Martinique beaches for swimming and a day by the sea

From calm swimming coves to a palm-shaded stretch of white sand, these Martinique beaches offer different ways to spend time by the sea.

Martinique’s beaches range from small fishing-village coves to broad bays and a wild volcanic-sand shore. Calm water is noted at several southern beaches, while Anse Couleuvre offers a more remote setting with no facilities.

1. Anse Couleuvre

   Beach, Le Prêcheur

   Anse Couleuvre is a remote beach of silver-black volcanic sand beneath rainforest cliffs. It has no facilities, and the beach is also a trailhead for the Couleuvre waterfall walk and a coastal hike.

2. Anse Dufour

   Beach, Les Anses-d'Arlet

   Anse Dufour is a small golden-sand cove in a working fishing village, with colourful wooden boats on the shore. Its clear, calm water is a popular spot for swimming with green sea turtles.

3. Grande Anse d'Arlet

   Beach, Les Anses-d'Arlet

   Grande Anse d'Arlet pairs a broad curve of pale sand with Creole seafood restaurants along the shore. The bay’s water stays calm most of the year, and rocky edges make for good snorkelling.

4. Plage des Salines (Grande Anse des Salines)

   Beach, Sainte-Anne

   Plage des Salines stretches along the southern tip in a gentle curve, shaded by coconut palms and seagrape trees. Its shallow, calm water suits families, and snack stands sit behind the shore.