue Lines ferry, about 15–20 min, every 30–40 min
Leave by
15:30
Pointe du Bout / Anse Mitan (ship at Tourelles)
Blue Lines ferry, then walk or taxi to Tourelles
Leave by
15:00
Jardin de Balata
Taxi, about 20 min
Leave by
16:10

Where to leave from, and when

16:10

15:00

16:10

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO · Routes: Google

on foot bus, train, boat taxiPins show when to leave each place. Lines: route back to your ship.

Walk to townReturn risk: Medium #26 of 107 in the Cruise Port Index

Where people get it wrong: Relying on a late ferry back from Pointe du Bout or Anse Mitan when boats are infrequent and last sailings move earlier.

Times count back from all-aboard using the travel times and buffers in this guide. Your ship's daily programme always wins.

Open my full Fort-de-France day, timed to 17:30 Get this for every port on your cruise, with alerts on the day Write about Fort-de-France? Put these leave-by times on your blog, free

Transport: Port of Fort-de-France (Pointe Simon and Tourelles) to central Fort-de-France

Fort-de-France is Martinique's capital, and on a Pointe Simon day the town starts across the road from the ship. The centre is compact: La Savane park, Fort Saint-Louis, the Schœlcher Library, the cathedral and the covered market are all within a short walk. The town has no real beach, so many passengers cross the bay by ferry to Pointe du Bout and Anse Mitan in Les Trois-Îlets. The Tourelles berth changes the day: it is in an industrial area, and you need the shuttle, a taxi or a 20-minute walk before anything begins. Check your berth the evening before.

Walkable? Yes · about 10 min (0.5 km)

From Pointe Simon the centre is flat and close: La Savane, Fort Saint-Louis, the cathedral and the market are 5–15 minutes on foot. From Tourelles allow about 20 minutes to the waterfront along roads through the port area, or use the shuttle or a taxi.

Where your ship docks

Pointe Simon · 0.5 km to the centre — The main cruise berth, on the waterfront at the edge of the centre. The terminal building has shops, tour and car-hire desks and a taxi rank. The Blue Lines ferry jetty is next to it. About 10 minutes' walk to the historic centre; the covered market is about 500 m away.
Tourelles · 2 km to the centre — Second berth in the commercial port, usually used when two ships are in at once. About 2 km from the centre: around 20 minutes on foot to the waterfront, or about 5 minutes by taxi. A complimentary shuttle may run; check on board. There are shops, tourist information and taxis.

On foot

FreeAbout 10 min from Pointe Simon; about 20 min from Tourelles

From Pointe Simon turn right and follow the waterfront past the roundabout and taxi rank towards La Savane. From Tourelles follow the route into town along the bay.

Blue Lines ferry to Les Trois-Îlets

From €5 one way, €7 return, cash (2026)About 15 min to Pointe du Bout, 20 min to Trois-Îlets bourg, 25 min to Anse à l'Âne

Leaves from the Pointe Simon jetty, next to the cruise terminal. Blue Lines has run the public ferry since July 2024 under contract to Martinique Transport. The Pointe du Bout line ran about every 30–40 minutes in 2025. Timetables change at short notice and last boats move earlier when days are short; check bluelines.mq or the jetty board, and buy your return in the morning.

Taxi

Ask the fare before setting offAbout 5 min Tourelles–centre; about 20 min to Jardin de Balata

Taxis wait at both terminals. Fares are high by Caribbean standards for longer trips, so agree the price for the whole trip, including any waiting time, first.

Local bus and taxi collectif

Cheaper than a taxi; pay on boardVaries

Buses stop about 250 m from the cruise dock. Taxis collectifs are minibuses on fixed routes that leave when full rather than to a timetable, so they are hard to time for a return to the ship.

Know your all-aboard time? Build the whole day around it.

Return timing: getting back to the ship on time

Be back on board 60 minutes before all-aboard. Be on a ferry leaving Pointe du Bout or Anse Mitan 2 hours before all-aboard (2.5 hours if your ship is at Tourelles).

Ferries run every 30–40 minutes at best, and services have been cut, shortened or replaced by buses at short notice during strikes and when daylight hours shrink. If your ship is at Tourelles, add the 20-minute walk or the shuttle wait from Pointe Simon.

If you're running late

If the ferry is not running, take a taxi from Pointe du Bout round the bay by road; it is much longer than the crossing, so decide early. If you will miss all-aboard, call the port agent number on your daily programme straight away.

A one-day plan for Fort-de-France (all aboard 17:30)

Assumes the ship docks at Pointe Simon at 08:00 and all-aboard is 17:30.

