The Salines are in the process of being classified as a “Great Site of France”. Prestigious national label that certifies its exceptional character.
Old eroded volcanoes, dry forests very rich in terms of biodiversity on ancient limestone soils, a pond, wetlands, mangroves, ancient salt marshes, beaches, nesting places of marine turtles, a preserved coastal forest, the savanna of petrifications and its quasi-desert spaces, an emblematic site with Grande anse des Salines, but also 1 million visitors per year with the difficulties of reception, parking and erosion that this generates.
On the beach you will find the perfect sand to take a nap. In the sun, but also in the shade. The whole site is well protected by the municipal teams and the Office National des Forêts who patrol regularly.
Camping is indeed forbidden, the beach being also a place of laying for turtles.
From March to July, on certain nights, one can witness this moving spectacle. The beach of Les Salines is appreciated by all species of marine turtles: the leatherback turtle, the green turtle and the hawksbill turtle. These three species are protected and it is forbidden to disturb them during their laying (no flash, no light).
These 3 species are observed every year on the beaches of Martinique, and in particular on the small and large cove of Salines. From March to the end of July, a few dozen leatherback turtles come to lay their eggs at night in deep holes dug in the middle of the beach. The hawksbill turtles, twice as small (about 1 m long), prefer to lay their eggs in the shelter of the vegetation behind the beaches.
L’étang des Salines.
This vast pond was exploited as a salt marsh until 1965. Today, it is a protected natural site, property of the Conservatoire du littoral. Surrounded by mangroves, savannahs and dry forest, this particular ecosystem is unique in Martinique and can be visited during walks on stilts.
At nightfall, you can walk on the beach and hear the crabs flee at your approach. On a clear night, you will be able to see all kinds of stars and constellations in this tropical sky above your head, as there are no light sources around that could disturb your view and deprive you of this pleasure.
Camping is not allowed, so you won’t be able to stay overnight.
Some nights, turtles come to the Salines to lay their eggs. Do not approach them, do not turn on any light, do not make any noise. Respect this sensitive moment for the turtles which have just made a migration of several thousand kilometers to arrive on the beach.