About ten orcas were sighted on December 2, 2025, between Le Carbet and the bay of Fort-de-France, Martinique. Specialists from the Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS) described the sighting as rare, though not exceptional, and reminded everyone of the strict rules to follow when encountering cetaceans. Megan Bourdon-Cohen, Guillaume Perrot, Xavier Chevalier report for La1ère France Info-Martinique.
It was a majestic sight that these maritime professionals witnessed on Tuesday morning (December 2nd). Off the coast of Le Carbet, a family of orcas was spotted swimming peacefully. A male, easily identifiable by his large dorsal fin, was swimming alongside at least eight females. The group then moved to the bay of Fort-de-France. Martinique, a haven of marine biodiversity, is home to 21 species of marine mammals. Like all cetaceans, orcas are strictly protected in French territorial waters in the Antilles.
A rare but regular presence in our waters
For Jeffrey Bernus, director of the Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS), the presence of these animals could be explained by several natural behaviors: “We assume that these are families living in the Caribbean basin. They come to breed, socialize, rest, or feed in our waters.”
Jérôme Couvat, scientific director of the Agoa Sanctuary, puts the exceptional nature of this sighting into perspective: “Orcas are rare, but not exceptional. We observe them several times a year in Martinique. This is a Caribbean population distinct from those observed in the cold waters of the north.”
Last year, a rather remarkable event was recorded in our waters. A group of orcas reportedly attacked sperm whales near the bay of Fort-de-France. [. . .]
Attacks, although rarely observed, are part of the normal ecological relationships between wild species. They do not threaten the balance of the local ecosystem; on the contrary, the presence of these large predators is seen as a positive indicator of biodiversity. [. . .]
In the event of an encounter, Jérôme Couvat recommends calm and caution. [. . .]
A few rules should be kept in mind. French regulations are clear:
• It is forbidden to approach within 300 meters of any marine mammal.
• Only certain certified professionals are authorized to navigate within 100 meters.
• Entering the water with cetaceans is strictly prohibited. [. . .]
Excerpts translated by Ivette Romero. For full article in French), see https://la1ere.franceinfo.fr/martinique/des-orques-observees-au-large-de-la-martinique-un-signe-positif-pour-la-biodiversite-1649786.html# 82
[Photo above courtesy of the Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS): One male and eight female orcas have been identified off the coast of Le Carbet.]
About ten orcas were sighted on December 2, 2025, between Le Carbet and the bay of Fort-de-France, Martinique. Specialists from the Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS) described the sighting as rare, though not exceptional, and reminded everyone of the strict rules to follow when encountering cetaceans. Megan Bourdon-Cohen, Guillaume Perrot, Xavier Chevalier report for La1ère France Info-Martinique. It