Martinique Catamaran Tour: Dolphins, Turtles & Black Sand

Drift north for dolphins, then south through coral coves and a bat cave

A full-day catamaran tour in Martinique departing from Fort de France at 7am or Anse Mitan at 7:45am, with a small group aboard a Lagoon catamaran. You search for dolphins in the morning, swim with green turtles at midday, explore black sand beaches and coral coves in the afternoon, and pass through a bat cave on the return. Breakfast, lunch (chicken colombo or fish), fresh fruit, juice, planter and rum are included; the guide speaks English and French.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran tour with wildlife and beach stops

• Check-out Fort de France or Anse Mitan
• Cross bay searching for dolphins
• Swim at Anse d'Arlet with fish
• Lunch with chicken or fish colombo
• Watch green turtles at Grande Anse
• Learn eco-responsible turtle behavior
• Enjoy fruit and snacks
• Visit Anse du Four, Anse Noir, bat cave
• End excursion at 16:30

The Experience

The boat leaves Fort de France at 7am—or Anse Mitan at 7:45am if you're staying on the three islands—and heads north across the bay in search of dolphins. The morning dolphin watch lasts two and a half hours, with time to swim in the turquoise water near Anse d'Arlet and spot multicolored fish before heading to lunch. Breakfast is served underway, and you choose between chicken colombo or fish when you book.

After lunch at 1:30pm, the catamaran reaches Grande Anse for green turtle swimming. The guide explains eco-responsible behavior so you can observe the turtles without disturbing them, then offers fruit, cupcakes and cold drinks at 3pm. The afternoon route passes through Anse Dufour and stops at Anse Noir, where you walk the black sand beach. On the way back to port around 4:30pm, the boat passes through the bat cave to see the animals roosting in the turquoise waters.

Water, fresh juice, planter and island rum come with the day; bring a moderate level of fitness for swimming and walking. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so plan accordingly if you want to bring your own.

What’s included

• Breakfast, lunch with a choice of chicken colombo or fish, fresh fruit, water, juice, planter, rum, tea, coffee and apple-cinnamon with guava jam.
• a live guide in English or French.
• stops at Anse d'Arlet for swimming, Grande Anse for turtle watching, Anse Noir for the black sand beach, and the bat cave on the return.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Kairidream Excursions Martinique

Is this one for you?The nine-hour commitment means you'll need most of your day, but it leaves room for an early dinner back in town. If you're staying on the three islands, the 7:45am departure from Anse Mitan saves you the trip to Fort de France.

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Top questions

What time does the catamaran leave and where do I get picked up?

The catamaran departs Fort de France at 7am or Anse Mitan at 7:45am. You'll need to arrange your own transport to the departure point, though public transportation is available nearby.

Will I actually see dolphins on this tour?

The morning is dedicated to searching for dolphins and other cetaceans in the bay north of Martinique, with two and a half hours spent on observation and navigation. The guide respects animal welfare during the search, but sightings depend on where the dolphins are that day.

Can I swim with the turtles, and what's involved?

Yes—at Grande Anse around 1:30pm you'll swim with green turtles. The guide gives a briefing on eco-responsible behavior at 2pm so you know how to observe them without causing stress.

What food and drinks are included?

Breakfast is served on the boat; lunch is a choice of chicken colombo or fish (specify when you book); fresh fruit, juice, planter and island rum come with the day, plus tea, coffee and apple-cinnamon with guava jam. A snack and cold drinks are offered in the afternoon.

What is Anse Noir, and why do we stop there?

Anse Noir is a cove in the south of Martinique known for its black sand beach. The tour stops there in the afternoon so you can walk the beach and see the coral coves nearby before heading back to port.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed. You'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness for swimming and the day's activities.