bateau-montagnepelé-soleymambo-katamambo-pontondesaintpierre-martiniqueWe’re welcomed aboard by the crew of the day: Jérémy, the captain, Mickaë l, the guide and Jonathan, the cook, are all very friendly, smiling and attentive to everyone’s needs. The smell of hot toffee wafts from the galley: it’s Jonathan who’s preparing the meal, and it bodes well for the bananas flambé that await us later on! In short, the welcome is top-notch and promises to be a good day…
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boat3-soleymambo-katamambo-bridgeaintpierre-martiniqueMickaël shows us the different areas of the 44-foot catamaran (13.80 m long and 7 m wide):the airy inner saloon, the outer saloon, the two nets, the large sunbathing areas… A very practical feature is thestaircase in the middle of the boat.A very practical feature is the staircase in the middle of the boat, which goes deep into the water, making it easier to climb back up after a swim (ideal for people with reduced mobility)! The boat is equipped with solar panels for servicing and dynamos on the propellers. These generate electricity to recharge the boat’s batteries when under sail, and it can accommodate 25 people on board.
The captain sets course for Fort-de-France bay, where a few dolphins are already showing their beaks. Mickaël explains the history of Martinique, Fort-de-France, the various forts and the wars with the English. It’s all very interesting. Then we headed north for Saint-Pierre. We sail along the windward coast. Between the sail and the noiseless engine, sailing is very pleasant. Jonathan offers us fresh fruit with juice or planteur. Off Bellefontaine, we are joined by groups of dozens of dolphins. Everyone is captivated, marvelling, filming and wanting to capture this magical moment.The crew gives us a wealth of instructive information about cetaceans, the different species and the AGOA sanctuary, whose charter they have all signed and been trained to observe marine mammals responsibly. And I must say that the silent electric motor also makes for a much gentler and more respectful approach to these fascinating animals.
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villedesaintpierre-ponton-saintpierre-martiniqueWe dock at the pontoon around 11am, just opposite the market. We’re free for an hour! Some of us take the opportunity to shop for souvenirs, while others – including me – go on a walking tour of the city. We’ve been well briefed on the various sights to see: the Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Port cathedral, the ruins of theancient theater, the dungeon of Cyparis, one of the two survivors of the volcanic eruption…
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fruitfrais-soleymambo-katamambo-martiniqueBack on board around midday, the captain heads up the coast and drops anchor opposite Plage des Raisiniers in Le Carbet. Time for lunch! We enjoy a well-deserved aperitif with ti-punch and planteur, accompanied by delicious cod souskaÿ toast. Then it’s off to table, where the meal concocted on board is served by the plate. The atmosphere is very convivial, with everyone sharing their anecdotes and impressions of the morning. On the menu:raw vegetable salad, dolphinfish or smoked chicken, served with rice and yellow bananas. It’s objectively very good! Although I love fish, today I’m going for the chicken, because when it’s smoked, it’s my guilty pleasure… Before dessert, we head for another anchorage: Fond Boucher, with its impressive cliffs and crystal-clear waters. It’s here that we treat ourselves to the famous bananas flambé, with a little coffee! Then it’s off for a swim!
For around 45 minutes, you’re free to dive, swim and observe with your mask and snorkel (French fries are provided). The coral reef and the myriad tropical fishthat inhabit its seabed are exceptional in Martinique. The crystal-clear water is at 28° – it’s paradise! On board, we enjoy a light snack, as diving whets the appetite… Our captain then sets course for the south. One of the advantages of this electric catamaran is that we sail slowly along the coast at close quarters. The Creole music on board encourages some of us to dance. Stretching out on the sunbathing deck, I gaze, as always in wonder, at the towns and villages with their churches standing out against the horizon.
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snorkeling-fondboucher-soleymambo-katamambo-martiniqueWe arrived at the marina at around 5pm, our heads full of memories and our hearts full of joy. Everyone agrees: it was a great day! We’d like to thank the crew with whom we shared so many good moments. I learned a lot from this trio! Thanks to them!!!
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