Eco-tour – Mangroves and islets by solar-powered electric boat – Full day

Set off on an all-inclusive eco-tourism day trip, including a meal, aboard a 100% eco-friendly electric boat that can carry 20 passengers. Extremely comfortable, spacious and powered solely by solar energy, you’ll be able to admire the wildlife, flora, islets and mangroves in complete silence. During your regular stops for snorkelling (with fins, masks and snorkels provided), you’ll get a close-up look at the species described by your ecotourism guide.

We’ll meet you at 7.40 am for boarding at Sainte-Rose harbour. We set sail after a few safety briefings and information on the itinerary, the ecosystems along the route and the environmental impact.

Embark on a day of exploration in the heart of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, where nature, history and conservation come together. Accompanied by a passionate guide, you’ll alternate between underwater discoveries and visiting iconic sites, to gain an understanding of the richness and fragility of this reserve.

• A historic departure: Cast off from the port of Sainte-Rose, a former hub for sugar, rum and small-scale fishermen.
• Sandy seabeds (snorkelling): Slip on your flippers, mask and snorkel to glide over the sandy seabed, a habitat teeming with shellfish and small fish.
• Seagrass beds & shipwreck (snorkelling): Continue your exploration through the seagrass beds – the very ‘lungs of the sea’ – then discover a shipwreck that has become a refuge for marine life.
• Drinks on board: Enjoy a convivial moment with drinks and canapés, whilst taking in the panoramic view of the lagoon.
• Creole lunch on board: Savour a ‘home-cooked’ meal (starter, main course and dessert prepared locally) whilst soaking up the seaside atmosphere.
• Coral reef (snorkelling): Snorkel around the protected reef: admire the corals and tropical fish whilst practising responsible behaviour.
• Mudflats & supervised swimming: Discover the ecological richness of the mudflats during a supervised swim, and learn about their vital role.
• Île aux Oiseaux (remote observation): Using binoculars, spot terns, frigatebirds and egrets in this bird sanctuary.
• Îlet Blanc – living heritage: Observe from the boat this islet, once a refuge for fishermen of yesteryear, a symbol of local heritage and the need to protect it.
• Return & current anchorage: Return to the port of Sainte-Rose, now bustling with small-scale fishing and the expertise of local fishermen.

This excursion, combining snorkelling sessions, contemplative walks and stories of local heritage, offers a comprehensive overview of this protected lagoon. Accessible to all, it emphasises responsible behaviour and respect for the environment.

Menu

• Starter: Plantain, onions, vegetarian chilli, parsley and olive oil
• Main course: Sliced chicken marinated in cane sugar
• Dessert: Chocolate-covered banana with rum caramel sauce
• Drinks: Planteur, rosé, juice and lemon water