The hilly relief as though as rich in rivers from northern Martinique offer numerous canyoning itineraries. The game consists in going down a river (preferably a canyon, hence the name), jump into the basins and sometimes, cross a waterfall by abseil. Very delighting and refreshing. Some courses, very easy ones, are within the reach of every one. Other ones, more technical and physical, are intended for skilled amateurs.
Courses in the Massif des Pitons du Carbet
:
Abaslon (3 Hours) :
A very good trip to discover canyoning. The arrival on the spot is fast, less than 15 minutes on foot, then an abseil and you can jump in the basins of fresh water from now.
L'Alma (9 Hours) :
Probably the most beautiful course of the “pitons” of Carbet. A two hours walk before beginning the abseils, about twenty even so, in the middle of a magnificent vegetation. Good physical condition and good technique are necessary.
Petite Rivière Claire (6 Hours) :
Very beautiful course opens to beginners. A special course for novices in the middle of the forest and of Creole gardens, then a succession of 8 abseils. On the arrival, a beautiful basin to jump into.
Rivière Dumauzé (8 Hours) :
Be aware, very technical and physical course. The course starts at the summit of “Piton” Dumauzé (995 m) and a difficult two hours walk is necessary to reach the spot. 12 abseils and some beautiful waterfalls.
Rivière
Mitan (4 Hours) :
Another very good introductory course. The very irregular descent permits to become acquainted with numerous canyoning techniques.
Saut du Gendarme
(3 Hours) :
Another course open to beginners in a rather short approach (15 minutes).Then, series of 6 abseils and some jumps.
Courses in the Massif of Pelée Mountain
:
Grande Rivière (13
Hours) :
One of the longest canyons of Martinique. Departure of the 1st refuge of the mountain Pelé to join Grand-Rivière. Technical and physical course. 17 recalls and a vertical of 100m.
La Patte du Tigre (6 Hours) :
A cascade of 60 m to be gone down and 5 other recalls on this course downwards beginning from the Plateau des Palmistes. Good technique necessary, and weather to be followed closely.
Rivière Céron
(9 Hours) :
Un beau canyon assez technique commençant au Piton Marcel.
Une succession de 8 rappels, dont certains le long de belles
cascades et 9 sauts. Attention à la météo,
les risques de crues sont importants.
Rivière
Claire (9 Hours) :
Very beautiful course requiring a good physical condition and a good technique. Departure of the Charmeuse to join the site (alt 990m) before connecting more than one score of recalls.
Rivière La Chapelle
(12 Hours) :
Attention, very physical and technical course. 3 hours of walk to join the site before descending the beautiful cascades from the river la Chapelle. 28 recalls.
Equipment :
Canyoning tools derive from the climbing and caving ones : helmet, harness, rope, crab, descender .
Besides all this equipment, a waterproof caisson to protect your personal effects will be provided by you guides.
As for the rest, light clothing and good sneakers are just what you need.
To know more
Topo
Guide : Canyons of Martinique.
A guide very quite illustrated which delivers all the courses of Martinique, charts and information practical to you with the support. In french only.
French Version