Petit Martinique Travel Guide

A complete guide for visitors to Petit Martinique, including top places to visit, hiking routes, lodging options, dining options, and cultural customs.


Introduction to Petit Martinique

Located in Grenada, Lesser Antilles, in the Caribbean, Petit Martinique is a small, remote island that offers a unique glimpse into traditional island life. Being far away from the busy tourist spots, the island is a hidden gem for travelers seeking a quiet and peaceful escape. Petit Martinique offers a vibrant mix of cultural places, outdoor adventures, natural attractions, and local food that promises a memorable vacation.

List of Places to Visit in Petit Martinique

Once you arrive in Petit Martinique, you will be amazed by the diversity of the best tourist spots on the island. Here are some of the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Juniper’s Historical Museum: A small museum that showcases the history and culture of Petit Martinique.
  • Captain Harris Folklore Museum: Located in the St. Peter’s Chapel, the museum displays many artifacts related to the island’s history and culture.
  • St. Catherine’s Anglican Church: A beautiful church that has been standing since the early 1900s.

Natural Attractions of Petit Martinique: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Petit Trou Beach: A secluded, quiet white sandy beach with crystal clear waters, perfect for relaxing and swimming.
  • Thirsty Hill: A popular destination for tourists to enjoy the scenic view of Petit Martinique.
  • Petit St. Vincent Island: A beautiful neighboring island with pristine beaches and clear waters, reachable by a short boat ride.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Petit Martinique

If you are a nature enthusiast and love to discover stunning landscapes, Petit Martinique offers several hiking and biking routes:

  • Bamboo Walk & Belvedere View: A scenic hike that offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
  • Goat Hill Hike: A long, challenging hike that takes you through dense forests and offers panoramic views of the entire island.
  • Petit Martinique Trail: A challenging, winding hiking trail that offers stunning views of rocky beaches and white sandy stretches of shoreline.

Best Things to Do in Petit Martinique: Activities and Tours

Apart from the island’s beautiful natural scenery, Petit Martinique offers a wide range of activities and tours to keep you occupied during your stay:

  • Boat Tour: An exciting boat tour that takes you around the island and provides exquisite views of surrounding islands.
  • Scuba Diving: A popular activity in Petit Martinique; its clear waters and coral reefs attract several diving enthusiasts.
  • Fishing Tour: Petit Martinique has a significant commercial fishery industry, and fishing tours are prevalent here.

Week-Long Itinerary for Petit Martinique

To make the most of your week-long vacation to Petit Martinique, consider adding these activities to your itinerary:

Day Place to Visit
1 Visit Juniper’s Historical Museum, followed by beach time at Petit Trou Beach
2 Take a short boat ride to Petit St. Vincent Island and spend the day relaxing and snorkeling
3 Hike Bamboo Walk & Belvedere View in the morning, followed by a diving tour in the afternoon
4 Visit Captain Harris Folklore Museum and St. Catherine’s Anglican Church, and then rock climb at Thirsty Hill
5 Charter a boat and indulge in a fishing tour in the morning, followed by relaxing at the hotel pool
6 Take a challenging hike through Goat Hill Hike and unwind at the beach
7 Explore other nearby islands by boat to see their unique attractions

Food and Drink Scene of Petit Martinique

Petit Martinique has a unique and distinctive cuisine that blends the culinary tastes of the Caribbean with traditional Creole influences. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Oil Down: A popular local dish consisting of salted meats, breadfruit, spices, and callaloo cooked in coconut milk.
  • Conch Fritters: Deep-fried balls of conch meat, peppers, and onions.
  • Lambie Water: A delicious seafood soup with conch meat, green bananas, and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Rum Punch: A fruity, tropical drink made with rum, grenadine, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
  • Carib Beer: A light, refreshing beer brewed in the Caribbean.
  • Mauby: A sweet and bitter drink made from the bark of the mauby tree.

Where to Stay in Petit Martinique: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Petit Martinique offers several lodging options, including hotels, guesthouses, and hostels, that cater to all kinds of travelers:

  • Petit Martinique Hotel: A hotel located on the beach and offers traditional rooms with beautiful sea views.
  • Jacks Guesthouse: A guesthouse that provides comfortable and affordable rooms and is located close to many attractions.
  • Sparrows Beach Club: A luxurious beach resort that offers modern amenities and is located near the Petit Trou Beach.

What to Buy in Petit Martinique: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Petit Martinique offers several unique souvenirs and local products that can be brought back home as a reminder of your trip:

  • Handcrafted Jewelry: Handcrafted jewelry made from local shells and other materials is popular in Petit Martinique.
  • Spices: The island is famous for its wide variety of spices, especially nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove.
  • Caribbean Artworks: Beautiful artworks such as paintings, sculptures, and carvings depict the local culture and history.

Local Culture and Customs of Petit Martinique

Petit Martinique has a rich cultural heritage and unique customs, and visitors are generally recommended to respect them:

  • Greeting Locals: Island natives usually greet each other with “Good Morning,” “Good Afternoon,” or “Good Evening.”
  • Dress Code: Visitors are recommended to dress modestly while visiting churches and other cultural places.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not customary on the island, but you can show appreciation by tipping a small amount if desired.

Best Time to Visit Petit Martinique

The best time to visit Petit Martinique is from December to April when the weather is dry, and the island is not affected by hurricanes. It is advisable to avoid traveling to the island between June and October due to the increased chances of rain and hurricane activity.

Do’s and Don’ts of Petit Martinique

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind while visiting Petit Martinique:

Do:

  • Respect the island’s traditions and culture.
  • Bring sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent for protection from the sun and bugs.
  • Try the local food and drinks.

Don’t:

  • Litter or dispose of garbage inappropriately.
  • Swim in unprotected areas where currents are strong.
  • Purchase coral items or products made from endangered species.

Safety and Health

Here’s what to keep in mind regarding safety and health on the island:

Safety in Petit Martinique

Petit Martinique is a relatively safe place, but tourists should remain cautious and vigilant with their belongings.

Health in Petit Martinique

Before visiting Petit Martinique, it is advisable to take the necessary precautions like vaccinations and anti-malarial medications if you plan on visiting other Caribbean islands.

Getting to Petit Martinique: Transportation Options and Logistics

Island visitors can get to Petit Martinique via various transportation options:

Airports Near Petit Martinique

The island has no international airport, but visitors can travel to Petit Martinique via Grenada, about 60 miles to the south, and take a charter plane or a ferry ride to the island.

Getting to Bus Stations Near Petit Martinique

Petit Martinique has no bus stations or public transports, but visitors can rent a car or hire a taxi to get around the island.

How to Get Around in Petit Martinique

The best way to get around Petit Martinique is by hiring a taxi, renting a car, or hiring bicycles. The island is only 375 acres, making it easy to get around and explore everything.

Where to Go Next from Petit Martinique: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors who’d like to explore other Caribbean islands can:

  • Travel to Grenada: From Grenada, visitors can take an inter-island ferry or charter a yacht to other nearby Caribbean islands.
  • Travel to Tobago Cays: A group of five uninhabited Caribbean islands located to the north of Petit Martinique. The islands are a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
  • Travel to Barbados: Barbados is a beautiful Caribbean island with beautiful beaches and a rich history, located about 100 miles from Petit Martinique.

Conclusion

With its natural beauty, rich culture, and numerous activities, Petit Martinique is an excellent destination for travelers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Follow this guide to make your trip to the beautiful island unforgettable and leave you wanting to come back for more.

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