Bat cave Catamaran Kokoumdo Trois-îlets Martinique

At the meetingDolphins and Turtles

Boarding on the Kokoumdo

Departing from the Pointe du Bout marina, come aboard Kokoumdo, a magnificent catamaran sailboat, for an unforgettable encounter with dolphins and turtles. An exceptional day of snorkeling and exploring the seabed in a natural tropical aquarium: Anse Noire, Anses d’Arlet, Grande Anse, Grotte aux chauves-souris…

Mike

Captain and owner of Kokoumdo

Departure from Marina de la Pointe du Bout

Today, I’ve booked the “Dolphins and Turtles” day trip on the catamaran “KOKOUMDO”. We meet at 8am at the Trois Ilets marina. The weather is splendid, and we’re in for a great day out.

First impressions and welcome on board

The catamaran is very pretty, red and white, very chic. It’s a beautiful 47-foot (15 m) houseboat, and the spaces are very cozy, giving us the impression of visiting friends. The crew welcomes us with kindness and big smiles. A small coffee awaits us, with brioches, jams, peyi juice and a “ti décollage” (be careful though!). Captain Mike” introduces his crew, tells us about the various safety measures and rules to be observed on board, and announces the day’s program.

Breakfast Catamaran Kokoumdo Trois-îlets Martinique

Catamaran Sailing Kokoumdo Trois-îlets Martinique

Hoist the sail Catamaran Kokoumdo Trois-îlets Martinique

Catamaran Filet Kokoumdo Troisîlets Martinique

We’re all settled in, in the saloon, at the front of the boat or on the large net at the bow, as everyone prefers. At 8:30 a.m., the captain casts off and we’re off!

On the agenda: dolphin watching! Today we’re in luck: their presence is signalled 10 minutes’ sailing north. During the crossing, we are briefed on the rules of the AGOA marine mammal sanctuary, whose charter KOKOUMDO’ s crew has signed.

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Dolphin watching!

Fraser's dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins & Pantropical spotted dolphins

And there they are, coming towards us before tracing their furrows in the bow of the boat. Today, we’re lucky enough to see 3 species of dolphin: the Fraser’s dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin and the spotted pantropical dolphin. As always when we encounter cetaceans, the excitement is at its peak. Everyone wants to capture the magic of the moment with their cameras. This morning they’re quite playful, gracing us with a few leaps and their characteristic little cry. A unique experience!

The captain explains that, at certain times of the year, we may come across whales, sperm whales or pilot whales, as Martinique is on a migratory route.

Dolphins and cetaceans of Martinique

Catamaran Kokoumdo Trois-îlets Martinique

Dauphin Bow Catamaran Kokoumdo Trois-îlets Martinique

You can hear the excitement of young and old alike: “ Look, there’s a whole bunch of them in front of us “, ” Look at the baby, with its mommy! ” Here’s one jumping! “It’s great! ” Look, a family! “, ” Look at the two in front of us, they’re playing in the bow! “… The observation lasts 20 minutes: the maximum allowed by AGOA.

Heading south to Anses d'Arlet

With stars in our eyes, we set sail for the southern coves: Anses d’Arlet, Anse Dufour, Anse Noire and Grande Anse. Holidaymakers and locals alike take the opportunity to get to know each other, and the atmosphere is one of “cool tropical sailing”.

Little music, little planters, sunglasses, sunbathing, trade winds… A must!

Snorkeling in tropical marine life

Next stop: Anses d’Arlet. The catamaran anchors near the “La Kay” underwater trail. Equipped with masks, snorkels and fries, we take to the water in a veritable tropical aquarium. I recognize the damselflies, butterflies and surgeonflies. A visual delight…

Fish Surgeon An dlo Diving Diamond Martinique

Creole lunch

It’s lunchtime, and the captain has chosen to take us to a heavenly cove for lunch. The aperitif is served with cod souskaÿ bites to whet the appetite. The bar, too, is local: white and old Clément rum, shrubb, homemadeplanteur and, of course, water, juices and sodas… The meal is prepared on the boat, on the menu: an assortment of local crudités, Creole-style browned chicken or fish cooked in coconut milk, served with rice and local vegetables, and for dessert: a blanc manger coco (a real treat) with a square of chocolate fondant.

Dessert White eat coconut Chocolate fondant Catamaran Kokoumdo Three Islands Martinique

Swimming with turtles

Catamaran Anse Noire Kokoumdo Les Anses-d'Arlets Martinique

Here we go again, heading for Grande Anse or Anse Noire. These places offer the best chance ofspotting sea turtles, and today was no exception. I’ve always dreamed of swimming alongside them. Watching them touches me deeply; they seem to glide underwater with incomparable grace. (Tip: if you own a GoPro, this is the perfect time to use it!)

It’s essential to follow certain rules to avoid disturbing them: avoid sudden fin movements and keep a minimum distance of 5 metres.

It’s an enchanting experience!

Martinique's sea turtles

Starfish Anse Mitan Trois-îlets Martinique

Around 4pm, it’s time to weigh anchor. The captain sails along the coast, from cove to cove, before making a stop at the bat cave, a must-see. The hostess serves us a small snack: fresh tropical fruit and a small pound cake.

We arrive at the pontoon around 5pm, and everyone agrees: it’s been a great day, the atmosphere on board, the crew, the ride, and my tan is perfect (don’t forget the sunscreen!)! I had a great time!

Mike Blowing in a lambi conch Catamaran Kokoumdo Trois-îlets Martinique

The Catamaran Kokoumdo also offers a ” Rocher du Diamant ” outing for a minimum of 10 people. The boat can also be privatized.

Baignade Catamaran Kokoumdo Trois îlets Martinique

Every day on the Kokoumdo is like a cousins’ day, where everyone knows everyone else by the end of the day !

A word from Mike, captain and owner of the Kokoumdo

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