Snorkeling in Martinique: Dolphins, turtles & coves

Motorboat through protected waters, snorkel among corals and fish, then swim with sea turtles

A full-day motorboat tour in Martinique combines dolphin watching in the AGOA protected area, snorkeling in turquoise Caribbean waters, a Creole lunch at a beachfront restaurant, and an afternoon exploring southern coves where you swim with sea turtles. The guide speaks English or French and the boat carries fresh fruit, local drinks and all the stops needed to move from one ecosystem to the next without arranging transport or timing yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphins, snorkeling, lunch, and coves

• Observe dolphins in AGOA Sanctuary
• Snorkel among corals and fish
• Enjoy fresh fruit and local drinks
• Have lunch at beachfront restaurant
• Visit bat cave and black cove
• Explore Dufour and Arlet coves
• Swim with sea turtles in great cove
• Learn about turtle preservation
• Enjoy fruits and cocktails

The experience

The morning starts in the AGOA Sanctuary, where the motorboat slows to watch dolphins in their natural habitat. Depending on the season, you may see sperm whales and other cetaceans alongside the dolphins: the guide points out their movements and behavior while you photograph and video. After an hour or so of observation, the boat heads to a snorkeling break in turquoise water where you descend among colorful fish and coral formations. Fresh fruit and local drinks (fruit juice, homemade planter) come aboard while you're still in the water or resting on deck.

Lunch happens at a beachfront Creole restaurant on a terrace overlooking the sea. You choose between cod crush as a starter, then chicken colombo or fish for the main course, finishing with a refreshing dessert. The meal breaks the day into two distinct halves and gives you solid ground underfoot before the afternoon water time.

The southern coves begin with the bat cave, then the boat passes through black cove and Dufour cove before stopping at Arlet, where the water is so clear and full of fish, corals and starfish that locals call it an open-air aquarium. The final stop is great cove, where sea turtles swim and feed. You enter the water to observe them up close while the guide explains the different species and their conservation. Cold fruit and cocktails appear again as the afternoon winds down, and the boat turns back toward the starting point after eight hours on the water and in it.

What’s included

• Fresh fruit and local drinks (fruit juice, homemade planter) during the morning snorkeling break and again in the afternoon at great cove.
• a full Creole lunch at a beachfront restaurant with your choice of starter, main course and dessert.
• a live guide in English or French throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and French

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 5

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Kairidream Excursions Martinique

Is this one for you?The full eight-hour day means an early start and a late return, which is what fits all the stops (dolphin sanctuary, snorkeling, lunch, bat cave, multiple coves and sea turtles) into one outing without rushing any of them. If you prefer a shorter excursion or want to stay based in one location, a half-day option would suit you better.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of dolphins and whales might I see in the AGOA protected area?

The AGOA Sanctuary is home to dolphins year-round, and in season you can observe sperm whales and other cetaceans. The guide identifies species and their behavior as they surface and move through the water.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling equipment is not included with this tour, so you'll need to bring your own mask, fins and snorkel or arrange to rent them separately before the tour begins.

What's included in the lunch at the beachfront restaurant?

Lunch includes your choice of cod crush as a starter, then either chicken colombo or fish for the main dish, plus a refreshing dessert. The restaurant sits on a terrace by the sea and is part of the full-day itinerary.

How much time do I spend snorkeling versus on the boat?

The tour is eight hours total. The morning includes dolphin watching and one snorkeling break in the AGOA area, lunch at the restaurant, then an afternoon of exploring coves and swimming with turtles at great cove. Most of the day alternates between boat time and water time.

Are the southern coves safe for swimming?

Yes, Arlet cove is known as a natural aquarium because of the abundance of fish, corals and starfish in calm, clear water. Great cove, where the sea turtles are, is also a designated swimming stop on the tour.