Martinique is a scuba diver’s paradise, with submerged shipwrecks on the north coast and abundant marine life on the island’s southern tip. The western side of Martinique is the ideal place to dive, but there are beautiful places to be discovered on both the northern and southern extremities of the island. Coral gardens and picturesque bays in the south are great for sunbathing and scuba diving, while volcanic canyons and black sand beaches may be found in the north.
Because the average water temperature in Martinique is in the high 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit all year, there is no bad time to go scuba diving. And the water off the coast of this Caribbean island is incredibly clear, with visibility of about 80 feet. Read on to learn about the greatest spots to go scuba diving in Martinique, from old shipwrecks to coral canyons.
1. Anse Dufour
Scuba diving in Anse Dufour, off the southern coast, is known for its diverse marine life, which includes turtles, dolphins, barracudas, and stingrays. The coral gardens in the southern bays are breathtakingly stunning, and the sheltered waters are more approachable to novice scuba divers.
2. Diamond Rock
Diamond Rock (Rocher du Diamont) is undoubtedly Martinique’s most famous dive site, and it’s best for experienced divers. Volcanic activity created the 574-foot-tall rock formation about 3 miles off the coast. The magical dive site is well-known among scuba divers since divers can swim right through the heart of this gigantic, legendary site. Beautiful caves, the famed arch, and a plethora of anemones, sea fans, and hard corals are all to be found here.
3. Nahoon Shipwreck
The Nahoon Shipwreck is located in the Anses d’Arlet area, approximately north of Diamond City, on the island’s central coast. This accessible wreck is the remains of a schooner that sank (on purpose) in 1993. The wreck is not advised for novice dives, even though it is only 120 feet below the ocean’s surface. Eels, kingfish, and turtles are among the sea creatures to be found. If you’re lucky, you might even see a Hawksbill turtle (shown above), a Martinique native.
4. Cape Solomon
Anses d’Arlet’s scenic central beach is famed for its white sand (ideal for sunbathing) and steep rock cliffs (spectacular for scuba diving). But, as lovely as the scenery is above the water, there’s even more amazing beauty to be found beneath the waves. This diving site is known as “the pool” because of its calm waters, and it is ideal for beginners learning to dive. Scuba divers of all abilities will enjoy the quiet waters, and the colorful underwater gardens are not to be missed.
5. The Great Caye of Sainte-Luce
The Great Caye of Saint-Luce, located just southeast of Les Anses d’Arlet, is home to tropical reef-dwelling marine fauna. The reef is 656 feet long and, like Cape Solomon, is suitable for divers of all levels. This dive site has a wide variety of coral as well as marine life. If at all feasible, night diving is recommended to witness squids and other crustaceans emerge from their hiding homes beneath the rocks, reefs, and tropical beaches. Don’t worry about the water being colder as the sun sets; the temperature stays very constant.
6. The Jorasses
The Jorasses is located at the tip of Burgos, right beyond the Pointe Burgos Reed and Wall. Despite its proximity in terms of geography, this dive location is not recommended for inexperienced scuba divers. However, for advanced divers, the visibility and biodiversity (such as mackerel, tropical fish, and stingrays) make this site well worth a visit.
7. Pointe Burgos Reef and Wall
The Pointe Burgos Reed and Wall, a 40-foot-long plateau of hard corals, barrel sponges, snappers, and sea turtles, is located just south of the Anses d’Arlet. Pointe Burgos is one of Martinique’s most beautiful dives, and it is suitable for divers of all levels. However, be aware of the current as you navigate the ledge going up to the 180-foot wall that serves as the dive site’s focal point. If you enjoy Pointe Burgos, you should also visit Les Trois Vallées, a spectacular dive location in Martinique with coral canyon walls.