08:30 Off the ship. Walk along the waterfront to La Savane, about 10 minutes.
08:50 Schœlcher Library, a metal-framed building named after the abolitionist Victor Schœlcher.
09:15 Cathédrale Saint-Louis, then the covered market (Grand Marché) for spices, fruit and rum.
10:15 Back to the Pointe Simon jetty. Check the Blue Lines timetable and board a ferry to Pointe du Bout.
10:45 Walk a few minutes from the Pointe du Bout marina to Anse Mitan beach. Swim and snorkel.
13:00 Lunch at one of the beach restaurants in Anse Mitan.
14:45 Walk back to the Pointe du Bout jetty.
15:00 Board a ferry back to Fort-de-France; the latest safe boat leaves at 15:30, two hours before all-aboard.
15:20 Off the ferry at Pointe Simon. Short walk along the waterfront by La Savane.
16:30 Back on board, 60 minutes before all-aboard.

What to see in Fort-de-France on a cruise day

La Savane

The 5-hectare park at the heart of town, used for events, with snack bars and benches.

⏱ 20–30 minutesFree

Tip: The Malecon play area and La Française beach are a few minutes away.

Bibliothèque Schœlcher

An ornate colonial library named after Victor Schœlcher, author of the 1848 decree abolishing slavery.

⏱ 20 minutesFree

Tip: About 17 minutes' walk from the cruise terminal; the exterior is the main attraction.

Cathédrale Saint-Louis

A Romanesque-Byzantine church by Pierre-Henri Picq, rebuilt with a metal frame after fires, an earthquake and a cyclone.

⏱ 20 minutesFree

Tip: Open daily; there are masses on weekdays, so visit quietly.

Fort Saint-Louis

A 17th-century fort on the waterfront next to La Savane, still a French Navy base, with harbour views.

⏱ About 1 hourGuided tour fee

Tip: Visits are by guided tour only; ask at the tourist office in town about booking.

Grand Marché (covered market)

Spices, fruit, rum and crafts under one roof, about 500 m from Pointe Simon.

⏱ 30–45 minutesFree

Tip: Go in the morning; some shops close at midday.

Jardin de Balata

A botanical garden in the hills north of town, opened in 1986, with views towards Mount Pelée.

⏱ 1.5 hours plus 2 × 20 min by taxi€16 adult, €11 child 3–12 (2026)

Tip: Open daily 09:00–18:00, last entry 16:30. Book a return time with your taxi driver.

Les Trois-Îlets and Pointe du Bout

Marina village across the bay, with Anse Mitan beach next door and La Savane des Esclaves nearby.

⏱ 3–4 hoursFerry €7 return (2026)

Tip: Watch the ferry times; take a boat back two hours before all-aboard.

Beaches near Fort-de-France cruise port

Plage de la Française

Walk from Pointe Simon past La Savane · About 10 min · Free

Small town beach beside Fort Saint-Louis. Fine for a quick dip, not a beach day.

Anse Mitan

Blue Lines ferry to Pointe du Bout, then a few minutes on foot · About 15–20 min crossing · Ferry €7 return (2026)

Calm water, restaurants and lounger hire.

Anse à l'Âne

Blue Lines ferry direct · About 25 min · Ferry from €5 one way (2026)

On the Anse à l'Âne line, which ran hourly in 2025; check the return times before you go.

Anse Dufour and Anse Noire

Taxi or hire car · Long drive round the bay · Taxi fare; agree it first

Snorkelling with turtles at Anse Dufour; Anse Noire has black sand and steps down. Better on a tour.

What to eat in Fort-de-France

Accras, spices and fresh fruit juices
Grand Marché (covered market), central Fort-de-France
Home-style West Indian dishes
Djol Dou, Rue Garnier Pagès
Creole buffet (Thursday lunchtime, booking recommended)
Restaurant Joséphine, Hôtel L'Impératrice, Rue de la Liberté
Snacks and drinks in the shade
Kiosks and snack bars on La Savane
Lunch in the garden
La Luciole, Jardin de Balata

Ship excursion or do it yourself?

Varies by line

Ship excursion avg, per person

See table

DIY day avg, per person

Depends on line

Saving, per person

Ship tour prices differ by cruise line and change often, so we only show ones we could verify. Check your line's cruise planner.

