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Villagedelapoterie Troisilets MartiniqueBoarding takes place at the Village de la Poterie pontoon in Trois-Ilets at 8am. Laurent welcomes us aboard his dinghy and takes us in the direction of the catamaran, anchored 50 meters out in Génipa Bay near the Mandoline islet. All around us:mangroves as far as the eye can see, the largest in Martinique! The water is very calm, so transferring from dinghy to boat is a breeze.
Catamaranbluedream3 Troisilets MartiniqueThe boat we boarded was magnificent. This catamaran stands out for its size. It’s a 62-foot (19m) Nautitech. Very user-friendly thanks to its deck layout, sunbathing areas and large trampolines at the bow, it boasts a large cockpit, well sheltered from the sun, and a large saloon. It is designed to accommodate up to 28 passengers for a day of coastal cruising. On board, everything is impeccable, and comfort is optimal for an excursion where relaxation and discovery are the watchwords. Today, it’s in the company of Max at the helm and his crewmate Jérémie at the hel m that we set off for the ” Perle du Nord ” day trip.Both are seasoned sailors with a passion for sailing.
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DSCF4669-copyLeaving Génipa Bay and rounding the Mandoline islet (Gros Ilet), we are invited to hoist the mainsail. We sail into the Baie des Flamands. The crew tells us about the history of the “capital” city of Fort-de-France, the military battles, Fort Saint-Louis, the monuments and landmarks such as the Schoelcher Library, Saint-Louis Cathedral and Place de la Savane.
ville-fortdefrance-martiniqueWith thesolent hoisted, the boat picks up speed and heads north in search of dolphins and other cetaceans.
The crew chats with us about navigation and the various sites. Passengers get to know each other, and the atmosphere is cool.
hoist2-sail-catamaran-bluedream-troisilets-martiniqueOne of the strong points of our Blue Dream Croisières outings is our commitment to 100% sailboat navigation. The calm and fluidity of the glide bring a lot to this excursion. The motor is only used when there’s no wind at all.
catamaran10-bluedream-troisilets-martiniqueBreakfast is served in the saloon: tea, coffee, juices, soft drinks, spirits (served at your discretion all day long) and homemade cakes. The lounge music in the background makes you feel like you’re on vacation…
breakfast-catamaran-bluedream-troisilets-martiniqueArriving off Case Pilote, we are joined by a pod of bottlenose dolphins(Tursiops truncatus), who come to play in the bow of the boat, surfing in the waves and grazing the hull for long minutes. On board, it’s all wonder and smiles! Especially as the group includes dolphin mothers and their calves: Max explains that this species of dolphin is one of the most sociable, and the one that interacts most with humans… He provides us with fact sheets on all the species present in the West Indies, as well as the rules for observing cetaceans with respect.
Dauphin Catamaranbluedream Diamant Martinique
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dolphin-spotted-pantropical-stenellaattenuata-catamaran-bluedream-troisîlets-martiniqueWe continue on our way, and when we arrive opposite Le Carbet, we come across an exceptional group of spotted dolphins– at least 150 of them! Some swim on their backs, offering greater comfort to their growing foetuses: we’re in the middle of the breeding season, while others leap and cavort!
In the late morning, the captain drops anchor opposite Raisiniers beach for a dip in the Caribbean Sea. On board, Max tells us the story of Saint-Pierre, Mount Pelée and the volcano’s eruption in 1902.
He informs us that we are facing the beach where Christopher Columbus first landed in Martinique on June 15, 1502, on his 4th voyage to the “new world”.
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diving-catamaran-bluedream-three-vests-martiniqueMeanwhile, Jérémie sets up the Creole buffet for lunch. Everything has been prepared in advance by their caterer. After a local aperitif – juice, planteur, ti punch – everyone serves themselves and settles down in the indoor or outdoor saloon, as the mood takes them. On the menu: crudités, chicken fricassee with yellow banana gratin and rice. For dessert, chocolate muffins and blancmange coconut. Tasty and full of flavour. Please note: if you wish to eat fish or are vegetarian, simply specify this when booking.
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Eglisesaintjacques2 Carbet MartiniqueAfter lunch, we set sail again along the leeward coast. We take it in turns to discover the landscapes, the vegetation hanging over the cliffs, the black sand beaches and coves, the church of Saint-Jacques du Carbet, the restaurants with their feet in the sand in the shade of the coconut palms, the pelicans circling over the skiffs of the fishermen returning from their catch…. the shade of coconut palms, pelicans circling over the skiffs of returning fishermen..
Martinique in all its beauty.
snorkeling2-catamaran-bluedream-troisilets-martiniqueArriving at the Bellefontaine cliffs, Max drops anchor at the Giraumon bottom. An exceptional site!
It’s the perfect time and place for snorkeling and swimming (masks and snorkels are available). Access to the water aboard Pelagia is easy: either go down the swim ladder or dive in, it’s up to you! The water temperature is 30°… Underwater, the seabed is breathtakingly beautiful: corals, gorgonians, elkhorns, trumpet fish, parrotfish… and very, very often, hawksbill turtles… It’s just magical!
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Hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys Imbricata MartiniqueAt around 2.30pm, we weighed anchor and hoisted the mainsail for the return journey. We pass Case Pilote and Schœlcher before setting course for Trois-îlets, which we return to quietly . At 4 p.m., we are offered a snack of juice or old rum. Let’s not forget that we’re in the land of rum!
catamaran14-bluedream-troisilets-martiniqueThe reviews are unanimous: we all had an unforgettable day , where everything came together to please us: a superb boat, a top-notch crew, adorable and attentive (and in very smart uniforms, which doesn’t spoil anything!), calm and respectful sailing, a great atmosphere, dolphins, seabeds, turtles… and a perfect tan!
After leaving Génipa Bay, we set course for the Anses d’Arlet, all the way to the Rocher du Diamant. We discover this 175-metre-high rock that has marked the history of Martinique. In 1804, the rock remained under British control for 17 months, with a military garrison of around 100 soldiers controlling and disrupting French maritime access. Today, it’s a protected nature reserve and a popular dive site. On the crossing, there’s a good chance you’ll come across dolphins… Keep your eyes peeled!
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Catamaranbluedream Troisilets MartiniqueWe have lunch atAnse Chaudière on the Morne Larcher drop-off. The snorkeling and swimming spot chosen by the crew is close to the Abricot creek, between Anses d’Arlet and Grande Anse. The seabed is extremely rich, with excellent visibility.
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Ambiance Crique Abricot 2023 12 CopyNavigation continues along the coves – anse Dufour, anse Noire, anse à l’Ane, anse Mitan – punctuated by fishing villages and crystal-clear beaches. The day ends around 4:30 pm.
Fisherman Martinique
Ansenoire Ansedufour Ansesdarlet MartiniqueSouth or north?
Do both and let the waves lull you to sleep! The only thing you need to think about: swimsuit, hat, sun cream… and relax.
Sail away for a day!
The philosophy of Laurent and his team
