Martinique is a dream destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. With its historic shipwrecks, abundant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters, the Island of Flowers offers unforgettable underwater experiences. Whether you're a beginner curious about trying scuba diving for the first time or an experienced diver looking for exceptional spots, this comprehensive guide will help you plan your diving trip to Martinique. From the Bambou Resort, ideally located in Anse Mitan in Trois-Îlets, we can help you discover the island's most beautiful dive sites and organize your underwater excursions. This water sport is the destination's flagship activity.

Why Martinique is an ideal destination for diving

Martinique has all the ingredients for an exceptional diving experience. Its warm waters, between 26°C and 29°C all year round, allow you to dive comfortably without a thick wetsuit. Optimal underwater visibility regularly reaches depths of 20 to 30 meters, offering spectacular underwater panoramas on every trip out to sea. It is a prime destination for enjoying this sport in complete serenity under the Caribbean sun.

The island stands out for the diversity of its diving sites. It boasts colorful coral gardens, historic shipwrecks, vertiginous drop-offs, and seagrass beds populated by turtles. This variety makes Martinique a playground suitable for all levels, from introductory dives for beginners to technical exploration of deep shipwrecks. Each diving area offers a different activity and a new spectacle. Whether you enjoy deep-sea diving or recreational diving in calm waters, you'll find something to suit you.

The richness of Martinique's underwater flora and fauna is remarkable. Hawksbill turtles, stingrays, barracudas, lobsters, giant sponges, gorgonians, and corals of all shapes and sizes make up a fascinating natural setting. The waters of the Caribbean Sea are also home to seahorses, trumpetfish, moray eels, dolphins, and sometimes even nurse sharks. Schools of surgeonfish and angelfish can also be seen in the coral gardens. This coral environment, with its exceptional biodiversity, makes every underwater excursion an unforgettable adventure. Dolphins are often spotted during boat trips to offshore sites.‍


The best diving sites in Martinique

Martinique has more than thirty dive sites spread across the coastline, from north to south. Here are the must-see sites that have made the island famous among divers from around the world. This guide presents the most beautiful dive sites that you won't want to miss during your sporting holiday.

Diamond Rock

Diamond Rock is undoubtedly the most iconic diving spot in Martinique. This volcanic rock rises 175 meters above sea level and offers spectacular dives along its walls. The currents feed an abundance of marine life: turtles, sharks, eagle rays, and schools of trevally. The excursion around Diamond Rock is recommended for experienced divers due to the sometimes strong currents. Diamond diving is a legendary activity and a thrilling sport not to be missed. Dive centers organize regular trips to this exceptional site, with an experienced dive guide for each excursion. Giant gorgonians and black corals can be seen on the rock's walls.

The shipwrecks of Saint-Pierre

The shipwrecks of Saint-Pierre are a diving site unlike any other in the world. The volcanic eruption of Mount Pelée in 1902 engulfed the town and its ships, creating a veritable underwater museum. The eruption of Mount Pelée remains one of the most significant events in Martinique's history. Among the most famous wrecks are the Roraima, the Tamaya, the Dahlia, and the Biscaye. These remains lie between 5 and 50 meters deep, with an average depth of 20 meters for the most accessible wrecks, offering explorations suitable for certified divers. Discovering these historic wrecks, colonized by sponges and corals, is a truly moving experience. Excursions to the Saint-Pierre wrecks are as much a cultural experience as they are a sporting one. Each diving club offers guided trips to this listed site, where you can see moray eels, lobsters, and fascinating marine life nestled in the metal structures of the ships. It is a sport of discovery that fascinates divers from all over the world. Your guide will tell you the story of each wreck in the heart of this bay steeped in history.

The Caravelle Nature Reserve

The Caravelle Peninsula, on the north Atlantic coast, offers unspoiled diving areas. The rocky depths are home to remarkable biodiversity in a protected natural setting. It is an excellent spot for snorkeling, with colorful marine life and intact corals. La Caravelle also offers beautiful hiking trails to round off your day of water sports and activities. You can see tropical fish, turtles, and multicolored sponges in a preserved coral environment. It is an ideal excursion for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Les Anses d'Arlet

Les Anses d'Arlet, in the southwest of the island, is renowned for its calm waters and abundant wildlife. The Cap Salomon spot offers magnificent dives on a drop-off covered with gorgonians. Turtles are very common here, making this area an ideal place for a first dive or a snorkeling excursion. The village of Anses d'Arlet is a must-see for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The diving clubs in the area offer trips suitable for all levels and introductory activities for families. You can also see dolphins offshore during boat trips. The white sand of Grande Anse beach is the perfect place to relax after a day of sports.

