Where can you see turtles in Martinique?
Martinique's turtles are among the island's most popular wildlife, found in a number of natural coves where you can swim alongside them. But do you know which species you can find, where to see them and how to observe them without disturbing them?
With its warm waters all year round, the Caribbean Sea is home to a rich array of underwater flora and fauna, including turtles of many different species. Some remain in the open sea, while others approach the coast where they can be observed, particularly in Martinique! They are not visible everywhere, however, and observing them requires compliance with certain rules so as not to harm them or have a negative impact on their environment. So to prepare yourself for an enriching turtle-watching experience in Martinique, while respecting their habitat, read on with this dedicated article!
The different species of turtle in Martinique
In all, there are 3 species of turtle to be found on Martinique's coastline: the green turtle, the hawksbill turtle and the leatherback turtle.
The green turtle, one of the best-known species, can be distinguished by its carapace with juxtaposed scales and its small round head. It is easily confused with the hawksbill turtle, which takes its name from the interlocking scales on its shell. However, it can be recognised by its head, which is more elongated than that of the green turtle and has a pronounced beak. What's more, it is no bigger than 1 metre, unlike the green turtle, which can grow up to 1.20 metres.
The leatherback turtle is much larger (up to 2 metres) and more rarely seen in the water than the green and hawksbill turtles. It is mainly seen on Martinique's beaches during the egg-laying season, but there is nothing to stop it from being encountered by chance at sea. Its size, leathery carapace and bluish-grey colour make it easily recognisable!
Where to see turtles in Martinique
This is one of the questions most frequently asked by holidaymakers interested in underwater fauna: where can you see turtles in Martinique? As mentioned above, leatherbacks are mainly seen on the island's beaches during the egg-laying season. But as this is a very important event for the preservation of the species, it's best not to approach them so as not to disturb them.
The best place to see turtles in Martinique is in the south-west of the island, at Anses-d'Arlet. It's in the Grande Anse d'Arlet, Anse Noire and Anse Dufour that you can get into the water to watch turtles swimming and feeding peacefully in the sea grass beds, among a host of tropical fish. It's also not uncommon to spot turtles at Anse Céron, between Le Diamant and Sainte-Luce, as well as in the north of the island at Anse Couleuvre and its superb black sand beach.
How to spot turtles
There are a number of ways to spot turtles in Martinique: simply by boat through the translucent waters of the coves, snorkelling with fins, mask and snorkel, or scuba diving. You can look for them yourself by swimming from the beaches of Anses-d'Arlet, but you're more likely to find them if you take part in an excursion led by a local who can take you to where they are most often found. The trips below are perfect examples:
- Snorkelling with turtles in Trois-Îlets
- Catamaran snorkelling trip with turtles in Anses-d'Arlet
- Boat trip and snorkelling with turtles from Les Trois-Îlets
The 3 species of turtle that are not uncommon in Martinique are all protected, so certain rules apply to ensure their well-being during your snorkelling session: stay at the surface when you observe them, swim gently while taking care not to disturb them with the eddy caused by the use of flippers, and above all do not touch them. By following these simple instructions, you will help the turtles to thrive, without stress.
Calm and harmless, turtles are sublime animals that need to be preserved. So if you're planning to see turtles in Martinique (an activity you should definitely include on your list of things to do in Martinique!), make sure you observe them while following the rules laid down to respect their well-being and habitat! This will also have the advantage of offering you a peaceful observation session, with animals that won't try to run away from you because your presence won't bother them.