Hiking Caraïbes

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For more than 20 years, Ophélie, Guy and Sophie, state certified mountain guides, have enjoyed making people discover the fauna, the flora, the history, the rivers, and the traditions of Martinique. To hike intelligently, by discovering the innumerable natural wonders of the island, is the key word of this team of shock. The proposed outings are done by the day or half-day, in small groups of 4 to 12 participants, in order to offer a maximum of conviviality.

The ONF has marked out nine hiking trails that allow you to discover the original beauty of the Vieux-Fort mangrove: the Ouliée flow. The details of the tracks and trails are available on the website of the tourist office. The equestrian brigade of the ONF patrols the state forests of the coast for prevention. The island being the first egg-laying site of the Lesser Antilles, the ONF is committed to the protection of marine turtles that come to lay eggs at night on the beaches. The approach is possible with a guide of the ONF (reservation required).

The 28-km long Trace des Caps is also the longest hike on the island. It can be done in several distinct stages because of its length: Petit Macabou - Cap Macré (5 km - 2h30); Cap Macré - Cap Chevalier (7 km - 3h); Cap Chevalier - Baie des Anglais (6,5 km - 3h); Anse Trabaud - Salines (5 km - 2h); Salines - Anse Caritan (4,5 km - 1h30). This coastal path, punctuated by magnificent viewpoints, crosses absolutely superb sites! An essential hike in Martinique, which alternates between wild beaches and wooded areas.

An experienced mountain guide, René Dersion goes out to discover the most beautiful sides of Martinique. Off from the beaten track, his excursions in the North Caribbean are focused on the discovery of the natural and cultural heritage, taking the time to look, breathe, feel, touch: hiking or aquatic excursions with river ascents, camping with a night in the tropical forest… An experience to live with family or friends for a weekend to sleep under the stars in a tent or hammock.

The CGRP (Comité de Randonnée Pédestre) values and promotes hiking through different actions. It organizes events, manages trail marking and coordinates the various initiatives. Its site lists the various outings proposed by the member associations and invites you to discover some of the island's high spots such as the Porte d'Enfer, Pointe Lézard, Bassin Bleu or Soufrière, with systematically some appropriate recommendations.

This easy seaside walk links the famous beaches of Helleux and Bois Jolan, 4.5 kilometers north of Sainte-Anne. The path winds its way between coastal landscapes, ponds and forests over a six-kilometre round trip, offering a glimpse of the island's widespread plant species: coconut palms, mangroves and black mapous. The mangrove also reveals its complex ecosystem, and the more discreet will be able to observe numerous birds. But the highlight is undoubtedly the shallow turquoise waters of Bois Jolan beach.

This easy 9 km walk links Anse à la Baie and Anse à l'Eau, in the north-east of the town of Saint-François. The start is at the parking lot of the first cove. From there, a path, first tarred then dirt, will lead you first to the chapel of Baie Olive, then to the second cove by following the coastline. At Anse à l'Eau, the trail makes a small loop, which is not mandatory, before turning back.

This 6,5 km coastal promenade will take you from the beach of the Saltworks to Pointe Carnot along the coast. Yet it is the green that dominates this hike through mangrove areas and meadows. An ornithological reserve can even observe birds in their natural environment. Let us also wait to see many cows in freedom who also seem to want to enjoy marine air. Finally, you will find the beach of Saint-Félix where you can rest before you arrive at Pointe Carnot.

Tariff: free.

Duration: 2 h.

Difficulty: .

This organization offers a series of activities related to hiking in Martinique. You can learn how to read an orientation map, get information on a series of walks supervised by professional guides… Thematic hikes are proposed, such as the discovery of natural reserves or “Sport and Health” outings. Protection of the environment and the accompaniment of people with disabilities are also on the program.

Also known as the “slave canal”, the Beauregard canal was built at the end of the 18^th century to produce energy and irrigate the valley. Today, it welcomes adventurous hikers who can walk 3.5 km up the canal on its edge. The paved path is very narrow, alternating passages in dense forest and on the hillside. In single file, make sure not to make a false step, and the first one will have for mission to unearth the small yellow crabs who live in the waters of the canal.

After a visit to the Balata garden, the Absalon loop is a 4 km hike (3h walking time) that starts at the former Absalon spa, whose miraculous waters were much frequented in the ^19th century by people suffering from various ailments. Since then, the spa has closed, but it's the starting point for a lovely (and at times strenuous) walk that plunges you into the heart of the wonders of the rainforest. An old bathtub has been installed to take advantage of the virtues of the hot waters, testimony to a bygone era of thermalism.

Vert Intense, the most renowned in nature sports on the island, offers canyoning trips and hikes to the summit of the Soufrière volcano. The outings are done in small groups in a respect of the environment. Several outings are scheduled each day, for a nature discovery or a sports adventure. A multitude of possibilities, from themed hikes to multi-day treks, are available on the website. Please note: Vert intense is authorised to organise visits to the craters of La Soufrière, but only with gas masks.

Run by Raymonde and Bruno, two nature and island enthusiasts, Ioüanacera Eco Excursion offers guided day trips with brunch and Creole snacks. Several excursions are available: the Salines, the Cap Macré and the Anse Grosse Roche, the Anse Caritan or the “river trip” to discover the local fauna and flora. Ioüanacera's team has identified original places, with an ideal setting for activities such as hiking, discovery, relaxation, and well-being.