The Tombolo Passage and Sainte-Marie Island

The Tombolo Passage is located in the commune of Sainte-Marie. This municipality also known for its distillery, the Habitation Saint-James, and its church “Notre-Dame de l’Assomption” which sits at the top of a staircase that dominates the village. Located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, you can enjoy the beach, Anse Azerot “located after Habitation Saint-James, and multiple markets to buy fresh produce and freshly caught fish.

The Tombolo Passage is a stretch of sand that connects the Islet Sainte-Marie over four months of the year (March to June). During the dry season (especially at the time of Lent in late February, early March), the currents change, orienting the waves in an oblique direction allowing the agglomeration of sand and the creation of a passage in the middle of the waters. However, the area remains dangerous and you must take precautions on the accessibility and the water level when you want to cross. Currents can be dangerous.

To access to the crossing, direction East of the island, by the fast lane (A1), exit towards the town of Robert (N1). Follow along your route, the direction of Robert, then La Trinité and finally Sainte-Marie. It takes 30 to 40 minutes drive from Fort-de-France.

Tip: Avoid leaving too late, recurrent traffic jams are observed on Robert Road as people finish their day’s work and return home.

Arriving in the town of Sainte-Marie, take the first right before the VITO service station; this road will take you directly to the seaside. You will be able to park and move on foot to the passage to the Îlet Sainte -Marie. You will not have a hard time parking along the coast

Other tip: It is strictly forbidden to bathe around the Tombolo passage. The currents are very dangerous. I advise you before taking the road to learn about social networks or from the tourist office of the town of Sainte-Marie to be sure that the passage is open to the Islet Sainte-Marie.

Access to the passage is on foot along the coast where you can already enjoy the view of the islet.

Walk along the coast, you will notice that your way there is a market where you can find local products and other sweets. Continue your way, and you will arrive at the level of the beach.

The passage Tombolo is in front of you, cross the waters to arrive in 5 minutes on the Sainte-Marie islet. In terms of depth, I had water up to a meter and some waves were able to wet me. Think about your swimsuit and protect your gear.

When you arrive on St. Mary’s Island, there is a staircase that allows you to climb the wooden path along the coast. At first, take the left path that will take you to the railroad tracks that served until the 1940s to transport goods and a stele in honor of Felix LORNE (1904-1950). 

A little history……

He was a teacher on the city of Sainte-Marie who was leading a training of athletes. He often took his students to the Tombolo site for a swimming lesson, but on March 3, 1950, two of his students could not get out of the water (quicksand). The teacher manages to fish the first but will not manage to find the second, before the waters and quicksand wash him away. On March 4th and 5th, the body of the pupil and then that of the teacher are found on Sainte-Marie islet. For the funeral of Felix HORNE, there were about 5000 people from all over Martinique

Retrace your steps and go to the other side of the island. Follow the wooden path. Animated tablets will present the mysteries and legends of the islet with Manman Dlo (Watermom), water goddess or the turtle Kompé Toti. A puzzle game will work your neurons. 

At the end of the pontoon, continue on the path to venture on the islet.

Two stairs will come to you, one of them is closed because there is a nature reserve for the Terns of Dougall, endangered species.

Take the stairs to climb to the top of the island where you can contemplate a magnificent panoramic view of the reliefs around the islet.

Here are some snapshots of what will be seen at the top of the island from the platform or from a life-size Mayan compass on the ground.

Here is a video giving you an overview of crossing the passage and the visit of the islet. Click on the photo below. 

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OLIVIER Damien, your humble guide

The Dom Loisirs and Culture team is committed to raising awareness of the protection of the biodiversity of the overseas departments.