Dolphins and Whales of Northern Martinique: the Agoa Sanctuary and the Caribbean Coast

The Agoa Sanctuary, a protected area for marine mammals

Created in 2010, the Agoa Sanctuary is a marine protected area dedicated to safeguarding the marine mammals of the French Antilles. It covers the waters of Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy. Around twenty species of cetacean have been recorded there, including the pantropical spotted dolphin, Fraser’s dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, the short-finned pilot whale, the sperm whale, the false killer whale and the humpback whale.

The Northern Caribbean coast, a particularly frequented sector

The Caribbean coast off Le Prêcheur and Saint-Pierre, at the foot of Mount Pelée, is one of the island’s richest sectors for cetacean sightings. On the last day of observation for the scientific mission “Ti Whale An Nou”, led by the Caribbean Cetacean Society, more than 300 dolphins were encountered off Le Prêcheur: spotted dolphins and Fraser’s dolphins playing in the wake of the research catamaran.

Scientific research led by the Caribbean Cetacean Society

Founded in 2020 by stakeholders from Martinique and Guadeloupe, the Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS) is an association working across the whole Caribbean to improve knowledge and conservation of cetaceans, through international cooperation stretching from Grenada to Anguilla. Using a research vessel fitted with a hydrophone and photo-identification techniques, its teams have already recorded several thousand marine mammals and documented numerous species, including some particularly rare ones.

Regular scientific missions, such as the “Cetacean Mission”, make it possible to observe, identify and listen to these animals off the coast of Martinique, all while taking care not to disturb them.

Strict regulations to protect cetaceans

Since 1 September 2024, a new order has clarified and tightened the rules for observing and approaching marine mammals within the Agoa Sanctuary. Only trained professionals who have signed the approach charter are authorised to get close to the animals in compliance with these rules. Swimming with cetaceans is not permitted within the sanctuary.

If you find a marine mammal stranded or in distress in Martinique, contact the local correspondent of the National Stranding Network (ROCEM) immediately at 06 96 03 02 04, without ever touching the animal, whether dead or alive.

An encounter that's never guaranteed

However rich this Northern sector may be, dolphins and other cetaceans remain wild animals that roam freely across the open sea. No encounter can therefore ever be guaranteed, even on outings led by trained professionals who respect the Agoa Sanctuary charter.

Discover the North's cetaceans with Smartinik

Le Prêcheur and its Caribbean coast lie within the same Northern territory as the guided tour of Saint-Pierre and the Northern Martinique excursion offered by Smartinik, at the foot of Mount Pelée.

Smartinik enriches its tours with explanations of this exceptional marine biodiversity, the Agoa Sanctuary and the scientific research carried out locally.

• cetacean species found within the Agoa Sanctuary and the Northern Caribbean coast;
• local scientific research and the role of the Caribbean Cetacean Society;
• approach regulations and good observation practices;
• links with the North’s other natural wonders (sea turtles, the Prêcheur Reserve).

Smartinik does not systematically organise a boat trip dedicated to cetacean watching: this possibility depends on trained professionals who have signed the Agoa Sanctuary charter, and an encounter is never guaranteed.