Taxicap2 Iletchevalier Fondblanc Sainteanne Martinique

Boarding Taxi Capon the islets of Sainte-Anne

A day at Chevalier islet with Taxi Cap

Take a day trip with Taxi Cap to Sainte-Anne’s îlet Chevalier.Discover the Sainte-Anne Islets National Nature Reserve, the white seabed, Josephine’s bathtub and the coral reef.

An emblematic figure in Cap Chevalier for over 35 years, Garcin Doré passed the helm of Taxi Cap to his two sons. Jonathan and Judickaël have taken up the torch of this southern Martinique institution . On their boats, they take visitors and locals alike to discover the natural sights stretching from Islet Chevalier to Les Salines. I’m off with them for the day!

Judickaël, Jonathan and Garcin

Cab Cap captains

Rendezvous at Cap Chevalier

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We meet at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. departure. The Taxi Cap II boat is moored at the small pontoon in the fishing port, opposite the islet. Cab Cap also has 2 skiffs, “Patience” and “Taxico “, for smaller excursions or simply to visit the îlet Chevalier*.

For the time being, we are greeted in good spirits with a welcome drink by Jonathan and Judickaël. They take the opportunity to brief us on on-board safety and the day’s activities.

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The islets of Sainte-Anne

Everyone settles down on the benches and off we go, heading for the coral reef! We can see the white foam of the waves breaking on the coral reef that protects the Atlantic coastline. Judickaël tells us that it stretches from the Pointe des Salines in the south tothe Caravelle peninsula in the north. On board, a little music quickly gets us in the mood!

We follow the coast and discover the various islets. Those in the Réserve naturelle nationale des îlets de Sainte Anne (Hardy – the largest, Poirier, Burgaux, Percé) are off-limits, as they are breeding grounds for Lesser Antillean birds such as terns and peacocks. Boats are not allowed to approach closer than 100m. The other islets (Rats, Chevalier, Aigrette and Trois Roux) are accessible. The color of the water is as sublime as ever: a veritable cameo of turquoise and translucent spots. It’s magnificent, and a real feast for the eyes!

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Whitewater swimming

and baptism of rum

After just over an hour’s sailing, Taxi Cap II drops anchor on the white bottom off Islet Chevalier. All aboard!

Time for the famous baptism of rum! The swim is delicious, with water up to your waist, an experience enjoyed by all.

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As tradition dictates, the “baptized” taste the rhum arrangé martiniquais directly from the bottle, kneeling in the water – it’s great fun. As for me, I settle for a small glass of planteur, served with boudins and accras… After this festive moment, we climb back on board and Judickaël sets course for îlet Chevalier for the rest of our day.

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Creole lunch

We disembark on the islet. On land, a large, well-shaded carbet is set up in the clearing just behind the beach. Large madras-covered tables are already set for lunch. In fact, it’s already aperitif time! On the menu: ti punch, planteur, arranged rums and juices are served at the all-you-can-eat bar, accompanied by codfish accras. The atmosphere goes up a notch, good-natured and without fuss… I’m having a great day!

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Then everyone helps themselves to the Creole buffet. On the menu: fish soup (very tasty and fragrant!), barbecued grilled meats, péyi vegetables, Creole sauce and a small pot of ice cream. (A lobster menu can be ordered upon reservation).

Jonathan and Judickaël remind us that the meal was prepared ” Chez Gracieuse” , the family-run Creole restaurant in Cap Chevalier.

Discovery ofîlet Chevalier

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Then it’s… free time! For some, it’s lazing around, sunbathing and swimming on the beach. For others, it’s games, dominoes, coconut leaf braiding and, of course, a little zouk.

As for me, I set off to walk around the islet along a path that follows its contours, discovering its vegetation and two small beaches, and taking in the beautiful views over the bay and the ocean. The walk takes just an hour, perfect for digestion!

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Boisflotte Iletchevalier Sainteanne Martinique

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Cockfighting

a unique experience!

Only at Taxi Cap can you witness it. Rest assured, this is an exhibition with no injuries or killings, but rather a demonstration by Judickaël. With great humor, he shows us how to train these high-level athletes to pedal, run, turn around and stand up. Then two volunteers hold the two “warmed-up” roosters before putting them down and releasing them at the same time for the fight. It’s a fast-paced affair, with the roosters battling it out to the roar of their wings and the cheers and applause of the audience.

Of course, we take the opportunity to film and take lots of photos, as this is a rare and authentic attraction.

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Cockfighting: a centuries-old tradition

Introduced to the West Indies by the Spanish as early as the 15th century, cockfighting is an enduring tradition in Martinique, deeply rooted in local culture! Cockfighting is forbidden in France, with the exception of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region and the overseas regions of Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion, which can demonstrate an “uninterrupted local tradition”. In general, these fights pit roosters against each other in the ” pitts ” ring, in an overexcited atmosphere where money bets are made. In official fights, the roosters are weighed: they must weigh exactly the same, and each must be the object of as many bets as the other (some fights reach bets of 2,000 euros!), Judi tells us. If one of the roosters goes down, he has 40 seconds to get up, otherwise he loses. If both lie down, it’s considered a draw!

Around 4pm it’s time for the quintessential Martinique snack, the famous “pain au beurre chocolat ” flavoured with spices, lime zest, cinnamon… Yummy!

It ‘s already 4:30 p.m., and the day is drawing to a close, with guided tours and lazing around on the islet in a friendly, warm, cheerful atmosphere, filled with laughter and smiles… Thanks boys, I had a great time!

*Shuttle to îlet Chevalier

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Cab Cap and yawls take you from the fishing port to the islet and back. Every day! Adult fare: €5, child fare: €2. You can even order food from Chez Gracieuse, and have it delivered to the islet at lunchtime. Plenty of room for a picnic!

Information & free booking