Anse Couleuvre Beach
Dramatic black sand beach framed by lush cliffs, offering a wild and secluded natural escape with hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer seas
Anse Couleuvre Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer seas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic black sand beach framed by lush cliffs, offering a wild and secluded natural escape with hiking trails.
"One of the best beaches in the Caribbean, with its grey volcanic sand and great views."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
A short hike through the forest leads to the beach, so comfortable footwear is a must!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can be challenging, especially after midday. Beat the crowds for the best spots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dramatic Black Sand Beach
Main beach area
Experience the striking contrast of dark volcanic sand against the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
Cascading Waterfall Hike
Forest trail entrance
A refreshing 5-10 minute walk through the forest leads to a beautiful, secluded waterfall.
Underwater Exploration
North of the main beach
Discover vibrant coral reefs and diverse fish species with snorkeling, especially past the main beach area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild Beauty
Adventure Beyond the Sand
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
A short hike through the forest leads to the beach, so comfortable footwear is a must!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can be challenging, especially after midday. Beat the crowds for the best spots.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
The beach can get windy, leading to sand being blown around. Consider a windbreaker.
🐠 Snorkel North for Marine Life
For better snorkeling, head north past the main beach to find coral and fish.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
A short hike through the forest leads to the beach, so comfortable footwear is a must!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can be challenging, especially after midday. Beat the crowds for the best spots.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
The beach can get windy, leading to sand being blown around. Consider a windbreaker.
🐠 Snorkel North for Marine Life
For better snorkeling, head north past the main beach to find coral and fish.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Amenities are limited, so bring your own refreshments for a comfortable visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Anse Couleuvre is celebrated for its stunning black sand and dramatic, wild beauty, offering a unique natural escape. Visitors praise the scenic hike to the beach and the nearby waterfall. However, some find the snorkeling underwhelming and note that strong winds can be a deterrent, with parking being a consistent challenge.
"very beautiful black sand beach. Don't miss the walk in the forest towards the waterfall."
Philippe Azra
"Not very good snorkeling - we saw no fish. Had to leave due to strong wind pelting us with sand. Pretty place, nice beach though."
Ed Boesiger
"Great snorkling if you head to the north past the end of the beach. Lovely coral, diverse fish and underwater plants. Parking is tough, but worth it."
Rebecca Nilsen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Anse Couleuvre is located in the north of Martinique, near Prêcheur. The drive itself is scenic. You'll need to park and then take a short, approximately 5-10 minute walk through a lush forest path to reach the beach.
Yes, there is parking available, but it can be very limited and difficult to find, especially during peak hours. It's highly recommended to arrive early in the morning to secure a spot.
The roads leading to the general area are paved, but the final approach and parking area can be rough. The walk from the parking to the beach is a well-trodden path.
Public transport options to this remote beach are very limited. Renting a car is the most practical way to access Anse Couleuvre.
Absolutely! Anse Couleuvre is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering beautiful scenery, hiking, and beach time. Just ensure you allocate enough travel time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Anse Couleuvre Beach is a public natural attraction and does not require an entrance fee or tickets.
As a natural beach, Anse Couleuvre does not have official opening or closing hours. It is accessible during daylight hours.
The hike to the waterfall is part of the natural landscape surrounding Anse Couleuvre and is free to access.
There are no specific entry restrictions, but visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment and practice leave-no-trace principles.
While you can visit at sunset, be mindful of the time needed to hike back to your car in the dark. It's best to plan your departure before it gets too late.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can relax on the black sand, swim (be cautious of currents), hike to the waterfall, explore other forest trails, and snorkel.
Swimming is possible, but be aware that Anse Couleuvre can have strong currents and rough waves, especially when windy. Always assess the conditions before entering the water.
The beach is famous for its striking black volcanic sand, a unique feature that makes it visually stunning. 
Yes, Anse Couleuvre is incredibly photogenic with its black sand, dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and ocean views. Drone shots are particularly popular.
No, Anse Couleuvre is a wild and natural beach, so there are no public restrooms, showers, or other facilities. Come prepared.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or food vendors directly at Anse Couleuvre Beach. It's a natural, undeveloped area.
You'll need to drive to nearby towns like Prêcheur or Saint-Pierre for dining options, which range from local creole cuisine to more casual eateries.
It's highly recommended to pack your own food and drinks for your visit, as there are no services available at the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning offers soft light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Sunset provides dramatic colors, but be mindful of the fading light for your hike back.
Drone photography is popular here, offering stunning aerial views of the black sand and coastline. Always check local regulations before flying.
The unique black sand, dramatic cliffs, lush green vegetation, and the powerful waves create a visually striking and cinematic landscape.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the expansive beach, close-ups of the black sand texture, dramatic wave action, and scenic views of the surrounding cliffs and forest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Packing plenty of snacks and drinks is crucial, as there are no facilities. Consider bringing beach toys that can withstand wind and water. The nearby waterfall hike can also be a fun, short excursion for active families. Due to the limited parking and potential for wind, arriving early is highly recommended to ensure a less stressful start to your family's beach day.
💑 Couples Seeking Seclusion
Consider staying at eco-lodges like Habitation Anse Couleuvre for a truly immersive experience, offering a chance to disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
For the more adventurous, there are other wooded trails to discover in the vicinity, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tropical landscape. The dramatic coastal scenery and the unique black sand also provide fantastic opportunities for landscape photography. Remember to wear appropriate hiking shoes and carry water, as these trails can be humid and challenging.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Anse Couleuvre
Due to its remote location and the popularity of its unique black sand, parking can become a significant challenge, especially during peak tourist seasons or on weekends. Many visitors, including those sharing tips on Reddit, strongly advise arriving as early as possible, ideally before 10 AM, to secure a parking spot. This not only guarantees easier access but also allows for a more peaceful experience on the beach before it gets crowded. Public transport is not a viable option for reaching Anse Couleuvre, making a rental car almost essential for independent exploration.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, consider combining a visit to Anse Couleuvre with other natural attractions in the north, such as the nearby waterfall hike or exploring the coastal trails. The drive itself is part of the adventure, showcasing the rugged beauty of Martinique's coastline.
The Allure of Black Sand and Wild Seas
+2While the beach itself is stunning, the snorkeling conditions can be variable. Some visitors report limited marine life directly off the main beach, with occasional sightings of fish. However, seasoned snorkelers and those willing to explore further north past the main beach area often discover more rewarding underwater experiences, including vibrant coral formations and a greater diversity of fish and marine plants. It's a good idea to check the sea conditions and perhaps consult with locals if possible before venturing out for a long snorkel.
The combination of the dramatic black sand, the powerful ocean, and the surrounding lush cliffs and vegetation makes Anse Couleuvre a truly unique and memorable destination. It’s a place where nature’s raw power and beauty are on full display, offering a different kind of beach experience compared to the typical white-sand shores.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit