Green sea turtles graze on seagrass in the sheltered bays of Martinique's Caribbean coast, and a snorkelling outing is the most reliable way to see them in their own element. The Discovery and snorkeling with sea turtles trip takes you by boat to the areas where turtles are usually found, gives you time in the water with a mask and snorkel and lets you watch these slow, graceful animals feed and surface for air. It is a gentle activity that suits confident swimmers of many ages, and it needs no diving experience. Sightings depend on the day, the water clarity and the behaviour of the animals, so treat the experience as a wildlife encounter rather than a guarantee, and confirm the departure point and the length of the outing when you reserve.
Why it works
Turtle snorkelling combines the pleasures of a boat ride and a swim with a genuine wildlife encounter. The water on the leeward side of the island is generally calmer than on the Atlantic coast, and the seagrass beds in the shallow bays give turtles a reason to stay.
Watching a turtle graze, rise to breathe and sink back down is unforgettable and surprisingly calm, and the experience tends to stay with children and adults alike. Because the trip is focused on a single animal, it is usually shorter and simpler than a full-day catamaran cruise.
What to know before you go
Confirm the meeting point, the start time and what equipment is provided, including masks, snorkels and flotation devices. A rash vest or a long-sleeved swim top protects your back from the sun and is useful if you plan to float on the surface for a while.
Use reef-safe sunscreen, since the bays are fragile habitats, and apply it well before you board so it does not wash off in the water. Do not touch, chase or feed the turtles, keep a respectful distance and follow the guide's instructions, as the animals are wild and protected.
Making it work
The trip pairs well with a beach afternoon or a lunch on the Caribbean coast, and it suits visitors who want something active but gentle. It is a good alternative to the longer catamaran snorkel day if you have only a morning or an afternoon, and it combines easily with a stay in the south of the island around Les Anses-d'Arlet, Le Diamant or Sainte-Luce. If you are travelling with children, ask about minimum ages and whether life jackets are available, and consider practising with the mask in a hotel pool before the day if they are new to snorkelling.
Good to know
Visibility changes with swell and recent rain, and operators may adjust the route or the time in the water to protect the animals and keep guests safe. Bring a towel, a dry change of clothes, a hat and water, and take motion sickness tablets before boarding if you are prone to queasiness.
If you are travelling from a cruise ship, give the operator your ship name and all-aboard time and keep a generous buffer. Waterproof pouches and an action camera are useful, but do not let photography distract you from watching your surroundings and staying close to the group.
What to expect
The experience
A boat outing to the bays where wild sea turtles feed, with time to snorkel alongside them.
Best time
Morning, when the sea is usually calmest and the light is clearest.
How long
A few hours; confirm the exact length and departure point when you reserve.
Tips
Use reef-safe sunscreen, keep your distance from the turtles and take motion sickness tablets beforehand if needed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and couples who want an easy wildlife encounter without a full day at sea.
- Families
- Good for children who swim confidently and enjoy boats; ask about minimum ages and life jackets.
- Couples
- A calm, memorable experience in clear water, shared with a gentle animal.
- Pair with
- A beach lunch on the Caribbean coast, or the dolphin outing on another day.
- Time needed
- A morning or an afternoon.
Good questions
Will I see turtles?+
Sightings are common in the bays where they feed, but the animals are wild, so there is no guarantee.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?+
You should be comfortable in open water. Ask whether flotation devices are provided if you are less confident.
Can I touch the turtles?+
No. They are protected wild animals, and the guide will ask you to keep a respectful distance.
What should I bring?+
A swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water and a dry change of clothes. Check what equipment is included.
Can I go on a cruise day?+
Many visitors do. Give the operator your ship name and re-boarding time and keep a generous buffer.