Item	Ship tour	On your own	Saving
Anse Mitan / Pointe du Bout beach day	Varies by line; check your cruise planner	€7 return on the Blue Lines ferry (2026)	Usually large, if the ferries are running
Jardin de Balata	Varies by line; check your cruise planner	€16 adult entry (2026) plus a taxi each way (about 20 min)	Depends on the taxi fare and group size
Saint-Pierre and Mount Pelée	Varies by line; check your cruise planner	Car hire or a taxi for the day	Often small; the ship's tour removes the return risk

Fort-de-France itself needs no tour, and the ferry makes Anse Mitan an easy independent beach day. Balata is a short taxi ride and fine on your own. A ship's tour earns its price for Saint-Pierre, Mount Pelée, Josephine's Baths and the south coast beaches such as Les Salines, which are an hour or more away by road or reachable only by boat. If your ship is at Tourelles, or ferries are disrupted, the ship's tour is also the simplest way to get to Les Trois-Îlets.

Common mistakes cruise passengers make in Fort-de-France

Assuming the ship is at Pointe Simon.

Instead: When two ships call, one usually goes to Tourelles, 2 km out. Check the berth and add 20 minutes each way.

Planning around the last ferry from Les Trois-Îlets.

Instead: Last boats have been moved earlier at a day's notice and services have stopped during strikes. Aim for a boat two hours before all-aboard.

Paying in US dollars.

Instead: The currency is the euro. Some vendors take dollars but give change in euros. Bring euros or a card; small stalls prefer cash.

Trying to reach Les Salines or Saint-Pierre independently on a short call.

Instead: Both are an hour or more away by road. Take a tour, or stay in Fort-de-France and Les Trois-Îlets.

Leaving the market and shops until after lunch.

Instead: Some shops close at midday. See the centre in the morning.

Safety: is Fort-de-France safe for cruise passengers?

Martinique is generally safe for visitors, but petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and car break-ins happens, especially in Fort-de-France. Keep bags closed in the market and crowds, and do not leave anything in a car. Avoid isolated areas and empty beaches after dark. Some beaches have strong currents or difficult seabeds: swim only in marked areas and respect flags. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt transport and fuel supplies, and during recent unrest the authorities imposed curfews at short notice; check current travel advice before your call. The hurricane season runs from June to November.

Scams and tourist traps

Pickpocketing and bag snatching in central Fort-de-France: keep valuables out of sight in the market and on busy streets.
Break-ins at beach car parks: leave nothing in a hire car or taxi you are not returning to.
High taxi fares on longer trips: agree the full price, including waiting time, before you set off.

Emergency number: 15 (ambulance), 17 (police), 18 (fire)

Practical information

Crowds

Martinique received around 205 cruise calls in the 2024–25 season, and on two-ship days one ship uses Tourelles. The covered market and La Savane are busiest mid-morning when tours arrive, and ferries to Pointe du Bout fill after 10:00. Take an early ferry, or see the town first and cross the bay at lunchtime when the crowds are eating.

Accessibility

Pointe Simon is on the level waterfront, and the route to La Savane and the centre is short and flat, though pavements are uneven in places. Tourelles is 2 km out; use the shuttle or a taxi rather than walking. Blue Lines lists its ferries as accessible to disabled passengers; ask the crew about boarding at each jetty. Fort Saint-Louis is a working military site with steps and ramparts. Ask your cruise line for adapted transport for trips beyond town.

If it rains

Showers usually pass quickly. Stay in the centre: the cathedral, the covered market and the Schœlcher Library are close together. In rough weather check that the ferries are running before you cross the bay. Jardin de Balata is still worth a visit in light rain.

Money, language, time

Currency: EUR · Language: French (Martinican Creole widely spoken) · Time zone: AST (UTC-4), no daylight saving time

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Other ports on cruises that call at Fort-de-France

Castries cruise port guide

Walk or short ride

Ships dock at Pointe Seraphine, about a 20-minute walk round the harbour from central Castries, or at La Place Carenage, which is in the town centre.

Read the Castries guide

Roseau cruise port guide

Walk to town

Most ships dock at the Roseau Cruise Ship Berth on the Bayfront, about 5 minutes' walk from the Old Market and the museum; larger ships use Woodbri…

Read the Roseau guide

Bridgetown cruise port guide

Walk to town

Ships dock at the Deep Water Harbour and passengers pass through the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal; the centre of Bridgetown is about a 20-minute walk…

Read the Bridgetown guide

St John's cruise port guide

Walk to town

Most ships dock at Heritage Quay, Redcliffe Quay or the Nevis Street Pier, right in central St John's, so you walk straight into town.

Read the St John's guide

Fort-de-France Cruise Port — Common Questions

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Sources & method

Facts checked against official sources: October 2026

Independently researched

None confidence

Updated October 2026

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