Lézarde Point

Pointe Lézarde is a must-see diving site in Martinique. Located in the south of the island, this area offers dives on reefs where you can find barracudas, turtles, and schools of colorful fish. It is a popular excursion for divers of all levels, with depths ranging from 10 to 25 meters. Local guides know this site inside out and will accompany you on a safe and enjoyable discovery. This spot is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

The Great Dry and the Blue Hole

La Grande Sèche is a shoal located off the coast of Trois-Îlets. This rocky plateau, between 15 and 25 meters deep, is home to a variety of wildlife: barracudas, trevally, rays, and sometimes dolphins. It is a popular diving site due to its diversity and accessibility. Excursions to La Grande Sèche generally last half a day and are available from all diving centers in the area. Nearby, the Blue Hole offers a dive into a natural underwater well where you can see giant sponges and schools of fish. This underwater sport has surprises in store for you every time you go out.‍


Introductory diving in Martinique: an activity open to everyone

Introductory diving is one of the most popular water sports in Martinique. Supervised by a qualified instructor, it allows you to explore the depths in complete safety, with no prior experience required. It's the perfect excursion for travelers seeking thrills and marine discovery.

A first dive usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes underwater, at a maximum depth of 6 meters. The instructor provides all the necessary equipment and supervision and accompanies each person at all times. This experience is open to children aged 8 and up, making it ideal for a family outing. Children's diving is particularly well supervised in Martinique, with specialized facilities and adapted equipment. The teaching team does everything possible to share their passion for this water sport with young people.

Diving clubs in Martinique offer introductory dives at spots suitable for beginners, with little current and shallow water populated by colorful fish and corals. The price of an introductory dive is generally between €50 and €70 per person. This water sport can then lead to accessible training to obtain a certification, from PADI Open Water to advanced level. This guide encourages you to try the experience during your stay.‍


Diving centers and clubs in Martinique

Martinique has numerous diving centers and professional clubs located along the coastline. These facilities offer a variety of services: introductory dives, PADI and FFESSM training, guided explorations, night diving, scuba diving, snorkeling, and snorkeling excursions. Each center offers a guide to sports and water activities tailored to your level.

Recommended diving centers

Among the most renowned diving centers in Martinique are:

Espace Plongée Martinique: based in Trois-Îlets, this diving center is our preferred partner at Bambou Resort. The team offers excursions to all the beautiful diving sites along the Caribbean coast, from Rocher du Diamant to Anses d'Arlet. Diving is organized with professional supervision and high-quality equipment. A dedicated guide accompanies each outing to share their knowledge of the marine environment.

Alpha Plongée: located on the coast, Alpha Plongée is a PADI diving center renowned for the quality of its training courses. From introductory dives to Open Water certification and PADI Adventures, this club offers personalized guidance for every level. The training is accessible to all and the team is passionate about the sport. This center also organizes sporting excursions to the shipwrecks of Saint-Pierre.

Kariba Plongée: a diving club renowned for its excursions to southern dive sites. Kariba Plongée offers trips suitable for all levels and introductory activities for families. Their guide accompanies both beginners and experienced divers in the practice of this underwater sport.

Madiana Blue Plaisir: specializing in diving at Diamant, this center offers excursions around Rocher du Diamant and diving sites in the south of the island. Professional supervision for an unforgettable diving experience. Madiana Blue Plaisir is also a Corail Club committed to preserving the underwater environment.

The facilities located in Trois-Îlets and Anse Mitan are strategically located for access to the most beautiful sites on the Caribbean coast. From this area, boats can quickly reach Diamond Rock, Anses d'Arlet, and the many reefs in Fort-de-France Bay. Your guide recommends contacting the diving centers in advance to book your excursions and plan your sporting activities.

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Diving courses available in Martinique

Martinique is an excellent place to learn scuba diving. The island's diving centers offer a wide range of courses, from beginner to advanced diver. Training is available for all levels and allows you to progress at your own pace in this exciting sport.

PADI certifications

The PADI course is the most widely recognized around the world. In Martinique, you can take your Open Water (first level), Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, or even Divemaster courses. PADI Adventures allow you to discover different specialties: night diving, deep diving, underwater navigation, and underwater photography. Each PADI dive center has a qualified guide to accompany you as you progress. It's a sport that offers endless possibilities for excursions around the world.

FFESSM certifications

The World Underwater Federation and the FFESSM (French Federation) also offer courses in Martinique. From level 1 to dive guide, these courses are recognized in France and around the world. Your instructor will guide you through this demanding sport, ensuring your progress is made in complete safety.

PADI diving and FFESSM certifications open the doors to exceptional diving sites throughout the Caribbean, from Saint Lucia to Guadeloupe. It is an exciting sport that will allow you to rediscover the joys of underwater exploration anywhere in the world. Excursions between islands are a popular activity for certified divers.

When to dive in Martinique: the best time

Martinique enjoys a tropical climate that allows for diving all year round. However, the period between December and May corresponds to Lent, the dry season, and offers the best conditions for diving. This is the best time to enjoy the sun and practice this water sport in ideal conditions.

During this period, visibility is optimal, the sea is calmer, and water temperatures range between 26°C and 28°C. It is the best time to explore the dive sites in perfect conditions. Excursions are available every day, and dive centers offer morning and afternoon trips. Your guide will direct you to the best spots depending on the conditions of the day.

From June to November, the wet season (winter) brings more rain and sometimes rougher seas. However, diving excursions are still possible, and some sheltered spots such as Anse Mitan offer good conditions even in winter. Rates are often lower during this season, making it a good option for budget-conscious travelers. Your travel guide will help you plan your sporting and cultural activities according to the weather.

