The marine turtles of Martinique |

The different species of turtles

Of the five species, three can be regularly observed here:

The leatherback turtle

(Dermochelys coriacea)

This very large turtle, between 1m70 and 2 m for an average weight of 300 to 450 kilos! does not have scales; its shell is covered with a kind of “leather”. It is not often seen in the water but rather on the beach at the time of laying. It feeds on zooplankton.

It is classified as “vulnerable” (VU) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of threatened species.

The Green Turtle

(Chelonia mydas)

It is very often found in the water, feeding on seagrass beds. Its carapace is covered with juxtaposed scales (which do not overlap). Its small round head without a marked beak can be seen emerging from the water. As a rule, it does not lay eggs on Martinique’s beaches. It measures between 1m and 1m50 and weighs between 100 and 150 kilos.

It is classified as “endangered” (EN) on the IUCN red list of threatened species.

The Nesting Turtle

(Eretmochelys imbricata)

It can be seen in the water on coral reefs and on the beach during spawning season. Its carapace with jagged edges is covered with overlapping scales (which overlap in places), hence its name. Its pronounced, sharp beak allows it to tear off the sponges it feeds on. It is about 1 m long and weighs between 60 and 85 kilograms.

It is classified as “critically endangered” (CR) on the IUCN red list of threatened species.

Leatherback Turtle Dermochelys Coriacea Martinique

Hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys Imbricata Martinique

The other two species are rarer and spotted much farther offshore:

the Hawkish turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
the Caouanne turtle (Caretta caretta).

Where to see the turtles?

Green turtle Chelonia Mydas Snorkeling Martinique

Turtles are very present on the Caribbean Sea side.

To the south, they assiduously frequent the beaches of Anses d’Arlet: Anse Dufour, Anse Noire and Grande Anse. A few meters from the shore or on the grass beds, you are almost sure to see them.

To the north, they are regularly encountered off Anse Céronand Anse Couleuvre. Many service providers offer boat tours to meet them.

The Réseau Tortues Marines de Martinique is dedicated to studying marine turtles, raising awareness and informing, rescuing and caring for them, and preserving habitats. It reminds us of the conduct to adopt when we encounter a turtle…

In the water:

Stay at a distance (5 meters) and on the surface (no snorkeling)
Swim calmly
Don’t touch it

The laying of eggs,

a magical moment

The beaches of Martinique with abundant vegetation are a place of predilection for the turtle spawning whose season is spread from March to November. Often at night because it is less hot, the females come to dig a nest in the sand in order to lay their eggs (several hundred).

IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO DISTURB THEM at this crucial moment that can last several hours. After two months of incubation under the sand, the baby turtles called “wrigglers” come out and join the sea. It is estimated that one out of every 1,000 turtles will reach the age to reproduce in turn.

The Martinique Marine Turtle Network is dedicated to studying marine turtles, raising awareness and informing, rescuing and caring for them, and preserving habitats. It reminds us of the conduct to adopt when we encounter a turtle…

On the beach during egg-laying: