Snorkeling Martinique: Sea Turtles & Floating Carpets

You swim with sea turtles under the watch of an apnea instructor, not from a distance on a boat.

A half-day snorkeling excursion in southern Martinique mixes swimming with sea turtles, floating on buoys and exploring a bat cave and creek accessible only by boat. The boat departs from Trois-Îlets, carries small groups, and includes snorkeling gear, snacks and drinks; Mathieu, a captain and snorkeling instructor, enters the water with you to point out species and guide the experience. Infants must sit on an adult's lap; moderate fitness helps.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and relaxation in Martinique

• Discover coast and Ramier Island history
• Explore cave with bats
• Hike in creek after Dufour Cove
• Swim with turtles with guides
• Relax on floating carpets and snack

The Experience

The boat leaves Trois-Îlets and heads down the coast, passing Ramier Island while the crew shares its history. You'll see the island from the water, then stop at a cave to spot bats before moving to the first snorkeling site — a creek that's only reachable by boat. Mathieu and Julien, the guides, walk you into the shallows and introduce the species you're about to meet, all while respecting the wildlife and the seafloor.

The main event is swimming with sea turtles under Mathieu's supervision. He's an apnea instructor, so he stays in the water with your group, pointing out what's below and making sure everyone is comfortable. The snorkeling gear is provided — fins, masks and snorkels — so you just show up ready to move. After the turtles, the boat anchors at a second spot where you float on buoys and carpets while the crew brings out snacks, drinks and a tasting of local rum. This last site is also rich with underwater life, so there's still plenty to see while you're resting.

The whole outing runs about four hours. Bottled water comes with the package, and the crew handles the food and drinks on board. You'll need at least moderate fitness to get in and out of the water and move around the boat, but the pace is relaxed — this is a snorkeling day, not a fitness test. The guides speak English and French.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear (fins, masks, snorkels).
• bottled water.
• snacks and drinks on board, including a tasting of local rum.
• the expertise of Mathieu, a captain and snorkeling instructor, who guides you in the water.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Lanmè Lovers

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Trois-Îlets or relying on public transport—the boat departs from town, and the half-day timing leaves your evening free.

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Top questions

Can I snorkel with sea turtles if I've never done it before?

Yes. Mathieu, the snorkeling instructor, enters the water with your group and shows you the species before you swim. The guides walk you into the shallows first and stay nearby the whole time, so beginners are supported throughout.

What's included in the snorkeling gear?

Fins, masks and snorkels are provided on the boat. You bring a swimsuit and towel; everything else for the water is there waiting for you.

Is there a cave on this snorkeling trip?

Yes. Early in the excursion, the boat stops at a cave where you can see bats from the water. It's a viewing stop, not a snorkeling site, but it's part of the route down the coast.

What happens during the floating carpet part?

After snorkeling with the turtles, the boat anchors at a second site where you float on buoys and carpets while the crew serves snacks, drinks and a tasting of local rum. The water there is also rich with underwater life, so you can still see fish and coral while you're resting.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the boat?

The boat departs from Trois-Îlets. Public transportation options are available nearby, so you can reach the departure point without a rental car if you're staying in the area.