Martinique: Joséphine's Bath Day Trip & Creole Lunch

Summary

White sand, rum in the water, laughter with locals on Martinique’s coast

You’ll float with your feet in warm Atlantic water at La Baignoire de Joséphine, swim off quiet islets near Le François, share Creole lunch and fresh fruit with locals, and laugh over rum baptisms right in the sea. Expect small surprises — maybe a heron hiding in mangroves or new friends sharing stories as you drift home salty and sun-warmed.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the boat to feel so easy — just a handful of us drifting out from Le François, the mangroves slipping past in that soft morning haze. Our captain (everyone called him Manu) pointed out little things I’d have missed: a heron half-hidden in the roots, the way the water shifts color where the sandbar starts. The Atlantic side of Martinique is different — windier maybe, saltier in the air. You can smell it before you even see the strip they call La Baignoire de Joséphine. I still don’t know if I believe all those stories about Josephine herself, but standing there with my feet in warm water up to my knees, rum glass in hand (Manu insisted on “baptizing” us), it felt like a place that could hold legends.

We swam at Îlet Thierry first — just off the boat and into that weirdly clear blue. There’s a hush under the sun here, broken by someone laughing as they tried to catch a piece of mango Manu tossed from the cooler. Lunch was over at Îlet Oscar: simple Creole food, grilled fish and something spicy I couldn’t name (someone said “acras,” which I probably mispronounced). There were jokes about how much rum is too much before noon. Honestly? The whole thing felt like being let in on a local secret, even though everyone knows about this day trip to Joséphine's Bath if they’ve been around Martinique for more than five minutes.

I kept thinking how different it was from the southern beaches — no crowds, just a handful of boats anchored along this white sand ribbon between two tiny islets. The coral reef isn’t far; you can hear waves hitting it if you listen past the chatter. On our way back, salt dried on my skin and some sunburn crept up my shoulders (bring extra sunscreen — trust me). Someone fell asleep stretched out across two seats while Manu told another story about pirates or maybe it was fishermen… hard to say after all that punch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Discover Josephine's Bath and islets

• Depart at 9 a.m.
• Navigate along the mangrove
• Present islets of du François
• Swim at islet Thierry
• Enjoy rum baptism at Josephine's Bath
• Have lunch at Îlet Oscar
• Return around 4 p.m.

Top questions

What time does the day trip to Joséphine's Bath start and end?

The tour leaves at 9 a.m. and returns around 4 p.m.

Is lunch included on this Martinique day trip?

Yes, Creole dishes are served for lunch at Îlet Oscar.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included throughout the excursion.

Can infants or small children join this boat tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Is swimming part of this Joséphine's Bath experience?

Yes, there are swimming stops including at Îlet Thierry and La Baignoire de Joséphine.

Is this day trip suitable for travelers with spinal injuries?

No, it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

How physically demanding is this excursion?

This tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Where does this Martinique boat tour depart from?

The tour departs from Le François on Martinique’s Atlantic coast.

What’s included

Your day includes navigation along mangroves with local crew, stops for swimming at Îlet Thierry and La Baignoire de Joséphine, a traditional Creole lunch served on Îlet Oscar with fresh local fruits and unlimited drinks (alcoholic or not), plus plenty of small attentions throughout before returning by late afternoon.