One day in Martinique. That is what most cruise passengers get — and a shore excursion bus shows you a fraction of what this island holds. With your own rental car, the day changes scale: black-sand fishing villages, the ruins of Saint-Pierre under the volcano, rainforest roads, a swim at a beach the buses never reach. Spar'Car, a local rental company, hands cars over near the Fort-de-France cruise port so your day ashore is truly yours.
How it works on a cruise day
- Book ahead with your ship's date — tell us your arrival time and the name of your ship; cruise schedules are public, and we prepare accordingly;
- Handover near your ship — we deliver the car close to the Fort-de-France cruise terminals, for a supplement shown at booking. Paperwork takes a few minutes;
- Explore on your own clock — unlimited mileage, air-conditioned car, the whole island within reach;
- Return before all-aboard — we agree the return time and place together, with a comfortable buffer before your ship sails.
What can you really see in one day?
More than you would think — the island is only about seventy kilometres north to south. Two classic self-drive days from the port:
- The northern loop — the coast road to Saint-Pierre, the "Pompeii of the Caribbean" destroyed by Mount Pelée in 1902, with the volcano's slopes above you and stops in fishing villages along the way;
- The southern loop — the bays and beaches of the south coast: Anses-d'Arlet's church on the waterfront, Diamond Rock offshore, and white-sand beaches for a swim before heading back.
Whichever you choose, plan your return with margin: traffic thickens around Fort-de-France at the end of the afternoon. Our guide to exploring Martinique by car has full itineraries and timing advice.
Why cruise passengers choose a local company
- A team that answers — 7 days a week on +596 696 61 70 70, in English. If your ship's schedule shifts, call us: we adapt;
- Clear conditions — unlimited mileage, no hidden fees, the security deposit your way (credit card pre-authorisation, or Swikly for a service fee);
- Recent, air-conditioned cars — automatics available on request, worth booking early;
- Straightforward paperwork — three original documents: a licence held for at least 12 months (US and Canadian licences accepted), a valid ID or passport, and a credit card in the main driver's name. Drivers must be 21 or over — a young driver surcharge applies, shown at booking.
Staying longer than a day?
If Martinique is your embarkation port or you are staying on before or after the cruise, we can also hand a car over at the airport — delivery there is free — or at our Le Lamentin agency, minutes away. And if you fall for the island (it happens), our Fort-de-France and Martinique car rental pages cover everything for a full-length stay.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly do we get the car?
Near the Fort-de-France cruise terminals — we confirm the exact meeting point with your booking, based on where your ship docks. The handover itself takes a few minutes.
Is there a charge for port delivery?
Yes — handover at the Fort-de-France port carries a supplement, shown clearly at the time of booking. Airport delivery, by contrast, is free.
What if my ship arrives late?
Call us — the team works 7 days a week and we adjust the meeting time. Booking with your ship's name helps: we track the schedule on our side too.
Can we manage the north AND the south in one call?
Honestly, no — not without spending the day driving. Pick one loop and enjoy it. Both fit comfortably in a cruise day with time for lunch and a swim.
Do you have automatic cars?
Yes, in limited numbers — see our automatic car rental page and book early, they are the island's scarcest category.
Make your day ashore count
Tell us your ship and your date — we will do the rest. Book online or call +596 696 61 70 70: your car will be waiting when you step off the gangway.