La Martinique - VOILE NATURE

Martinique

A land rich in biodiversity to explore while respecting nature.

Exceptional fauna and flora

What you will discover during our responsible sea trips.

Interactive Map

Discover the interactive map of the Marine Natural Park of Martinique.

See the interactive map

Underwater Trail

Explore the underwater trail of the islets of François via the Carbet des Sciences.

See the virtual tour

A fauna and flora to admire

During our ecobalads, let yourself be amazed...

The turtles

When it is young, the green turtle comes to feed in the meadows, it is at this time that it can be observed with a mask and snorkel; mainly on the Caribbean side.
However, it is forbidden to touch them and to approach them at less than 5 metres, they must not be disturbed.
In Creole, the green turtle is called "Totî Blan", the best known and most easily observed.

Seabirds

They live mainly in the open sea but can be seen on the protected islets of our coastline when they come to breed and nest.
Don't throw your rubbish into the sea or river, they might mistake it for fish...
For centuries, fishermen in Martinique have used seabirds to spot schools of fish.

Iguanas

L’iguane des petites Antilles (Delicatissima), endémique de l’ile, est visible sur l’Ilet Chancel au Robert.
Do not feed them or get too close to them, they are critically endangered.
It is called "léza" in Creole.

Cetaceans

If you are lucky, you may see dolphins, whales and sperm whales while sailing along the Caribbean coast.
Évitez de choisir des excursions où l’attraction est l’observation des cétacés, il ne faut pas les déranger.
There is a "Charter for the responsible approach and observation of marine mammals".

Bats

Endémique de la Martinique, elle est particulièrement visible dans la « Grotte aux Chauves-souris » près de l’Anse Noire, côté Caraïbe.
Elles ont l’ouïe très développée, si vous en voyez, essayez de rester discret.
It is called "chichòt" in Creole.

The mangrove

La Martinique possède une grande mangrove dans la baie de Fort de France mais aussi dans celle du Robert.
It is a very important ecosystem that maintains the balance of marine and terrestrial life, it is also said to be a border between land and sea.
In West Indian culture, it is often said to be a mystical place where spells were cast...

Herbier mixte_©Mathilde BRASSY-Carbet des Sciences

The herbarium

These real underwater meadows are found all around Martinique.
C’est le lieu de vie des étoiles de mer, des concombres, des oursins… attention, il ne faut surtout pas les sortir de l’eau.
On retrouve 2 variétés : l’Herbe à tortue et l’Herbe à Lamentin (bien reconnaissable).

The coral reef

The coral reef protects the Atlantic coast of Martinique from the sea swell.
Be careful to keep a distance from the coral so as not to damage it.
On retrouve en Martinique 4 sentiers sous-marins qui ont pour objectif de faire découvrir la biodiversité marine de façon éducative.

The protected islets

Ils sont présents dans la baie du Robert, du François et côté Caraïbe.
They are home to remarkable vegetation and several protected wildlife species (such as birds and peyi iguanas).
Dans le temps, on a surnommé un îlet, « l’îlet Loup Garou » car on entendait des hurlements de loups dus au vent qui s’engouffrait dans les cocotiers…

Local initiatives

In Martinique, there are many initiatives to enhance and preserve this biodiversity.

Marine Nature Park

It is a marine protected area that aims to preserve and promote the marine environment and to enhance human actions for the protection of species and their habitat.

The Asso-Mer

It is an association whose mission is to raise awareness among the population and professionals about the preservation of marine biodiversity. It contributes to the protection of the marine environment of Martinique.

Carbet des Sciences

The association is the Centre de Culture Scientifique, Technique et Industrielle de la Martinique. Its mission is to create a link between science and society by disseminating knowledge about science and technology.

Agoa Sanctuary

It is a marine protected area covering the waters of Martinique. Its team works to protect marine mammals through knowledge acquisition actions

The Carouge

It is an association that participates in promoting and preserving the fauna and flora, and particularly the birds, in Martinique. It is also involved in environmental education in schools.

The Women's Regatta

It is a sports association whose aim is the practice of sailing in regattas, the discovery of this sport but also the protection of the marine environment with the "Cap Zéro Déchet" actions.

World Biosphere Reserve

The association supported Martinique's application for the UNESCO title. This title will allow to enhance its human, natural and cultural wealth, in a dynamic of sustainable economic and social development.

Marine Turtle Network

It brings together different actors who implement protection and study actions on the different species present in Martinique.

Lesser Antillean Iguana Network

He participates in the study of the endemic iguanas of Martinique, contributes to the preservation of their habitat and raises awareness about the protection of the species.