Guadeloupe,
a string of tropical islands

Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, les Saintes, Marie Galante and why not a trip to Dominica?

In brief

From Pointe-à-Pitre, set off on a varied voyage through the islands of Guadeloupe.

You'll love the scenery and everything the islands have to offer: colorful beaches, Caribbean anchorages, lush hills where there's no shortage of escapades, lagoons, mangroves, hot springs, colorful villages, wildlife, schools of fish, all wrapped up in a Creole atmosphere.

Enjoy a range of activities including sailing, diving, hiking, walking, swimming and, of course, cultural discoveries such as a visit to Fort Napoléon or a distillery tour.

You're sure to hear the Gwoka, a musical genre and dance that unfolds to the rhythm of the drum.

If conditions permit and you feel like it, head south to the English-speaking island of Dominica, the Nature Island of 365 rivers and thick rainforest.

Guadeloupe, Les Saintes, West Indies, Caribbean

Information before you leave

When to go?

Prepare your cruise

The climate

Guadeloupe enjoys a tropical climate with pleasant temperatures all year round.

However, there are 2 distinct seasons: the dry season (also known as Lent) and the wet season (or wintering). The dry season generally runs from December to May, with average temperatures around 27°C and low humidity. The trade winds bring cooler temperatures, ideal for sailing. During this period, the climate is drier and sunnier.

The wet season runs from June to November and is characterized by slightly higher temperatures (around 29°C) and higher humidity. Showers are generally of short duration.

Every year, from June to November, Guadeloupe is subject to the risk of cyclones.

Prevailing winds

In the northern hemisphere, and therefore in Guadeloupe, the trade winds blow from northeast to southwest. These winds, laden with moisture from their long journey over the ocean, dump their excess water in intense rains once they reach the coast. During the dry season, however, the winds are less humid and are blocked by the Azores anticyclone.

In Guadeloupe, it's the east coast on the Atlantic side that is swept by these trade winds, albeit at a relatively low speed.

Les Alizées Qui Soufflent, Guadeloupe, West Indies, Caribbean

Swimming

The islands of Guadeloupe boast over 400 kilometers of beaches, so you're spoilt for choice: white sand, black sand or ochre.

Swimming is possible all year round in Guadeloupe. Water temperatures fluctuate between 26 and 29°C.

Don't forget your mask to discover the underwater world.

Grand Bourg Marie Galante, Guadeloupe, West Indies, Caribbean

Formalities

A valid identity card is all you need to travel to Guadeloupe. Please note, however, that if you are transiting through a foreign country, you may be required to present a valid passport.

Minors must carry their own valid document.

A passport may also be required if you are sailing to certain Caribbean islands.

For other nationalities, please contact the relevant authorities.

Administrative formalities France Côte d'Azur

Boating license

In Guadeloupe, no license is required to sail a sailboat. However, a Nautical CV will be required to prove your sailing ability. What's more, above 6hp, a motorboat license will become compulsory (even for cruising catamaran tenders).

To know more

Currency and exchange rates: Euro.

If you're sailing to Dominica, the local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$). However, retailers all over the island accept US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euros.

Time difference: GMT -4 hours. When metropolitan France is on winter time, the time difference with the capital is 5 hours. When metropolitan France switches to summer time, the islands of Guadeloupe don't change time, so the time difference increases to 6 hours.

Language: Although the official language is French, the majority of Guadeloupeans speak Creole. Each French overseas department and region has its own Creole, so it's not the same in Martinique, Guadeloupe or French Guiana.

Deshaies, Guadeloupe, West Indies, Caribbean

Guadeloupe and Dominica in pictures

View of Ilet à Cabrit from Les Saintes, Guadeloupe, West Indies, Caribbean

Gosier Island, Guadeloupe, West Indies, Caribbean

Guadeloupe Beach, West Indies, Caribbean

Mountains Of Guadeloupe, West Indies, Caribbean

Turtles, Guadeloupe, West Indies, Caribbean

Birds, Guadeloupe, West Indies, Caribbean

Guadeloupe Beach And Windsurfing, West Indies, Caribbean

Iguana, Guadeloupe, West Indies, Caribbean

Roseau, Dominica, West Indies, Caribbean

Baie Mahault, Basse Terre, Guadeloupe, West Indies, Caribbean

Pointe à Pitre, Guadeloupe, West Indies, Caribbean

Catamaran itinerary - Guadeloupe and Dominica

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Days 4 and 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8

Pointe-à-Pitre - Saint-François

Sailing to the east of the island of Guadeloupe. In Saint-François, the marina is very pleasant. Enjoy a punch and lobster in a traditional palm-roofed tucul. Saint-François is also an old fishermen's village, with its low-slung houses, rustic wooden and tin huts, charming central square and church, covered market and fishing port.

