§Tourist flyover of Martinique : Green leisures

Tourist flyover of Martinique : Green leisures

Martinique from the air

Martinique is a wholly different island when seen from the air; a fact that never ceases to amaze even long-term residents who had believed themselves to know all there is to know about the Island of Flowers. The tourist flyover will glide you through an incredible number of diverse landscapes and flashy colours, even if you choose to take a shorter flight than the flyover of the complete island. Passing above the coves of Arlet, Carbet and Saint Pierre, though, may actually be an unpleasant adventure with frequent periods of turbulence, due to the wind’s drag over the land’s relief. The Peaks of Carbet and Mount Pelee are often enveloped in clouds and are thus not ideal to discover by plane.

Nevertheless, the flyover remains the best way to wonder at the marvels of the south eastern coast: its coral reef, lagoons, white sand, isles and mangroves. You can take it all in at once, and enjoy the unbelievably contrasting colours between the deep ocean and the coral reef, from the ultramarine shades of the abyss to the transparency of turquoise. The 50 km of coral reef will reveal a wondrous diversity of landscapes around the Caravelle peninsula (Bay of Tartane and the natural park); the tiny island of Loup Garou, lost in the deep blue sea off the coast of Robert, the dream of many a Robinson Crusoe; tropical islands, some deserted, others bustling with life lie scattered in the beautiful lagoon; vast, desolate beaches extend south of Vauclin; rocky capes give way to golden coves on the southernmost point of the island. Enthusiasm, amazement and happiness intertwine in this magical journey above the clouds.

Flyover possibilities are numerous and depend almost solely on your wallet. The plane departing from Lamentin is the most classic option, and the Pointe du Bout helicopter ride is probably the most exclusive, though if you plan to fly “off the beaten track”, we would advise you to choose the seaplane option of Sainte Anne. Flying is by all means dependant on weather conditions, and you are strongly advised to choose a sunny day for the adventure, even though the Atlantic coast often remains sunny even when other regions are under heavy downpours. Colours will be all the more beautiful in the sunshine, so if the weather looks muggy or overcast in the morning of your trip, don’t hesitate to reschedule it to the next bright and sunny day.