Manman Dlo: the mermaid who watches over the bay of Saint-Pierre
Under the calm waters of the baie de Saint-Pierre, just a few meters from the shore, rests a monumental mermaid weighing over twenty tons. Its name? Manman Dlo - "the mother of water" in Creole. Part legend, part work of art, this submerged sculpture is today a living reef, a hymn to the sea and an invitation to protect it. Ready to dive in and meet it?
A legend that crosses oceans
The emblematic figure of the Creole and Afro-Caribbean culture, Manman Dlo is a mermaid as fascinating as she is feared. In traditional tales, she capsized ships and dragged sailors into the depths.
Her legend resonates far beyond Martinique:
● Mami Wata in West Africa,
● Erzulie in Haiti,
● Yemaya in Cuba and Brazil.
In Martinique, artist Laurent Valère has brought it to life to pay tribute to the sea and raise awareness of its protection. His gaze turned towards Montagne Pelée seems to defy the volcano, a reminder that Saint-Pierre, a martyred city, was wiped off the map in 1902.
A monumental and lively work of art
To discover Manman Dlo is to dive onto an extraordinary sculpture:
● Its head rests at a depth of 6 to 9 meters, just at the southern entrance to the town of Saint-Pierre.
● Its tail fin lies a few meters further down, giving the impression that its body is buried in the sand.
● A small cave hides in its bowels, now a haven for tropical fish and sea urchins.
Since its immersion in 2004, nature has reclaimed its rights. Corals, sponges and schools of colorful fish have transformed the mermaid into a veritable coral reef, where art and biodiversity are one.
Snorkeling or diving: a unique experience in Martinique
Whether you're an experienced diver or a simple snorkeling enthusiast, the experience is accessible to all :
● Just 30 meters from shore, spotted by a yellow buoy.
● Mask, snorkel and fins are all you need to admire the statue snorkeling.
● Scuba divers can stay longer, explore the small cave and observe the marine fauna up close.
Explorer's tip: go early in the morning to enjoy crystal-clear water and an almost suspended moment, alone facing the mermaid and the silence of the sea.
Yemaya: Manman Dlo's daughter
A few meters away, a second mermaid has been resting since 2015: Yemaya, Manman Dlo's "daughter". More slender and 12 meters long, she boasts feminine, photogenic curves. With these two sculptures, Laurent Valère initiates a veritable underwater museum, where each work is also a protective reef for marine life. An artistic and ecological project unique in Martinique.
Practical information for diving Manman Dlo
● Location: Saint-Pierre Bay, south entrance to the town (opposite the "Fish Bo Kay" restaurant).
● Depth: 6 to 9 meters.
Access:
○ Swim, equipped with fins, mask and snorkel (30 m from the beach)
○ By kayak or paddle to the yellow buoy
○ With a diving club for a more immersive experience
Advice: Respect the site, don't spook the wildlife and enjoy the magic of the place.
A dive between art, nature and legend
To admire Manman Dlo and his daughter Yemaya is to meet the soul of the Caribbean sea.Legend mingles with art, and nature takes its place again to offer visitors a living, unforgettable spectacle. So, whether you're a curious traveler, a passionate diver or simply a lover of great stories: when will you be diving to meet Manman Dlo and Yemaya?
