Beneath Martinique’s turquoise waters lies a world of mystery, history, and breathtaking beauty, and few sites capture it better than the Nahoon. This three-masted sailing ship was built in Royan, France in 1911, and intentionally sunk off the coast of Anse Dufour, in Les Anses d’Arlet in 1993. It has since become one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated wreck dives. Resting below the surface, the Nahoon is a living reef, home to schools of tropical fish, vibrant corals, and the silent beauty of a ship reborn as an underwater sanctuary.
A Living Museum Beneath the Waves
Contrary to popular belief, The Nahoon wasn’t lost to the sea by accident; it was purposefully placed there. Originally a sleek, steel-hulled schooner, the vessel was intentionally sunk in 1993 as part of a bold initiative to create an artificial reef. Over the decades, the ocean has transformed the ship into something extraordinary. Coral gardens now coat its hull, tropical fish dart through its open decks, and sunlight spills through portholes like stained glass in an underwater cathedral.
Though not an ancient wreck, the Nahoon has become one of Martinique’s most remarkable underwater landmarks. Today, it serves as a thriving underwater ecosystem and a model for eco-conscious exploration, attracting divers from around the world while protecting nearby coral systems from overuse. A rare example of how human ingenuity and nature can work together to build new life below the surface.
Where Adventure Meets Preservation
Diving the Nahoon is a thrilling yet serene experience suited for advanced open-water divers. The site lies roughly 35 metres below the surface, a few minutes by boat from the town of Les Anses d’Arlet, and offers exceptional visibility year-round. Certified divers can book guided expeditions through local operators such as A Papa D’Lo Diving Center in Saint-Pierre or Espace Plongée Martinique located in les Trois-Ilet, in south Martinique (and offers dives north as well). Both operators are known for their expert guides and small-group excursions.
Once below, divers can circle the masts, hover over coral-encrusted railings, and explore the ship’s interior chambers, now home to lionfish, angelfish, and curious barracudas. The sense of stillness is otherworldly… just you, the sea, and a ship reborn. Most operators offer equipment rental, refresher courses, and optional full-day packages that combine the dive with topside adventures, or enjoy a delicious meal at any of the restaurants in Les Anses d’Arlet.
From wreck diving and reef exploration to mountain trails and Creole cuisine, Martinique is an island that rewards curiosity. Begin planning your underwater adventure today at www.martinique.org.
