After our visit to Chateau Dubuc, we decided to return to the Reserve Naturelle de la Caravelle and take one of the marked trails. We opted for an hour and half long route through the Savanna and mangrove swamps.

Apparently the weather is drier on the Pointe Caravelle than anywhere else in Martinique. Fortunately, the trail was predominantly shady, but we still felt the heat as we headed down hundreds of steep steps through the Savanna and gulped our way through a litre of water.  We passed a few teens who greeted us with the usual, ‘Bonjour Madame, bonjour monsieur.’ Have to say, the youth of Martinque have beautiful manners.

Pirates of the Caribbean

As we came to the bottom of the hill, the woods gave way to a flat, muddy mangrove swamp. A boarded walk lead us across the swamp, where countless crabs crawled through thick tree roots, and finally to the sea. Looking out over the Baie de Tresor, the wildness was breathtaking. Not a person, house or pirate ship in sight.

We followed the coast  for a time until the path began to climb again and we ascended into the Savannah again, puffing and panting.

Did I mention how hot it was?

Lizards scattered in our path and butterflies and birds flitted overhead. There were various information signs advising us to look out for rare birds such as carouges or white-throated mockingbirds. We did spot a few white-bellied tourists but not sure how rare they are.