Diamond Rock

Diamond Rock, a basalt volcanic plug, rises 175 metres out of the channel off the south coast. In 1804 the Royal Navy put cannon on it and commissioned the islet as a sloop-of-war, HMS Diamond Rock, which harassed French shipping for seventeen months until a French siege retook it; local legend credits a cargo of rum with helping. Today the rock is a seabird colony and a well-known dive site, and visitors see it from the shore: Le Diamant's long beach, the Morne Larcher headland walk with its panorama, and the white statues of the Anse Cafard memorial nearby.

What you'll find

• The rock itself - the 175-metre stack in the channel.
• The Morne Larcher walk - the headland climb to the panorama.
• Le Diamant beach - the long southern strand facing the rock.
• The Anse Cafard memorial - the white statues by the shore.

When to go

December to May for clear channel views and the driest headland path; sunset lights the rock from the beach's western end. Dive trips run on sea state - book with the Diamant clubs.

Things to know

Landing on the rock is not a tourist option - it is viewed, dived or circled by boat. The Morne Larcher trail is steep and slick in shade. Diamant beach's swimming varies with swell - respect the flags and locals' judgement.

Nearby

Les Anses-d'Arlet's coves, Sainte-Luce and the south's rum stops.

Key facts