Bathtub of Josephine boat trip: small group, 4 hours

Four hours on the water instead of the usual packed excursion boat

A half-day boat trip in Martinique departing at 9am and returning by 1pm, visiting the Bathtub of Josephine, Îlet Chancel, and surrounding waters with a maximum of 12 passengers, a French-speaking guide, and included local aperitif and snacks. The small group size and fixed schedule mean you're back by early afternoon, leaving the rest of your day open.

Step-by-step itinerary

Half-day boat trip around islands

• Depart at 9am from Martinique
• Visit historical island with iguanas
• Observe seabird reserve from boat
• Relax and swim in crystal clear waters
• Swim and relax on white sandbank
• Enjoy time at Bathtub of Josephine sandbank
• Return at 1pm to Martinique

The Experience

You have a free afternoon in Martinique and want to get on the water without signing up for an all-day commitment. This half-day boat trip leaves at 9am and returns by 1pm, which is the whole point—you're back in time for lunch, a rest, or whatever comes next. The boat carries a maximum of 12 passengers instead of the 40 or 50 you'd find on the standard tour operators, so the atmosphere stays warm and the guide can actually talk to you instead of shouting over a crowd.

The route moves between five stops: the Bathtub of Josephine, a mythical sandbank where the Empress once bathed and where you'll float in turquoise water; Îlet Chancel, an island with historical ruins and wild endemic iguanas; Îlet Boisseau, a seabird reserve you observe from the boat to protect its fragile ecosystem; and shallow, crystal-clear waters where you swim or relax with a drink in hand. The guide is passionate about the island's history and nature and speaks French. You get a local aperitif on board—cod squash, homemade ti-punch, soft drinks—plus water, snacks and brunch included, so you're not hunting for food between stops.

The boat departs from Martinique at 9am sharp and returns by 1pm. Infants can sit on an adult's lap or use a specialized infant seat if you need one. The tour suits all fitness levels, and public transportation options are available nearby if you're arranging your own way to the departure point.

What’s included

• A French-speaking local guide.
• bottled water.
• a local aperitif with cod squash and homemade ti-punch.
• soft drinks.
• snacks.
• and brunch served on board.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Exotic Vibes Excursion

Is this one for you?Book this trip if you have a free afternoon and want to get on the water without losing the rest of your day to travel and logistics. The 9am departure and 1pm return mean you're back by early afternoon, and the small group of 12 keeps the experience personal instead of industrial.

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Top questions

What is the Bathtub of Josephine and why do people visit it?

The Bathtub of Josephine is a mythical sandbank in Martinique where the Empress once bathed at sea. Today it's a stop on the boat trip where you wade into turquoise water and float in a convivial moment under the Caribbean sun, feet in the water.

Can I swim during this half-day boat trip?

Yes. The itinerary includes stops in shallow, crystal-clear waters where swimming is the main activity, and you can also swim at the Bathtub of Josephine and near the white sandbank. Bring a swimsuit and plan to spend time in the water at multiple stops.

What happens at Îlet Chancel?

Îlet Chancel is an island with historical remains—ruins of an old sugar house—and wild endemic iguanas that coexist there. The stop combines nature and heritage in one place, and you'll encounter both the history and the wildlife that live on the island.

How many people go on this boat trip?

The boat carries a maximum of 12 passengers, which keeps the group small and the atmosphere intimate instead of the crowded experience of larger tour boats.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes a free local aperitif with cod squash and homemade ti-punch, soft drinks, bottled water, snacks, and brunch—so you're fed and hydrated throughout the four hours on the water.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks French and is passionate about Martinique's island history and nature, offering personalized commentary throughout the half-day journey.