The beach of Tartane

The beach of Tartane

Tartane is a small fishing village on the Atlantic coast. It is also the only village of the peninsula of La Caravelle. The place is quite touristy as evidenced by the hotels that have sprung up here and there. Nevertheless, the village has preserved its charm of yesteryear thanks to its fishing activity.

When you arrive, you will notice that the beach is divided into two parts. On the left side is a small beach, bordered by a large wooden pontoon. On the right side, you will find a playground for children.

The ultimate in authenticity: local fishing

If you continue your walk after the playground you will come across a row of huts belonging to the fishermen of Tartane. The boats, called gommiers, are moored in the bay or pulled up on the sand. From 6 am the beach comes alive with the departure of the fishermen. They leave to pick up their nets or to pull up their traps. Once back, the fruit of their harvest is prepared directly on small wooden tables placed on the sand. This is an opportunity to admire their know-how. The fish and shellfish are then sold at the auction to visitors and locals alike. Staying in the area, you can appreciate the second part of the fishermen's work. Indeed, they usually take advantage of the afternoon to repair the nets or build the traps.

The sand of the Tartane cove is fine and blond, bordered by clear turquoise water. The water is calm thanks to the shallows, with few waves disturbing the clarity of the water. You will appreciate this swimming place, ideal for children. There are not many shady spots on Tartane beach, so places are expensive. We recommend that you arrive early so that you can sit under the trees and not be disturbed by the heat of the sun. Finally, for those who love marine exploration, you will be able to see several species of fish if you go for a walk with masks and snorkels.

Eating in Tartane

To eat, several options are available to you. Enter the town of Tartane where you will find small restaurants, bakeries or small grocery stores. These grocery stores, in addition to providing everyday products, are a real social place for the people of Martinique.

If you don't want to go to the town, you will also find something to eat on the waterfront. Opposite the famous wooden pontoon you will find a bar-restaurant with a shaded terrace. On the right, still along the waterfront, other Creole restaurants will welcome you. On the menu: fresh fish and seafood of course! But also coconut pies or guava pies, Caribbean sweets to fall for!

The surroundings of Tartane

The beach of Tartane is located on the tip of the Caravelle, a 12 kilometer long stretch of land on the Atlantic Ocean. A real concentrate of wild nature which is now protected thanks to its status of nature reserve. The 400 hectares of the reserve are home to dozens of bird species and hundreds of plant species.  

If you are a walker or a wilderness lover, there are two marked trails that allow you to explore the reserve. Depending on your level of fitness and your goals, you can hike from one hour to half a day. You will walk on marked paths between forests and mangrove where a multitude of small crabs have taken up residence.

You can for example go to the lighthouse of the peninsula, built in 1862. A place that offers a 360 degree panorama on the emblematic places of the island of flowers: Mount Pelee, Baie du Trésor, Loup Garou Island. Another very popular hike for visitors is the one that leads to the ruins of the Dubuc castle. It is a testimony of the rich past of the peninsula. Indeed, this place was in turn a sugar cane plantation, a high place of slave trade and the landmark of many corsairs legends... It is part of the history of Martinique and worth a visit if you spend the day at the beach of Tartane.

Map and access

Tartane beach is located in the heart of the village of the same name. It is also sometimes called "plage du ponton". You can access it from Trinité, on which the village of Tartane depends.

Parking : If you arrive by car, you can park on the large parking lot located at the entrance of the village. It is also possible to leave your vehicle along the road which goes along the beach.

Practical information on the surroundings (what to do and see beach)

The beach of Tartane is a lively and colorful place, ideal for families. They will enjoy a calm sea and all amenities. The authenticity lovers will be able to admire the work of the fishermen and taste fresh products. If you are looking for silence and tranquility, Tartane may be a little too lively for you. On the other hand, for the walkers, the Pointe de la Caravelle offers a playground of qua