Navigate with respect over the white sandbanks and Josephine's Bath

The white sandbanks, coral reefs, mangroves, and islets of Le François form a highly sensitive ecosystem. This charter formalizes Côte au Vent's commitments to sustainable tourism, compatible with the preservation of these unique natural and cultural environments.

1. Preserve fragile ecosystems

Human impacts can permanently weaken these areas:

• Corals suffocate if the sand is disturbed;
• Seagrass beds die if they are trampled;
• Some bird species will flee if you get too close;
• The islets are eroding under tourist pressure.

— Nos engagements

• navigation in official channels;
• zero anchoring in seagrass beds or on coral;
• landings strictly controlled;
• protection of nesting areas;
• Systematic awareness-raising of visitors.

— 2. Protect coral reefs

The reefs of the Atlantic coast play a vital role:

• natural barrier against the swell;
• habitat of exceptional biodiversity;
• maintaining the clarity of white backgrounds.

— Nos engagements

• no anchoring in reef areas;
• advice on suitable sun protection;
• Increased vigilance during snorkeling;
• navigation limiting the resuspension of sand.

— 3. Reduce our environmental footprint

We adopt concrete and measurable practices:

• zero waste at sea;
• systematic sorting and recycling;
• short supply chains;
• preferential use of local products;
• reduction of single-use plastics;
• Optimized mechanical maintenance to limit emissions.

— 4. Raising awareness among our visitors

Because protecting something is, above all, about understanding it.

— Nos actions

• environmental briefing before each stopover;
• Explanation of sensitive areas: seagrass beds, mangroves, reefs;
• presentation of local fauna and flora;
• transmission of good practices to limit human impact.

— 5. Train our teams

Every member of Côte au Vent is trained to ensure a responsible and consistent experience.

— Internal commitments

• regular training in environment, safety and reception;
• updating knowledge about local ecosystems;
• monitoring developments in sustainable tourism.

— 6. Promote the local area and economy

Sustainability includes support for the local economy:

• food purchases in Le François;
• collaborations with Martinican artisans and suppliers;
• highlighting cultural and maritime heritage;
• participation in local actions and events.

— 7. Transmission and professional integration

Côte au Vent contributes to the education of Martinican youth:

• hosting apprentices in BTS Tourism;
• integration of interns in e-business, communication, digital;
• welcoming trainees in maritime professions.

We transmit concrete, useful and valuable know-how for the territory.

— 8. Maritime traditions and social cohesion

We support those who perpetuate the maritime identity of Martinique:

• Yo Té Di for the baby-yole, gateway to the round yole (UNESCO);
• the Madyn Grey club, facilitating access to sport for the youth of François.

— 9. A living and evolving charter

This charter is reassessed based on:

• Quality Tourism audits;
• of the Destination of Excellence approach;
• of the evolution of ecosystems;
• feedback from local stakeholders.

— Conclusion

Côte au Vent is committed to preserving, passing on, and promoting Martinique. Our sustainable tourism approach guarantees an excursion that respects the sea, traditions, and the future of the white sandbars and Josephine's Bath.