Snorkel Martinique Waters – Best Sites and Tour Operators
With easy-to-reach reefs and rocky areas close to shore, Martinique is a great place for Caribbean snorkeling. There are several beach-accessible snorkel spots along the northwest, southwest and south coasts of Martinique, some quiet and remote, others hopping with action. Things to see under the waves include underwater statues and plenty of marine life including angelfish, butterflyfish, sargent-major, and bluehead wrasse, as well as eels, lobsters and starfish along with colourful corals and sponges. That said, the island’s sea turtles are the main attraction for most snorkelers. Slip into the warm Caribbean sea right off Martinique’s white or black sand beaches and explore an underwater world in warm clear waters – Discover an alien world that you just can’t experience on land. Local Boat / Tour Operators who can get you in the water are listed below…
The best Martinique snorkeling sites on the north-west coast include:
(from north to south)
- Anse Couleuvre – Located north of Le Precheur, this quiet site can be accessed from the black sand beach. Head to the north end of the beach to reach the rocky reef that runs along the coastline to spot sea fans, corals, sponges, and a wide variety of fish as well as eels. Be aware that the sea can occasionally be rough at this spot.
- Anse Ceron – Located just north of Le Precheur, this site can be accessed from the beach. Not far from the north end of the beach, a small coral reef is home to a variety of marine life, where schools of fish can often be seen.
- Anse Turin / Manman Dlo – Located at Sainte-Pierre, this beach-accessible site features a couple of sculptures on the sea floor. At the south end of the beach a yellow buoy marks the location of a large mermaid statue called Manman Dlo. A newer mermaid, Yemay can also be seen nearby. These sculptures are now home to corals, sponges, fish and rays, as well as eels, lobsters and star fish. Beware of boats in this busy harbour.
- Plage des Raisiniers – Located between St. Pierre and Le Carbet, this beach-accessible site features the remains of a ship called the Amelie. The wreck can be found at the south end of the beach under half a dozen yellow buoys and is now home to a variety of marine life including coral, reef fish, eels, with the occasional ray and turtle also visiting the area.
The best Martinique snorkeling sites in the Les Anses-d’Arlet / Trois Ilets area include:
(from north to south)
- Plage de l’Anse Mitan – Located in the busy tourist town of Pointe du Bout, this snorkel site can be accessed from the gorgeous white sand beach. Head to the protected north end of the beach to snorkel near the rocks which are alive with fish, lobsters and the occasional starfish. Beware of boats at this popular beach.
- Ilet à Ramiers – Located between Pointe du Bout and Anse Dufour, this small island is surrounded by rocks and reefs. Snorkel on the east side of the island to see a variety of fish, including the intrusive but beautiful lionfish. Access the site via kayak or boat.
- Anse Noire – This popular spot in the Anses-d’Arlet region is home to a wide variety of marine life, including green sea turtles. The rocky shoreline can be avoided by using the pier. Most of the corals, fans, sponges and fish can be found along the rocky sides of the bay, while turtles can be spotted in the middle of the bay over the seagrass.
- Anse Dufour – One of the most popular and best places to snorkel in Martinique, this snorkel site can be accessed from the beautiful white sand beach. Most of the corals, fans, sponges and fish can be found along the rocky sides of the bay, while turtles can be regularly spotted in the middle of the bay over the seagrass and sandy bottom. Beware of boats at this popular beach.
- Grande Anses d’Arlet – One of the most popular and best places to snorkel in Martinique this beautiful white sand beach offers a couple of great snorkel spots. A rocky reef can be found close to the beach just north of the pier – Great for beginners. There are plenty of colourful fish and lobsters in this area, along with the occasional turtle and ray a little further out in deeper water. The other good spot is at the north end of the beach along the rocky coastline where corals, sponges, fish, and eels can be spotted along with more turtles and rays.
The best Martinique snorkeling sites on the southern coast of the island include:
(from west to east)
- Anse Figuier – Located in Sainte Luce, this small and busy spot is beach-accessible. While there are starfish on the sandy bottom not far from shore, the best snorkeling is along the rocky edges on either end of the beach. The shallow calm water is perfect for beginners to see plenty of sea urchins, sponges and a variety of fish.
- Pointe Borgnèse – Located on a point at the opening of the Bay du Marin, this quiet spot is loaded with corals, sponges, and a wide variety of tropical fish. From the beach, follow the rocky southeast coastline for the best underwater views.
- Anse Caritan – Just south of Sainte Anne, this spot is safe for beginners.
- Anse à Prunes – Located at the far southern tip of the island near the popular Grande Anse des Salines, this quiet snorkeling spot can be accessed right off the beautiful white sand beach.
The best Martinique snorkeling sites on the Atlantic coast include:
- Ilet Thiery – Located off the coast of Le Francois, this little island is surrounded by seagrass and coral that is home to a variety of fish. Access via kayak or boat.
- Le Francois Snorkel Trail – Located off the western tip of Ilet Thiery, 6 buoys make up an underwater trail covering sandy sea floor as well as seagrass, and is home to coral, starfish, sea urchin, along with a variety of fish as well as lobsters. Access via kayak or boat.
For a more colourful and detailed first-hand account of snorkeling in Martinique, check out our Snorkeling Southern Martinique blog post
Looking to Snorkel while in Martinique? These local Tour Operators will take good care of you:
(Click on a Tour Operator name below for more details)
- Boat trip to Josephine’s Bath & Le Robert islets with snorkeling
- Half-day boat tour from Le François to Le Vauclin with snorkeling
- Half-day boat tour to meet dolphins and snorkel
- Half-day boat tour to swim and snorkel with sea turtles & discover the Southern Caribbean coast
- Catamaran getaway with diving, snorkeling & paddle sports
- Sailing boat tour at Le Robert with snorkeling
Atao Diving / Catamaran from Grande Anse d’Arlet
- Martinique Catamaran Day – Scuba diving or snorkeling and paddleboarding with lunch
- Boat & Skipper Rental with Lunch
- Adventure Houseboat also available for rent
Martinique Water Taxi from Fort-de-France
- Cruise Ship friendly tours to Trois-lets and Anses D’Arlet for swimming, snorkeling and lunch
- Half-day and Full-day boat and captain rentals also available
Captain Gilles at Francois Bay
- Full-day Excursion to Josephine’s Bath with baptism with local liqueurs, local lunch, the island of iguanas with beach and swimming/snorkel/diving time
Not ready for snorkeling or diving, but want to see what’s below the waves? Then check out Undersea Walking at Sainte-Luce.
For more incredible underwater experiences, check out our Martinique Diving pages. (coming soon)
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