Pointe Marin Beach

The easiest approach is by car via the D9 from Sainte-Anne — roughly five minutes. A paid parking lot sits a few hundred metres from the beach; the fee is 3 euros, and street parking in the surrounding area is also possible. Alternatively, Vedettes Madinina operates a ferry service that takes about 20 minutes. Access to the beach itself is easy.

Diamond Rock (Rocher du Diamant) is the star attraction — the volcanic island is visible from the beach and is popular with divers who want to explore its underwater walls. The Trace des Caps hiking trail starts right at Pointe Marin; it's a demanding coastal route, so wear proper shoes and carry water. A short drive away, the Savanna of Petrifications is a striking natural site worth the six-kilometre detour.

LÔ Beach Club — Les Boucaniers is just 300 metres away and the most convenient option after a swim. For something with serious local credentials, Restaurant Snack Boubou Bokits has been serving since 2006 and sits about 1.5 km away, while Le M — a 1.6 km drive — has built up over 1,700 reviews for good reason.

Club Med Les Boucaniers is essentially on the doorstep at 100 metres, making it the obvious base if you want to roll out of bed and onto the beach. Pierre et Vacances Resort Sainte-Luce offers a solid self-catering alternative about 5.7 km along the coast.

Shoot early morning when the low sun catches the turquoise water and Diamond Rock glows on the horizon — that's your hero shot. The Trace des Caps trailhead also offers elevated vantage points looking back over the white sand crescent, best in the golden hour before sunset.

Come early in the dry season — November through April — to enjoy the calmest weather and the clearest turquoise water. Avoid September and October entirely: those are peak hurricane-season months and conditions can turn dangerous fast. The beach draws a moderate number of visitors on weekends, so a weekday morning gives you the best stretch of white sand to yourself. Bring cash for the parking lot.