See the dolphins in Martinique

Which species of dolphins can you see in Martinique?

The waters of Martinique, part of the AGOA sanctuary for the protection of marine mammals in the French Antilles, are home to a remarkable diversity of dolphins. The most frequently observed species is the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), recognisable by its robust build and its characteristic "smile": it's the emblematic dolphin of our trips. The Atlantic spotted dolphin, more slender and covered in spots that intensify with age, often travels in large, playful groups. The spinner dolphin, a spectacular acrobat, is famous for its leaps and spins out of the water.

You may also encounter the Risso's dolphin, with its pale grey body marked by scars, the Fraser's dolphin, stockier and more gregarious, the rough-toothed dolphin (narrow-beaked) or the melon-headed whale, also known as the melon-headed whale. Every trip is different: the sea always holds surprises, and our captains know the areas and behaviours best suited to dolphin watching.

Martinique's other cetaceans

Beyond dolphins, Martinique is a wonderful place to watch cetaceans. The short-finned pilot whale, or "pilot whale," lives in close-knit family groups regularly seen offshore. The false killer whale (false orca) and, more rarely, theorca, round out the family of large dolphins. The deep waters of the Caribbean coast are also home to the sperm whale, the largest toothed predator on the planet, along with its cousins the dwarf sperm whale and the pygmy sperm whale.

From around January to March, the humpback whale visits the Caribbean to breed and give birth: it's whale season, an unforgettable spectacle. The elusive Cuvier's beaked whale, a specialist of the deep, is also among the species recorded in the sanctuary. This diversity makes Martinique a leading destination for anyone wishing to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.

Dolphin or porpoise? How long underwater?

Dolphins and porpoises are often confused: porpoises, absent from the Caribbean, are smaller, without a pronounced beak and with a triangular fin, whereas dolphins have an elongated rostrum and a curved fin. Another common question: how long does a dolphin stay underwater? On average a few minutes between breaths, though it can dive for longer. That's why, during a trip, you regularly see them surface to breathe — so many chances for wonderful sightings.

What do dolphins eat?

Dolphins are opportunistic predators that feed mainly on fish and cephalopods (squid, cuttlefish). In Martinique, they follow schools of fish along the Caribbean coast, which is why some areas are better for sightings. Highly intelligent and social, they often hunt in groups and coordinate their movements — fascinating behaviour that can sometimes be observed at sea.

When to see dolphins in Martinique?

Good news: dolphins are present all year round in Martinique. Unlike humpback whales, seen mainly in winter, dolphins live in the Caribbean Sea permanently. So there's no best season for a dolphin trip: our excursions run every day, in the morning (8 am-noon) and afternoon (1 pm-5 pm), with generally mild sailing conditions on the leeward coast, sheltered from the trade winds. The morning usually offers a smoother sea, while the afternoon enjoys beautiful light: two moods for the same encounter.

Where do the watching excursions depart from?

All our dolphin trips depart from Anse à l'Âne, in Les Trois-Îlets, on the Caribbean coast. Located just past Pointe du Bout and Anse Mitan, a few minutes from Fort-de-France, this sheltered bay is an ideal starting point to quickly reach the watching areas. Along the way, you'll sail past magnificent landscapes: the bay of Fort-de-France, the Pitons du Carbet and, on a clear day, the silhouette of Montagne Pelée.

How does the trip work?

Our excursions are half-day trips, on comfortable boats and in a small group. After a welcome at the jetty and a safety briefing, the crew heads for the Caribbean coast in search of the dolphins. Watching is always done with respect for the animals, without chasing or surrounding them. The trip also includes a snorkelling stop over the seagrass beds to swim with sea turtles (masks and snorkels provided on board), the discovery of the bat cave and onboard drinks: planter's punch with Depaz rum and a Mont Pelé drink. A complete experience, perfect for families and friends alike.

Snorkelling with sea turtles, a highlight of the excursion

Besides the dolphins, the trip includes a snorkelling stop over the seagrass beds to meet sea turtles. Green or hawksbill, the turtles graze peacefully and are easy to approach. Masks and snorkels are provided on board, and snorkelling is done at your own pace, supervised by the crew: an activity accessible to everyone, even beginners, that perfectly complements the dolphin watching.

Why choose Planète Dauphins?

With more than ten years of experience and a fleet of three boats, Planète Dauphins welcomes several thousand passengers each year. Our small-group trips, our respectful approach and our deep knowledge of the area guarantee the best possible experience for seeing dolphins in Martinique, with one of the highest sighting rates on the island. Daily departures, morning and afternoon, from Anse à l'Âne.

Responsible marine mammal watching

Watching dolphins also means protecting them. Planète Dauphins is a signatory of the Martinique Marine Mammal Approach Charter since 2013 and registered with the AGOA Sanctuary, the marine protected area that covers all of the French Antilles. Our captains strictly respect the recommended approach distances, speeds and watching times, so as not to disturb the animals and to preserve their habitat. Booking a trip with us means choosing responsible ecotourism, as close as possible to wildlife. Ready to see it for yourself? Book your dolphin-watching excursion in Martinique, morning or afternoon, departing from Anse à l'Âne.