Discover the islands of Guadeloupe by sailboat

Would you like to discover or rediscover the Guadeloupe archipelago in an original way? Why not try sailing? La Désirade, Marie-Galante, Les Saintes: the islands of Guadeloupe each have their own identity and unique landscapes that delight visitors every time. 

Visit La Désirade 

La Désirade is the oldest island in the Lesser Antilles, and for that reason alone, it is worth a visit.

To the east of Grande-Terre, La Désirade is a small island (11 km long and 2 km wide!) located about ten kilometers from Saint-François. Once you've moored there, you can get around by scooter or bicycle, on foot if you're feeling sporty, or by car, preferably a 4×4, which is essential for driving on the "mountain" road. 

Uncrowded, La Désirade, which is classified as a National Nature Reserve in its northern part, offers relaxing getaways surrounded by nature. A beautiful eco-tourism stopover not to be missed when sailing in Guadeloupe. To enjoy it to the fullest, plan on a minimum two-day stopover. 

What to do in La Désirade?

• Discover the seabed off Fanfan Beach (on the western part of the island) while snorkeling; 
• Laze around and swim in the crystal-clear waters protected by the coral reef at Fifi Beach, not far from the port of Beauséjour, at Petite-Rivière Beach in the east of the island, or at Souffleur Beach.
• Set off on a brisk walk to the Notre-Dame du Calvaire Chapel in Beauséjour, an ideal viewpoint complete with an orientation table. 
• Stroll among a collection of cacti at the Desert Botanical Garden. The English head cactus is the island's most iconic species, among the 800 species found on La Désirade. 
• Take the Pointe Doublé trail (allow 2 hours). You will pass the island's old weather station, the Pointe Doublé lighthouse, a marine cemetery, and the remains of a cotton mill. 
• Encounter iguanas from the Lesser Antilles and agoutis; 
• Discover the island's crafts, including workshops on indigo-based vegetable dyes, soap making, and semi-precious stone cutting.
• Choose between horseback riding, kayaking, or paddleboarding;
• Try all the recipes made with cashews, the iconic fruit of La Désirade. Candied cashews are a specialty, as is olive punch.
• Put on your walking shoes and explore one of the three main trails: the East Coast Trail, the River Trail, and the North Trail through the Great Ravine.  

La Désirade also includes the two islets of Petite-Terre, including Terre-de-Haut, which is open to visitors. The islet is populated by green iguanas, anoles, and skinks, while the coral reefs and seagrass beds in the sea are a haven for lemon sharks, rays, and turtles. 

Several authorized tour operators offer day trips to discover this little eco-tourism paradise. This is an opportunity to choose a sailing trip for a fully sustainable experience. 

Discover Les Saintes by sailboat 

Opposite the town of Trois-Rivières on Basse-Terre, Les Saintes is a small archipelago of two large islands and three small islets that is particularly popular with local and foreign visitors. It must be said that one of the bays of Les Saintes has been recognized as one of the most beautiful by UNESCO!

To discover it for yourself and prolong the wonder, you can sail across to Terre-de-Haut, one of the two towns that make up Les Saintes. 

What to do in Les Saintes? 

• Rent a scooter or electric bike to get around;
• Discover the history of the island at Fort Napoleon, stroll through the botanical garden, and take the opportunity to take photos of the bay.
• Eat a tourment d'amour, a jam-filled pastry that is the island's specialty;
• Swimming and snorkeling at Pompierre Beach, Anse Rodrigue, Pain de Sucre, and Anse Crawen;
• Discover the Lynndy shipwreck about 50 meters from Anse Mire beach;
• Try kitesurfing on Grande Anse beach, which is also frequented by sea turtles during the nesting season.
• Go diving in Terre-de-Bas, the second municipality, which is much less crowded;
• Hiking on one of the marked trails in Terre-de-Bas (Cliff Trail, Upper Pond Trail, Lower Pond Trail, Hill Trail);
• Climb the hill called Le Chameau to enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Basse-Terre part of Guadeloupe, the island of Marie-Galante, Îlet à Cabrits, Grand Îlet, and the neighboring English-speaking island of Dominica.
• Sail to Cabrits Island, enjoy the view from Fort Josephine, and stroll between the various beaches and headlands (Anse Sous le Vent, Anse Bananier, and Anse du Petit Etang beaches; Pointes à Cabrits, Pointes de Sable, and Pointes de Bombarde).

Sailing getaway in Marie-Galante 

After sailing for two to three hours from Saint-François or Sainte-Anne, you can dock on the large island known as Marie-Galante. 

What to do in Marie-Galante? 

• When you arrive in Grand-Bourg, take a look at the many street art murals that decorate the walls of this small town. 
• Learn about the island's traditions and its history of slavery at theHabitation Murat eco-museum. The Habitation was once the largest sugar cane plantation in the archipelago. 
• Attempting to photograph all the windmills that give Marie-Galante its name of "Island of 100 Windmills"; 
• Sample one of the rums produced on the island at one of the three distilleries: the Bielle distillery with its pottery workshops and cake and pastry sellers; the Bellevue distillery with its beautifully restored mill, the only eco-positive distillery in the entire Caribbean region; and the Poisson-Père Labat distillery. 
• Relax on one of the magnificent beaches with turquoise waters: Feuillère Beach in Capesterre, Grand-Bourg Beach, Canot Cove, Folle Cove, Moustique Cove, Bambou Cove, and May Cove in Saint-Louis.
• Find a vendor selling cow dung for a snack, a typical Marie-Galante pastry made with battery syrup. 
• Take a pedal boat ride to immerse yourself in the ecosystem of the Vieux-Fort mangrove swamp.
• Take a stroll along one of Marie-Galante's nine hiking trails, including the Grand-Bourg coastal trail, the Chemin des Galeries, or the Murat trail.
• Marvel at the seabed at the island's ten or so diving spots; 
• Get your fill of thrills at Gueule Grand Gouffre, a natural hole in the cliff that offers a breathtaking view of the waves crashing inside the rock;
• Attend one of the famous ox-pulling competitions, which are usually held on weekends; 
• Enjoy a ride in an ox cart;
• Take a trip to Habitation Roussel Trianon at the end of the day to enjoy the sunset over its ruins. 

As you can see, with all this to do, you will need more than a day in Marie-Galante to discover all the island has to offer.

Wonderful sailing trips await you, allowing you to discover and rediscover the islands of the Guadeloupe archipelago in a new light. Don't hesitate to book an excursion with an experienced and environmentally conscious provider for 100% eco-friendly boat trips and stays. 

Article written by : Axelle DORVILLE