Sainte-Marie

Best period

juil–sept

Recommended duration

4 nights

A narrow island on the east coast, once a pirate stronghold, now known for the humpback whales that calve in the channel between July and September. The rest of the year it's a quiet island best explored by bike.

Experiences on site

Boat trip to watch humpback whales
Snorkelling at Île aux Nattes, just south
Visit the pirate cemetery

The planner's tip

Book the whale-watching trip as soon as you arrive — the best slots (early morning, calm sea) go first.

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