Free diving - Snorkelling on Martinique : Water sports

Water sports on Martinique : Free diving or « snorkelling »

This is probably the easiest way to spot fish, and requires little equipment and practically no training at all. Your gear is built up of three basic elements: flippers, a mask and a tuba.

Short presentation of equipment

The flippers

These funny-looking “frog-legs” permit the snorkeller to move around easily in the water, with much less effort than while swimming. The larger the flippers, the further they will take you with just one kick, but remain reasonable, though, as oversized ones will diminish your control over your movements, not to mention the fact that they lift the sand on the seabed and disturb the corals when you are close to the reefs.

The mask

Similarly to goggles, the mask enables you to see under water by filtering the light and adapting it you your eyesight. Light behaves differently under water than in the air, which is why your eyes – developed to see in the air – will perceive a blurred image in the water. The mask creates an area filled with air between your eyes and the water, which allows you to see normally in the sea. Note that everything may appear larger and closer than it actually is, so be sure to calculate your distances well.

The tuba

This plastic tube enables you to breathe under water while keeping your face underneath: a difficult task for certain beginners, but inevitable to learn if you are really planning to appreciate snorkelling. The hardest part is getting used to the uncomfortable presence of the mouthpiece in your mouth. Bite the rubber bit and put the mouthpiece into position between your teeth and lips. The other end of the tuba must remain out of the water, as this is where the air comes from. Certain tubas are equipped with a drain, allowing a freer flow of oxygen and water: should water enter the tuba, all you need to do is give it a hard blow, which will immediately evacuate the water through the drain. You will also need to have full control over your breathing in order to avoid suffocation: when using a tuba, you must breathe slowly and evenly. When free-diving, take a deep breath, keep it in and plunge while maintaining your breath. On the surface again, you will need to blow into the tuba in order to empty it from the water. Breathe gently after this operation, as some water may be stuck within.

Diving sites on Martinique

There is no end to beautiful sites where you can experience Martinique’s magical maritime flora and fauna, though most are accessible only by boat. The Caribbean leeward coast is calmer and the Atlantic is more agitated by constant waves. Do not despair if you don’t have a boat, certain sites are accessible directly from the beach.

Anse Couleuvre

This is the last beach on the northern road of the leeward coast, with magnificent black sand. Beginner snorkellers should concentrate on the right side of the beach, towards the north: a beautiful spot full of tropical fish. Professionals may venture further out into deeper regions between the beach and Perle Island, where the ocean reveals an astoundingly rich fauna and flora, mostly untouched by tourism due to its unfavourable access. If you don’t meet at least one turtle during your adventure, you are really not a lucky one.

Anse Noire

This cove bears a fantastic reputation for its seabed, which can be discovered with a simple mask and tuba. Your underwater adventure will be complemented by a beach with black sand and lush vegetation.

Anse Dufour

Don’t hesitate to take these few steps from the previous cove to arrive to this small creek of white sand and a small fishing village where you can observe the traditional way of stretching the net with the aid of two skiffs, pulled towards the beach. Underwater excursions are highly recommended here, as fish are numerous, sponges are of all the colours of the rainbow, and turtles and carangidae abide galore.

Anses d’Arlet

Arlet’s great cove offers a two-way possibility: towards the left and towards the right. If you choose to turn right towards the Gardens of Solomon, you will be in the direction of the Cape, whereas to the left you can swim off towards of Lizard Point. Take care to well evaluate distances and your level of energy.

Cap Chevalier

Discover the magnificent coral reefs in this lovely Atlantic spot. You will be accompanied by Brazilian crayfish, mackerel, coral fish and other incredible species.

CRAZY FROG La plongée détente en tout petit comité (4 plongeurs maximum) au départ du bourg des Anses d'Arlet. NITROX for free. Recycleur. Ecole agréée FFESSM, ANMP, PADI, TDI Adresse : résidence les océanides - anse caffard 97223 le diamant Tel : 0596 48 32 17 Fax : 0596 48 32 17 Send an email  Website