A day on a CatamaranDolphins, turtles and Diamond Rock

A day with La Créole Cata

LaCréole Cata offers excursions in maxi sailing catamarans to observe dolphinsin the AGOA sanctuary and swim withsea turtles. Based at the Pointe du Bout marina in Trois-îlets, La Créole Cata takes you sailing in the waters of the Caribbean Sea to Martinique’s most emblematic sites:Diamond Rock,Anses d’Arlet,Anse Noire,Grande Anse…

Félix, Zaï and Damien

The crew of La Créole Cata

A maxi-catamaran for an exceptional day out

Catamaran2 Lacreolecata Troisilets Martinique

Established in Martinique for over 23 years, ” La Créole Cata ” enjoys a solid reputation. I’ ve booked my day – we’re in the middle of migration season, so I’m pretty sure I’ll meet dolphins, maybe even pilot whales, humpback whales or sperm whales. I also know I’ll be sailing as close as possible to the Rocher du Diamant, and swimming with the turtles…

I can’t wait!

Rendezvous at the quay around 8.30am for a 9am departure. The entire crew introduces itself:Damien the captain,Zaï the guide andFélix in the kitchen as always.

The atmosphere is cool, and we’re briefed on the safety instructions, the rules on board and the attitudes to adopt in the presence of cetaceans or turtles. Everything is in place, and the adventure can begin! On board, everyone settles in: forward on one of the two nets, under the large awning that completely covers the spacious deck, on the bench seats and around the tables… There’s plenty of space on La Créole Cata, a catamaran sailboat 17.50 m long and 8.50 m wide!

Free booking

Catamaran10 Lacreolecata Troisilets Martinique

Heading for Diamond Rock

Dolphins Creolecata Troisilets Martinique

Dolphin and whale watching

The captain sets course for the Rocher du Diamant under full sail, and halfway there we’re joined by a small group of pantropical spotted dolphins, recognizable by the small spots on their bellies. They speed along the bow of the boat as if they’re leading the way. Everyone is captivated by this intelligent, playful animal. Young and old alike are amazed, and squeal with delight. It’s the dolphin effect! Suddenly they dive and swim away as we approach the famous rock.

In front of us, 100 meters away, we spot the blow of ahumpback whale– it’s true that we’re in the middle of the migration season (December to June). The emotion is at its peak, we see its large tail fin emerge from the water, its back glides elegantly to the surface, before seeing it dive, it’s just incredible and impressive!

Up close to the Rocher du Diamant

One of the advantages of the Créole Cata is that Damien takes you on a complete tour of the Rocher du Diamant. You’ll see all the crevices where many birds nest: Brown Noddi, Bridled Tern, Tailed Straw, Brown Booby, Superb Frigate… Our guide Zaï takes the opportunity to tell us the history of this rocky islet and gives us lots of information about the flora and fauna.

Brown Crazy Bird Diamond Rock Martinique

Snorkeling in Anses d'Arlet

Catamaran14 Lacreolecata Troisilets Martinique

We then head for Anses d’Arlet in the late morning. We stop at the site of the “Lakay” underwater trail, opposite the magnificent Saint-Henri church. To make sure everyone feels comfortable floating, the crew hands out colorful French fries (if you want to snorkel, remember to bring your masks and snorkels).

The ” Lakay “underwater trail

Along the educational buoys, in just a few meters of water, you can explore the rocky scree and seagrass beds to discover the beauty of underwater life.

Creole Cata Catamaran Trail lakay Snorkeling Les Anses-d'Arlets Martinique

Catamaran5 Lacreolecata Troisilets Martinique

Snorkeling2 Sentierlakay Lesansesdarlet Martinique

Creole lunch on board

The “Captain Damien” then anchors in a quiet cove for lunch. It’s time torelax and enjoy your taste buds ! Thebar serves unlimited ti-punch and planteur with Dillon rum, juice and water, while we sit down to enjoy aCreole meal concocted by Félix. On the menu: crudités, melon, avocado, smoked chicken or fish accompanied by rice and yellow bananas with chien sauce. It’s tasty and fragrant, as is the fruit salad served for dessert, all to the accompaniment of music – West Indian , of course!

Boudin Dejeuner Catamaran Lacreolecata Troisilets Martinique

Dejeuner5 Catamaran Lacreolecata Troisilets Martinique

Dejeuner6 Catamaran Lacreolecata Troisilets Martinique

Lunch Catamaran Lacreolecata Troisilets Martinique

Catamaran8 Lacreolecata Troisilets Martinique

Turtle watching

After a short swim, we’re off to meet the sea turtles. On the right-hand side of Grande Anse, their little heads emerge from the water and then dive again. You can see them feeding on the sea grass. I can’t get enough of them, but I keep a safe distance so as not to disturb or touch them.

Hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata Herbarium Martinique

Bat cave

Damien sails to Anse Noire, the beautiful black-sand beach we can see from the boat, and then up to thebat cave. As the catamaran hasa large Zodiac, it can take passengers in groups of 8 to the very bottom of the cave. I don’t really like these little creatures, so I take the opportunity to lie down on the net and watch nature all around me!

Catamaran7 Lacreolecata Troisilets Martinique

Félix offers us a small chocolate marbré as we slowly make our way up to Pointe du Bout. It’s the best time of day for the light, and the view is just magnificent!

Around 5 p.m. we pull alongside, our heads full of unforgettable memories…

I ‘ve had a great day! The atmosphere was top-notch, the music was great, and the crew was very professional, super-organized and friendly.

La Créole Cata also offers maxi-catamaran rental for personalized and private excursions : birthdays, weddings, private parties….

Information & free booking