Where to See Sea Turtles in Martinique: The Complete Guide

You're floating at the surface, mask pressed to your face, snorkel in your mouth. Barely 6.5 feet (2 m) below you, a green sea turtle is calmly grazing on the seagrass, paying you no attention at all. It rises slowly, brushes past you with a stroke of its flipper, then vanishes into the blue. Time stands still.

Thousands of travelers come to Martinique every year looking for this experience — and it often tops their list of vacation memories. But to truly enjoy it, you need to know where to go, when to go and, above all, how to behave around these protected animals.

This guide covers everything you need to know before you meet Martinique's sea turtles.

Which sea turtles can you see in Martinique?

Martinique's waters are home to several species of sea turtles, all protected by law. Two of them are regularly spotted by snorkelers, whether you set out from shore or by boat.

Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)

This is the one you're most likely to meet. You can recognize it by its smooth shell, with scutes that sit side by side rather than overlapping, and its relatively small head. A green sea turtle can reach nearly 4 feet (1.2 m) and weigh more than 330 lb (150 kg). It feeds mainly on seagrass (true flowering plants that grow underwater) and large seaweeds, which is why you'll often see it grazing peacefully over shallow sandy bottoms.

Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

Rarer but gorgeous, the hawksbill stands out for its overlapping scutes, laid like roof tiles, which give its shell a jagged edge. Smaller, at 2–3 feet (60–90 cm), it lives around coral reefs, where it feeds mainly on sponges. According to the Martinique Sea Turtle Network (Réseau Tortues Marines), the species is listed as “critically endangered” — so every sighting is a real treat.

More rarely, you might also come across a leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), the largest sea turtle in the world, or a loggerhead (Caretta caretta). But those encounters are the exception.

Where to see sea turtles in Martinique

Some stretches of coast are better than others. Turtles have their favorite spots — and knowing them makes all the difference.

Snorkeling spots you can reach from shore

A few coves on the island's southwest coast have become famous for their seagrass beds and the regular presence of green sea turtles. These shoreline spots make an easy introduction, but in high season they get very crowded: it's not unusual to see dozens of swimmers around a single turtle, which stresses the animal and spoils the experience.

The best snorkeling spots in Martinique: by boat only

This is where the real magic happens. Off Martinique's coast, little-known sites that only local captains know about offer exceptional conditions: clear water, healthy seagrass beds, very few visitors, and regular sightings of both green and hawksbill turtles.

Join our turtle snorkeling tour along the southern Caribbean coast: it stops at exactly these sites, handpicked by Captain Thierry over more than 25 years on the water. It's the ideal option if you want to enjoy the encounter in peace and quiet, far from the crowds.

When is the best time to snorkel in Martinique?

You can snorkel year-round in Martinique thanks to the warm water, between 79°F and 84°F (26–29°C) depending on the season. But for the best visibility and comfort, some months stand out.

December to April: the best season

This is the dry season, known locally as Carême. Rain is rare, so underwater visibility is excellent, often more than 65 feet (20 m). The trade winds are steady, the sea is calmer on the Caribbean coast, and the water hovers around 79–81°F (26–27°C) — perfect for long stretches at the surface.

It's also the time to pair snorkeling with dolphin and whale watching: whale watching season in Martinique runs from December to April.

May to November: fewer crowds, still great encounters

The wet season doesn't get in the way of snorkeling at all. Showers are short and mostly come late in the day. Visibility stays quite good, and the turtles are here year-round. A real bonus: the spots are far less crowded, which makes for more personal encounters.

What's a snorkeling trip with Carib Évasion like?

Aboard the Albatros 972, every one of our boat tours is designed as a full-day getaway. You set off early from Case-Pilote harbor, and Thierry guides you to the most beautiful sites on the Caribbean coast.

Here's how the day goes: a visit to the bat caves (a local landmark), a swing past the underwater statues (submerged works of art), then we drop anchor in a quiet cove for snorkeling. Masks, fins and snorkels are provided on board. You slip into the water, and the encounter begins.

“Thierry, a great captain who takes such good care of grown-ups and kids alike. He took us to visit the bat caves and then we went snorkeling.” (translated from French)
— Jimmy Gaillard

“An incredible day with an outstanding crew. We saw dolphins, turtles, bat caves and statues in the water.” (translated from French)
— Jonathan Beaudry

For a more intimate experience — with family, friends or as a couple — a private boat charter lets you plan a fully custom itinerary at your own pace.

How to watch sea turtles respectfully

Sea turtles are protected by law, in France and internationally. Getting close to them is a privilege that comes with clear responsibilities. Here are the essential rules, as set out by DEAL Martinique (the French government's regional environment agency) and the Sea Turtle Network.

The 5 golden rules

• Keep your distance: stay at least 10 feet (3 m) from the turtle, off to the side. Never get in front of it or directly above it.
• Never touch a turtle: it's prohibited and punishable. Contact can damage the protective coating on its skin and pass on bacteria.
• Don't block its way up: a turtle has to come up for air every 5 to 10 minutes. If you're in its way, it can become exhausted or even drown.
• No flash photography: a burst of light can disorient the animal. Stick to natural light.
• No feeding: giving them food changes their natural behavior and makes them dependent on humans.

At Carib Évasion, these rules aren't a constraint — they're part of our ethos. Thierry follows them as a matter of course and always briefs guests before they get in the water.

Ready to meet Martinique's sea turtles?

Swimming alongside sea turtles in Martinique is one of the most memorable things you can do in the Caribbean. To enjoy it to the fullest, three things matter: knowing the right spots, picking the right time, and treating these protected animals with the utmost respect.

With Carib Évasion, you get Captain Thierry's 25-plus years of experience at sea, access to unspoiled sites you can't reach from shore, and a respectful approach that's as good for the turtles as it is for you.

Book your snorkeling day now for an encounter you'll never forget, or contact us directly at +596 696 40 56 21 or on WhatsApp.