Martinique: Josephine’s Bathtub & Islands Small-Group Boat Tour

Summary

Swim at Josephine’s Bathtub, meet iguanas on Chancel, relax in turquoise Martinique waters

You’ll float in Josephine’s Bathtub with a homemade ti-punch, wander among wild iguanas on Îlet Chancel’s old ruins, and share laughs over cod fritters with your local skipper. Swim in turquoise shallows and watch seabirds wheel overhead—all before lunch, with plenty of warmth lingering long after you step ashore.

What’s the experience like?

The first splash of salt hit my lips before I even realized we’d left the dock in Le François. Our captain—everyone just called him Manu—grinned as he steered us past mangroves that looked almost too green to be real. There were only ten of us, counting a little girl who spent half the ride pointing at birds and asking if they could swim too. The air smelled faintly of sugarcane and sunscreen. I’d read about this “bathtub” spot but didn’t expect to actually stand waist-deep in warm water miles from shore, ti-punch in hand. Manu handed out cod fritters while telling us how the Empress Joséphine supposedly bathed here. Not sure if that’s true, but it made me laugh thinking about royalty floating around out here.

We drifted over to Îlet Madame after that—just a patch of sand with water so clear you could see every ripple on the bottom. I tried (and failed) to say “merci” like a local when Manu poured another round. The sun was already high but there was a soft breeze that kept everything comfortable, even for someone like me who usually melts in the tropics. Someone spotted an iguana on Îlet Chancel and suddenly everyone was quiet, watching it move slow and careful through old ruins. It felt strange seeing history and wildlife overlap like that—a sugar house crumbling beside these ancient lizards just doing their thing.

I don’t know if it was the ti-punch or just being out there with strangers who felt like friends by noon, but time slipped by faster than I wanted. We cruised past Îlet Boisseau where Manu pointed out frigates circling above—he said we couldn’t land there because of the birds’ nests, which honestly made sense once you saw how many were swooping around. The boat rocked gently as we headed back toward Le François; I let my hand drag in the water for a minute longer than necessary. Still think about that feeling sometimes—sunburnt shoulders, salt drying on my skin, everyone a little quieter than before.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half-day boat trip exploring islands

• Depart at 9am by boat
• Visit island with sugar house ruins and iguanas
• Observe seabird reserve from boat
• Relax and swim in crystal clear waters
• Swim and relax on white sandbank
• Enjoy time at Empress's mythical sandbank
• Return at 1pm

Top questions

How long is the Josephine’s Bathtub & islands boat tour?

The tour lasts about four hours—from 9am until around 1pm.

Is lunch included during this Martinique boat trip?

You’ll get local snacks (cod fritters), homemade ti-punch or soft drinks, but not a full lunch.

How many people are on each boat tour?

The group is capped at 12 passengers for an intimate experience.

Do you visit Îlet Chancel to see iguanas?

Yes—the tour stops at Îlet Chancel where you can spot endemic iguanas among historic ruins.

Is swimming possible during this day trip from Le François?

Yes—you’ll have time to swim at Josephine’s Bathtub and near Îlet Madame’s sandbank.

Are drinks provided on board?

Yes—homemade ti-punch, soft drinks, and bottled water are included during the cruise.

Does the tour include pickup from hotels?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the departure point in Le François.

Are infants or children allowed on this boat trip?

Yes—infants must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your morning includes a friendly skipper guiding you between islands by boat from Le François, with all drinks (local ti-punch or soft options), bottled water, and fresh cod fritters served onboard as you swim or relax at Josephine’s Bathtub and other stops before returning early afternoon.