The river of Balata in Martinique (the Alma)

You have decided to go for a ride on the green roads: direction Rivière de l'Alma. It is located on the heights of Martinique, not far from the Jardin de Balata and the Sacré-Coeur. More exactly in the commune of Fonds Saint-Denis, this river is nicknamed the white river. This nickname is surely linked to the color of some of the pebbles that litter the river. The long awaited waterfall is offered to you after a course in the heart of an exceptional hygrophilic forest.

How to get to the Balata river? 

From Fort-de-France join the Route de la Trace. This road crosses the island from its main town to Ajoupa-Bouillon. It takes you to the wildest part of the island. 

You have to go up the road to the Alma bridge. The cars stopped at the bend in the road, especially on weekends, will help you find the starting point. You will find a kiosk on the right and a thin path. After 20 minutes, you will arrive at the Alma River.

Some information about the Balata River in Martinique 

At this time, the path to the Alma River is free of charge. The accompaniment by a guide is not mandatory. However, we advise you to ask local people for advice before going there. Indeed, going there in rainy weather or after heavy rainfall is not recommended.

The walk on the banks of the Alma river is suitable for all profiles. From the more athletic to the less adventurous who are looking for relaxation and fun.

The complete ascent of the river, from its 6 pools to the waterfall will take you 3 hours of walking.

What to expect with the Balata River and its waterfall?

Here you are on the banks of this river with small white rocks.

Eager for canyoning? You have your place: from the Piton Boucher, you can go down the 40 meters high waterfall. For the more or less sporty hikers, be satisfied with the descent of the river. Why not jump from pool to pool (real natural thalasso baths!).

Finally, you can also choose not to do the whole hike and to have a picnic. In the wild and mountainous heart of the island, you may have the chance to meet a small inhabitant of the local fauna. The mountain whistler, a diminishing species found in Martinique or Saint Vincent.

List of waterfalls in Martinique

• The Absalon waterfall in Martinique
• The Saut du Gendarme waterfall
• The Waterfall and hike in the heart of Bouliki
• The Dlo Ferré hot spring
• The waterfall of Anse Couleuvre
• The Bô La Riviè waterfall
• La Cascade Dany
• Didier's Waterfall
• The Cascade of Kings (Cascade des Rois)
• The Gorges de la Falaise
• The case of Saut Babin
• Alma waterfall