Rendezvous at 8:45 am at the “new” Le Marin marina, Pontoon n°6, place n°617 (this is the small pontoon on the left of marina 2, opposite the mangrove swamp). Stéphane is waiting for us in front of his unsinkable boat, specially designed for snorkeling. I chose the 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. trip because I love the morning light on the underwater world. After introductions and safety instructions, our little group of 8 embarks. As we leave the marina, Stéphane explains how the excursion will unfold. He knows how to put us at ease, as the aim of this outing is to enable everyone to observe the flora and fauna of the coral reefs, even those who are not at ease in the water or who can’t swim! He presents us with a booklet of thematic cards to help us recognize what we’ll be observing on the site. Very educational, he explains the fragile balance of the marine ecosystem… I learned a lot, it’s very interesting and enriching…
Seabed Snorkeling Les Aquanautes Marin MartiniqueCome aboard at Le Marin marina
Boat Lesaquanautes Marin MartiniqueA safe and adapted boat
Unsinkable, comfortable, spacious, fast and sturdy (all aluminum), the boat features a large awning for protection from the sun, a swim ladder and a gantry for launching and retrieving P.M.R .s (persons with reduced mobility).M.R.P.(persons with reduced mobility)
Palm hikes
in the middle of the coral reefAs the weather is fine and the sea is oily, we head out today to two magnificent cayes for two 30-minute explorations. For longer hikes (1h) Stéphane chooses another site at the exit of Baie du Marin, just as fantastic. Once on the cay, we stow our gear in the large lockers and choose our equipment: mask, fins and snorkel. Those who wish can take a fry or stand at the observation buoy. And off we go! Hundreds of fish of every color, corals, gorgonians, sponges, black sea urchins, as if in a gigantic tropical aquarium….
Snorkeling Les aquanautes Marin Martinique
Snorkeling Les Aquanautes Marin Martinique
Observation of the seabed Aquanauts Marin Martinique
Fish Lesaquanautes Marin MartiniqueStéphane shows us the different species, just like on his charts: schools of blue surgeonfish, black surgeonfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, angelfish, gorefish, triggerfish… I’m impressed by the trumpetfish that swim vertically, and I even see a small seahorse for the first time. Turtles and rays can even be seen…
Stingray Les aquanautes Marin MartiniqueThe reef is extremely diverse in terms of coral species: virtually every species of coral (which are living animals called polyps: once a year, they even lay thousands of phosphorescent eggs at night!) found in Martinique, some fifty in all. Stéphane points out the elkhorns, the candle coral, the brain coral, the star coral, the feather coral, the wire coral, the fire coral, theVenus fan… You have to be careful not to hit them with your flippers, to land on the cay and, of course, not to touch them, otherwise they’ll be destroyed.
Wire corals Seabed Aquanauts Marin Martinique
Corals Seabed Aquanauts Marine Martinique
Coraux2 Fondmarin Lesaquanautes Marin Martinique
Fan of venus Corals Lesaquanautes Marin Martinique
Corals Anemone Seabed Aquanauts Marine Martinique
Fondmarin3 Lesaquanautes Marin MartiniqueAn experience to live
absolutely!
Group Les aquanautes Marin MartiniqueI climb back on board, my head full of unforgettable images, and share my impressions with the other passengers and Stéphane, while sampling the planteur and zachari, a local pastry…
Everyone is delighted, even those who were a little apprehensive! Stéphane then sets course for the marina, for a return to the quay. I really enjoyed this outing and learned a lot in 2h30.
A must for everyone, including children aged 5 and over!
The price is great and very affordable…
Zakari Les Aquanautes Marin MartiniqueSwimming Aperitifs
at sunset
Apero2 Sunset Lesaquanautes Marin Martinique