Anchor in the magnificent setting ofAnse du Mancenillier, with its many coconut and palm trees and crystal-clear waters.

Anse du Mancenillier anchorage

Saint-François - Petite Terre

Petite Terre, an atoll off the coast of Grande-Terre.
This paradise is made up of two small islets, Terre-de-haut and Terre-de-bas, sharing the same lagoon. It was declared a nature reserve in 1998.

Turtles, all kinds of colorful fish and magnificent coral can be observed while snorkeling.
On land, nature is not to be outdone: iguanas bask peacefully.
The islets can only accommodate a limited number of visitors each day, so it's highly recommended to plan ahead and book your day in paradise in advance.

Book your mooring at least 48 hours in advance: https: //reservesdesiradepetiteterre.com/reservation-mouillages/

Petite-Terre anchorage

Petite Terre - Marie-Galante

Continuing on to Marie Galante, or the island of 100 windmills, still steeped in its rural past. Sugar cane fields occupy the interior of the island and are still often worked by ox-cart, producing an excellent rum. Visit the famous Biele and Père Labat distilleries.

The north coast is characterized by high cliffs and magnificent beaches, some of which are considered the most beautiful in the country.

Swimming in the turquoise waters of Anse Canot, a crescent-shaped beach just north of Saint-Louis town, accessible only by boat.

Anchorage at Anse Canot

Marie-Galante - La Dominique

Sailing to Dominica, wild, green and unspoilt. This island is covered in lush vegetation. It is home to the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Exceptional wildlife lives here, as does one of Dominica's highest peaks at 1387 meters.

More than 160 bird species have been recorded on the island of Dominica, the most endangered and therefore the most protected being the Sisserou or Imperial Parrot. Emblematic of the island, it can be recognized by its green back and crimson breast.

Discover theIndian River in the heart of a protected park bordering Prince Rupert Bay in the northwest of the island. The largest river in the country, it flows towards the Caribbean Sea between Portsmouth and Cabrits National Park. It can be explored by canoe, a wild incursion into the heart of Dominican nature.

Anchorage at Prince Rupert Bay

La Dominique - Les Saintes, Terre-de-Haut

Set course for Les Saintes, an archipelago of volcanic islets divided between the communes of Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas.

Drop anchor off Pain de Sucre beach, on the island of Terre-de-Haut, a stretch of white sand, coconut palms and crystal-clear waters. Get out your snorkeling gear and discover the colorful fish.

Explore the island, famous for its colorful houses, breathtaking panoramas and culinary specialties.

Anchorage at Petite Anse

Les Saintes, Ilets Cabrit

Continuation to Ilets Cabrit, scene of a historic naval battle.

Visit Fort Napoléon, a historic monument with a breathtaking view of the Saintes archipelago and surrounding islands. Discover the fascinating history of the French-English conflicts.

Then set sail for îlet Cabrit. Swimming, snorkeling and lounging.

Anchorage les Ilets Cabrit

Les Saintes - Pointe-à-Pitre

Return to Pointe-à-Pitre.

Pointe-à-Pitre, the capital of the Guadeloupe archipelago, grew up in the 18th century, and the oldest part of the city has retained its colonial charm.

Don't miss Place de la Victoire, where you can relax under the royal palms and mango trees. The Darse market on the quay opposite Place de la Victoire, where merchants and fishermen bustle about from dawn.

The itineraries and anchorages we suggest are given for information only.

They can be adapted to suit your desires, weather and anchorage conditions (crowds, accessibility) and your departure base.

In the case of a skippered charter, the skipper, who is responsible for the smooth running of your cruise, will decide on the best navigation options in exchange with you.