Martinique or Guadeloupe: Which island should you choose?

Located in the Caribbean, these two French overseas islands in the Lesser Antilles are famous for their postcard-perfect beaches, turquoise waters and rich marine life loved by holidaymakers. Each has its own character and advantages, so how do you choose between Guadeloupe and Martinique depending on your profile and what you enjoy most? Come on board with us as we look at their differences from several angles (landscapes and nature, beaches, activities and accessibility) to help you decide which island suits you best.

Geography and weather

The archipelago of Guadeloupe is made up of several islands. The two main ones form a kind of butterfly: Basse-Terre (the more mountainous side) and Grande-Terre (the side with more beaches and lagoons). Other nearby islands such as Marie-Galante or Les Saintes are also well worth exploring. This layout offers a great variety of landscapes and atmospheres.

About 185 km further south, below Dominica which sits between the two overseas regions, you’ll find Martinique. Sometimes called “the island of flowers” because of its lush vegetation, it is made up of a single main island and a smaller territory, which makes getting around easier and allows you to visit almost all of it in one trip.

Since both islands sit in the heart of the Caribbean, their tropical climate stays warm all year, with temperatures usually between 27°C and 32°C, so don’t forget your sunscreen (the UV index is strong!). There are two main seasons: a dry season and a rainy season.

Landscapes and activities

Guadeloupe is very rich in wild nature, especially on Basse-Terre with its tropical rainforest, waterfalls and mangroves. For a group of friends who love hiking, this is the perfect place to add a bit of adventure to the trip. ❤️ Our favourite: climbing La Soufrière, an active volcano that rises to 1,467 metres. Fun fact: in Guadeloupean Creole it’s nicknamed “vyé madanm la”, which translates to “the old lady” in French.

Martinique also offers great outdoor experiences, such as hiking up Montagne Pelée, exploring lush forests and visiting very accessible botanical gardens like the Jardin de Balata. For a family with children, nature is easier to reach and driving times are shorter, which makes the whole experience more relaxed.

Beaches

Grande-Terre in Guadeloupe is home to many beautiful white-sand beaches and sheltered lagoons. Some beaches, however, are less developed and a bit more wild. Martinique also has stunning sandy beaches. ❤️ Our favourite: Les Salines beach in Sainte-Anne, in the south of the island. For us it’s the most beautiful beach on the whole island, with very small waves, perfect if you’re visiting with children.

In both cases, we strongly recommend spending at least one day on a boat to admire the crystal-clear water and marine life around both islands. You can book fully organised cruises with a skipper on Click&Boat, or you can rent a boat without a skipper for total freedom on the water.

Accessibility

Both islands are French overseas territories, which makes the logistics much easier if you are travelling from France: same currency, same language, similar infrastructure and no need to buy a different SIM card.

On Martinique, distances between sites are shorter, so you spend less time on the road. In Guadeloupe, you’ll need to allow a bit more time to travel from one main island to the other or to reach a smaller satellite island.

So, which island should you choose?

If you’re looking for easy-access beaches, short driving distances and a programme that’s very family-friendly, Martinique is a great option. If you’re planning a trip with friends and want to mix beaches, hiking, evenings out and perhaps explore less-visited islands, Guadeloupe can offer more variety.

Honestly, you can’t go very wrong with either choice. They are both beautiful destinations. The most important thing is to decide on your main priority and choose the island that best matches your plans. With Click&Boat, you can rent a boat with or without a skipper and enjoy a carefree day on the water to make the most of your Caribbean holiday.