Snorkeling François Islands Martinique: White Sands & Aperitif

Three and a half hours in the shallows where the reef fish graze

A guided snorkeling excursion to the François Islands and Îlet Thierry or Îlet Madame near Martinique, where you swim in Joséphine's Bath, explore coral reefs with a small group of up to 12, and return to the boat for local appetizers and drinks. The group size and fixed itinerary mean the boat leaves on schedule and you spend the afternoon in the water rather than waiting for stragglers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore François Islands and Swim

• Guided tour of François islets
• Swim in Josephine's Bathtub
• Enjoy appetizers and local drinks
• See endemic Iguana species
• Visit slavery era remains

The experience

Three and a half hours gets you to the white sands of François, into Joséphine's Bath for a swim in the shallows, and out to the coral reefs where you snorkel depending on the crowd: either around the White Funds of Îlet Thierry or Îlet Madame. The guide leads you through the underwater sites and points out the endemic iguanas (Iguana Délicatissima, a protected species in critical danger) that live on the islets, along with remains from the slavery era. You bring your own mask and tube. The operator has not been able to lend or rent them since 2021.

After snorkeling, the boat stops at Îlet Chancel au Robert for a guided tour of the islet itself. Back on deck, you get accras with vegetables or cod, soft drinks, a planter, and ti-punch, the local rum punch, or non-alcoholic options if you prefer. The group stays under twelve people, which keeps the pace manageable and the boat from feeling crowded. A live guide speaks English and French throughout.

Children from age 4 are welcome. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and you can bring a pram or stroller if you have infants or small children. The excursion is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.

What’s included

• Guided tour of the François Islands white sands and Îlet Chancel au Robert.
• snorkeling at the coral reefs of Îlet Thierry or Îlet Madame.
• swimming in Joséphine's Bath.
• accras with vegetables or cod, soft drinks, planter and ti-punch or non-alcoholic beverages.
• live guide in English and French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and French

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.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Sun vibes

Is this one for you?The boat departs from Martinique and returns the same afternoon, so you don't need a car or a second day to fit the islands into your stay. The small group and fixed schedule mean you spend the time in the water instead of waiting around.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

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 exactly is Joséphine's Bath and why is it on the itinerary?

Joséphine's Bath is a historical swimming spot in the white depths around the François Islands where you swim as part of the excursion. It's a relaxing place tied to the region's history, and the shallow, clear water makes it a natural stop for a refreshing dip before the snorkeling portion.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel mask and tube?

Yes, you must bring your own mask and tube. The operator has not been permitted to lend or rent equipment since 2021, so plan to pack yours or arrange to borrow one before you board.

How many people go on this excursion and does that affect the experience?

The group is limited to 12 people, which keeps the boat and the snorkeling sites from feeling crowded and lets the guide give attention to everyone. Smaller groups also mean the boat can leave on schedule without waiting for latecomers.

What happens if the weather or crowd is bad at one snorkeling site?

The guide chooses between the White Funds of Îlet Thierry or Îlet Madame depending on the conditions and how busy each spot is that day. Both sites have coral reefs and fish, so you snorkel either way.