Night diving in Martinique

Night diving is an extraordinary activity offered by several diving centers in Martinique. Equipped with a waterproof lamp, you explore the reefs after sunset to discover marine life that is completely different from what you see during the day. It is a thrilling sport that attracts divers in search of adventure.

Lobsters emerge from their hiding places, moray eels hunt, octopuses move along the seabed, and corals extend their polyps to feed. This unique excursion reveals an unexpected underwater world. Night diving is available for certified divers and is a thrilling activity. The dive guides provide reassuring supervision for this nocturnal experience. You can observe creatures that are never seen during the day, in the heart of a reef that comes alive under the light of the lamps.

Complementary water sports and activities

Beyond scuba diving, Martinique offers a wide range of water sports and activities to enjoy the Caribbean Sea. This guide presents the best excursions to combine with your diving trip for a vacation rich in sports and discoveries.

Snorkeling and snorkeling

Snorkeling is an accessible alternative to scuba diving. Equipped with fins, a mask, and a snorkel, you can explore the waters from the surface. Les Anses d'Arlet, Anse Noire, and Anse Dufour are perfect spots for this family activity. Here you can see dolphins, turtles, and colorful marine life in a natural coral garden. Snorkeling is a sport that requires no training and is accessible to anyone who can swim. Grande Anse beach, with its golden sand, is a well-equipped spot that is ideal for this family outing.

Sea kayaking and paddleboarding

Sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding allow you to explore the Martinique coastline from a different angle. From Anse Mitan, you can paddle along the coast to Pointe du Bout or cross over to the islets in the bay. It's a sporty excursion that perfectly complements a trip focused on water activities. These activities are available for half-days or full days. Paddleboarding is a sport that is accessible to everyone and allows you to enjoy the sun and the beauty of the coastline.

Boat trips

Boat trips are a must for exploring Martinique by sea. Trips to the Fonds Blancs, the Robert islets, or the south coast allow you to combine swimming, snorkeling, and discovering the natural and cultural heritage. Our concierge service at Bambou Resort can organize these activities and excursions for you. It's a great way to experience the beauty of Martinique from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Dolphins are often spotted during these boat trips, and children love this fun and active activity. Boat trips are the best way to explore the sea.

Cultural activities to combine

Your diving trip to Martinique is also an opportunity to discover the island's rich culture. Visit the Trois Rivières distillery, the village of La Poterie, or the Saint-Pierre museum for a complete cultural immersion. Cultural excursions enrich your trip and allow you to discover Martinique's history, gastronomy, and traditions. The island's cultural heritage is as rich as its marine life. An excursion to the north of the island takes you to the heart of the rainforest and the remains of Mount Pelée. It's a perfect cultural and sporting activity for sharing unforgettable moments with family or friends.‍


Organize your diving trip from Bambou Resort

The Bambou Resort, located directly on Anse Mitan beach in Trois-Îlets, is the ideal starting point for a diving trip in Martinique. Our hotel is the perfect base camp for all your sporting and cultural activities.

Our 3-star hotel, run by the Rivéti family since 1960, welcomes you to a lush tropical garden by the sea. Anse Mitan offers direct access to the waters of Fort-de-France Bay, and the main diving sites on the Caribbean coast are just a few minutes away by boat. The fine sand of our beach invites you to relax between sporting excursions.

Our concierge service is at your disposal to organize all your activities: booking excursions with our partner Espace Plongée Martinique, boat trips, snorkeling equipment rental, hiking tours, and cultural heritage discovery. We can also guide you to the best restaurants and must-see attractions. The guide to your water sports, sporting, and cultural activities is included in our concierge service. Our team will be happy to share their recommendations for an unforgettable stay.

With its Green Key certification, Bambou Resort is committed to an eco-responsible approach that is fully in line with respect for Martinique's marine environment. This certification, which is rare in the Caribbean, guarantees that our hotel adopts sustainable practices to preserve Martinique's underwater flora and fauna. Safety and respect for the environment are at the heart of our commitments.‍


Practical tips for your diving trip

Here are our guide's recommendations for planning and making the most of your diving trip to Martinique. These practical tips will help you get the most out of every excursion and sporting activity.

Remember to book your excursions in advance, especially between December and May when demand is high. Dive centers usually offer attractive packages for multiple trips. Contacting your dive center before you arrive will allow you to plan a tailor-made program with your guide.

Bring your logbook and certifications if you have them. Martinican establishments accept PADI, SSI, and FFESSM certifications. If you have never practiced this sport before, a first dive is the ideal way to get started.

Bring along some ocean-friendly organic sunscreen for every trip out to sea under the tropical sun. Conventional sunscreens contain substances that are harmful to corals and the coral reef environment. At Bambou Resort, we encourage an approach that respects the marine environment.

Remember to wait 24 hours between your last dive and flying. Plan your diving activities at the beginning of your stay to make the most of your trip to Martinique. Safety is paramount when practicing this sport.

Diving rates in Martinique

Diving prices in Martinique vary depending on the type of service and the diving center chosen. Here is an overview to help you plan your travel budget and sports activities.