Espace Plongée Martinique

Espace Plongée Martinique is a highly accredited diving hub situated at the Marina de la Pointe du Bout in Les Trois-Ilets. With 30 years of experience in the region, the centre has established itself as a professional base for both recreational explorers and those pursuing advanced technical certifications.

The centre operates from a strategic position on the southwest Caribbean coast, providing easy access to a variety of underwater landscapes. From shallow, sheltered coves ideal for first dives to deep, historic wrecks and exposed volcanic walls, the local topography offers something for every level of experience.

The professional team consists of seven qualified state-certified instructors and six instructor trainees. This ensures a high level of expertise across a wide range of disciplines, from introductory dives to professional instructor training.

Instruction is available in French, English, and Spanish, making the centre accessible to an international community of divers. The team is committed to responsible diving practices, adhering to the Longitude 181 International Charter for Responsible Diver.

The training programme is exceptionally broad, covering multiple certifying bodies including PADI, FFESSM, CMAS, and ANMP. Beginners can start with a PADI Open Water Diver course or FFESSM Niveau 1, while those looking to progress can pursue Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster certifications.

For technical and specialised training, the centre offers Nitrox (Elementary and Advanced), and various FFESSM levels up to Guide de Palanquée (Niveau 4) and instructor training (MF1, DEJEPS, OWSI). They also provide specialized courses such as Handisub for adaptive diving and RIFAP for dive first aid.

The centre operates two distinct vessels to suit different diving styles. The Planète Bleue is a spacious catamaran with a capacity for 40 divers, while the Hermès is a monohull designed for smaller groups of up to 25 divers.

Both boats are designed for comfort and efficiency, featuring shaded areas with bimini tops to protect you from the sun. Onboard, you will find freshwater showers and cylinders already loaded, ensuring a zero-portage experience. For full-day excursions, meals are provided on board, and you can enjoy tea, coffee, water, or a local planter's drink after your dives.

The shore-based facilities are designed for professional efficiency and diver comfort. The centre is equipped with two BAUER compressors and a membrane Nitrox station, allowing for reliable gas blending on-site.

Full kit hire is available for those not travelling with their own equipment. The facility includes dedicated equipment storage, showers, sanitary facilities, and step-free access. A boutique is also available on-site for any necessary diving supplies.

The marine life is exceptionally diverse, with sea turtles being a frequent sight at sites like Pointe de la Baleine and Jardin de Salomon. You will regularly encounter large schools of bigeye trevally and Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) patrolling the deeper waters.

In the shallower reef areas, the ecosystem is teeming with life, including parrotfish (Calotomus), sergeant majors, and various species of angelfish (Pomacanthidae). You can also find colourful displays of corals, sponges (Porifera), and large gorgonians that provide habitat for many small creatures.

For those interested in macro life, the sites offer plenty of subjects for observation. Look closely among the rocks and crevices for octopuses, cuttlefish (Sepiidae), various species of crabs (Brachyura), and spiny lobsters (Palinuridae). You may also spot garden eels (Gorgasia), seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), and various species of moray eels (Muraenidae).

The diving area on the southwest Caribbean coast is generally sheltered from the prevailing winds, providing relatively calm conditions for most outings. However, some offshore sites like Les petites et les grandes Jorasses and La Perle de Martinique can be subject to currents.

Visibility is typically excellent, often ranging between 30 and 40 metres, providing clear views of the volcanic structures and deep wrecks.