Kayaking is a must-do activity in the tropics. Professional kayakers in Martinique offer a variety of options, but we strongly recommend 2 types of tour: the mangrove tour and the transparent kayak tour.
The mangrove tour generally takes place in a classic opaque kayak of yellow-orange color, and allows you to discover the maternity of the oceans. It's in the mangroves that the majority of fish species come to reproduce and give birth to their young. You'll also be able to admire a multitude of crab species climbing the mangrove roots, as well as other species of mangrove birds.
And, as you may have guessed, the transparent kayak tours are done in transparent kayaks. These transparent boats allow you to take on the seagrass beds in the lagoons. You'll be able to spot starfish, turtles and colorful crabs without having to put your head under water.
PS: life jackets and waterproof boxes will be provided to protect your electronic devices.
In the heart of the equatorial forest, on the beach, crossing rivers, in the mud, on the edge of cliffs, through banana fields... dozens of programs and tours for maximum adrenalin. Discover quad or buggy tours. Thanks to their high-powered engines, these vehicles provide a thrill for young and old alike, enabling you to overcome any obstacle in your path. The guide who supervises your group will take the most suitable route to suit everyone's desires, and ensure everyone's safety. We guarantee you'll be in for a thrilling ride.
With thousands of kilometers of trails in the undergrowth, in the mountains, by the sea or on steep terrain, you're bound to find a hike suited to your level, from a few dozen minutes to several hours' walk, but always with spectacular scenery as your reward. Martinique's hiking trails are virtually all marked by the ONF or hiking associations, so there's no chance of getting lost. For the more fearful who still want to discover the riches of Martinique, you can be accompanied by one of the many guides on the island, although by reading the signs posted along the trails and following the tracks left by the repeated passage of hikers, you risk nothing except some great photos as a souvenir.
Fishing enthusiasts will also find plenty to do. From the coast or offshore on a boat, with hundreds of species of fish in Martinique's waters, you won't be able to resist predators, pelagics and other bottom fish. What could be better than warm tropical waters to broaden your fishing horizons? Thanks to a growing number of anglers practicing "no-kill" fishing, ever larger fish are living in Martinique's coastal waters. What if your next catch was a "varet" weighing over 100kg, the local name given to marlin by local fishermen?
Aboard these sea bikes, you'll conquer places that can only be reached from the sea. You'll be able to sail freely and reach crazy speeds offshore, or simply take a trip to the Diamond Rock, the bat cave, the islets... the circuits on offer each group together several unusual places to explore. Why not enjoy a moment of escape on these monsters of the sea?
Have you ever seen dolphins roaming free in their natural habitat? This is what we offer. During a catamaran outing, you'll be able to watch these marine mammals approach the boat and leap into the air to greet you. These animals live in groups, so you won't see just one, but several dolphins at the same time. Don't forget to immortalize this dream moment by taking photos.
How about a trip to meet the sea turtles? Some of Martinique's beaches are renowned for the large numbers of turtles found in their waters. Equipped with the masks, snorkels and flippers provided in our accommodations, you can reach the sea grass beds and reefs just a few meters from the shore, where turtles rest and feed during the day. At the same time, you can share a swim with them. They have no fear of humans and are very approachable. Unfortunately, to protect the species, you will not be allowed to touch them, as required by law.
Discovering a region means discovering its local produce and gastronomy. We could point you in the direction of restaurants serving the classic "frites & entrecôte", but we'd rather suggest new flavors you won't find anywhere else. We've selected a number of beachside restaurants that offer typical local recipes rather than standardized American dishes. You'll be able to savor Martinique's famous "Ti nain lanmori" or "matoutou" recipes... an explosion of flavors, of course.
The Jardin zoologique de Martinique is located in the heart of an old dwelling dating back to 1643, and is home to monkeys, jaguars, pumas, lorikeets, racoons and hundreds more. The zoo has been set up so that visitors can discover and interact with all these species native to Latin America, notably in a specially designed immersion aviary. The walk through the zoo lasts approximately 1h30. It's a great time to enjoy with family and friends.
At the end of the tour, you can also visit the Butterfly Garden. In this forest garden with a river running through it, you'll discover each stage of the butterfly's life cycle, as well as the different species of butterfly that colonize Martinique. This twenty-minute guided tour will give you the opportunity to take lots of photos in this rural setting.
The "Village de la Poterie" is a must-see for Martinican craftsmen. This village is home to a number of master potters and clay sculptors. You can watch or even take part in the making of statuettes, flower pots and other clay creations. You'll also find plenty of souvenirs to offer.
Climb to the top of the trees in the middle of the forest for 2 hours of zip-lining, up to 14 meters above the ground. More secure courses are available for children aged 18 months and over. You can also try your hand at other activities such as :
La savane des esclaves is a cultural and tourist site created in 2004 by Gilbert Larose called Ti Gilbè. This 3-hectare park retraces 400 years of Martinique's history. It includes a reconstruction of an Amerindian village
After discovering the local and Central American fauna at the Zoo de Martinique, we invite you to discover the tropical flora at the Jardin de Balata. From palm trees dozens of meters high to tiny water lilies, discover the magnificent flowers of Martinique. A tree-suspended bridge gives you a breathtaking view of the whole estate and the surrounding forest.
The Savane des Petrifications is an almost desert-like area in the extreme south of Martinique. Unfortunately, excessive looting by tourists and locals alike has led to the disappearance of these relics of the past. The contrast between this arid area and the island's lush vegetation is striking. To complete this hike, allow 2 hours round trip. Bring closed-toe shoes and enough water to keep you hydrated, as there are no trees to shelter you from the sun. We advise you to start this hike early enough before the sun gets too hot, and bring your towel with you, as you can cool off on some of the beaches and coves accessible during this hike.
On Martinique's Atlantic coast, departing from the Marina du François, you'll discover 8 islets. Between these dreamy little islands are several shoals known as "fonds blancs". The name comes from the white color of the sand. What's special about these shoals is that you'll be able to walk on them even when you're several hundred meters from the shore. The most popular shoal is the "Josephine bathtub", located between ilet Oscar and ilet Thierry. Just a few meters from the coral reef, your boat's captain will offer you a rum baptism with your feet in the water, planteur (alcoholic beverage) tasting and plenty of local anecdotes for a dream day in this idyllic setting.
In the north of Martinique, just a stone's throw from Mount Pelée, you'll find the "gorges de la falaise" in the small village of Ajoupa-Bouillon. This hike follows a river embedded between 2 damp cliff faces covered with dense tropical vegetation. During the hike, you'll have to cross natural pools, climb rocks, walk along the riverbed and even swim in some of the pools. Guides are on hand to supervise your group for added safety.
PS: this hike is not possible in rainy weather.
"Manman dlo" is an underwater sculpture weighing in at over 20 tonnes. Immersed in the sea since 2004, this structure has integrated perfectly into the marine environment, gradually transforming itself into a coral reef. Fish, sea urchins and other marine species have colonized it. Located between 30 and 60 meters from the shore, depending on where you start from the beach, the masks, snorkels and flippers provided in our accommodation are all you need to reach and contemplate this extraordinary work of art. You can easily observe it from the surface, while more experienced swimmers can dive to its depth of 6 meters.
Why not take to the skies and fly over our beautiful island in the Lesser Antilles? Departing from the rear base of Martinique's Aimé Césaire airport, you'll find the aerodrome where microlights and other small aircraft take off. Various circuits are available. You can admire the relief of this paradise island, appreciate the local architecture, fly over different landscapes and even the Caribbean Sea. In fact, it's not uncommon to spot whales on flights to the ilets of Robert and François.
