Diamond Rock

Diamond Rock is a nature reserve and basalt formation rising from the Caribbean Sea about 3 kilometers off Martinique's southern coast. The rock features snorkeling and diving sites with diverse underwater environments.

The British transformed this formation into HMS Diamond Rock in the early 1800s and installed cannons at its summit to control shipping lanes. This fortification gave it strategic importance during the Napoleonic Wars.

The rock was once known as HMS Diamond Rock, and British naval vessels still render formal honors when passing by, reflecting its military past. This tradition shows how the site's history remains alive in today's maritime practices.

Visitors can only reach the rock through organized boat tours from the mainland, since it sits in open water. Most tours include snorkeling or diving around the formation.

The rock was once home to the Martinique ground snake, a species that no longer lives there and has become rare elsewhere on the island. This shift in animal populations reflects how local ecosystems have changed over time.

Location: Le Diamant

Made from material: basalt

Part of: Windward Islands

GPS coordinates: 14.44306,-61.03889

Latest update: December 17, 2025 09:45