Canopy Tours in Martinique

Canopy tours—also known as tree-topping tours—are relatively new to Martinique. Even younger kids can join in the fun on some courses. However, if your body parts—particularly knees and elbows—are not as supple as they once were, or if you're afraid of heights, stay back at the hotel pool. The "tour" consists of a series of wooden ladders and bridges suspended from the trees, connected with zip lines. Participants are secured in harnesses and ropes that hitch to them like dog leashes. You connect to a cable and then fly and bellow like Tarzan until you get to the other side. Advance reservations are usually required.

Mangofil (Domaine de Château Gaillard, Les Trois-Ilets, 97229. 0596/68-08-08. mangofil2@wanadoo.fr) is a professionally run operation overseen by two young Frenchmen who managed a similar park in France. All of the platforms, ladders, and stations were installed by members of a special union in France that specializes in such work. Safety is key here, but there's also a lot of fun. The boys have a sense of humor, and their full-moon parties are a hoot. The cost is EUR 25 per person for adults, EUR 17 for children, depending on height.