Carbet Reef Trail

The Carbet Reef Trail follows a marked underwater nature trail established by the Martinique Marine Park along the fringing reef off the commune of Le Carbet on the island's west coast. The trail passes through three distinct reef zones over a distance of roughly 300 metres: a shallow terrace at 6 to 10 metres with dense gorgonian gardens, a spur-and-groove system at 12 to 18 metres with high hard coral cover, and a deeper sandy runnel at 20 to 25 metres where southern stingrays rest. Hawksbill turtles are permanent residents at the mid-reef level and are among the most relaxed turtle encounters in Martinique due to minimal boat traffic. The site doubles as a snorkel trail in the shallow terrace zone.