This data paper presents observations on soil organic carbon (SOC) gravimetric and volumetric contents (SOCg, in g kg −1 , and SOCv, in g dm −3 , respectively) for 98 profiles at least 30 cm deep (1 m deep for 59 of them), in rural areas of the Martinique island, in relation to soil types and land uses and management. The paper also presents particle size distribution down to 30 cm, and near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectra for the main soil types. This dataset allows evaluating the effects of land use, soil type and texture on SOC content and stock, at regional scale. It also allows inferring SOCg, SOCv and particle size distribution from NIR spectra. Such information is useful for studying and managing soils in the Martinique island and in other tropical volcanic regions.