The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin coast of Guadeloupe
With its large archipelago, Guadeloupe (or rather the islands of Guadeloupe) offers wonderful opportunities for sailing between the islands and along the entire coastline of Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre on the butterfly-shaped island. To the north, the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin is a magnificent lagoon that is well worth discovering and exploring by sailboat, for eco-friendly trips that respect the marine ecosystems.
What is the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin?
15,000 hectares: that's a huge area, and it's the size of this large lagoon located between the north of Basse-Terre and the west of Grande-Terre in Guadeloupe. The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin (GCSM) is bordered by the municipalities of Sainte-Rose, Le Lamentin, Baie-Mahault, Les Abymes, Morne-à-l'eau, and Petit Canal.
The lagoon is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, islets (Carénage, Crabière, Blanc, la Biche, Colas, Duberran, Caret, Fajou, Christophe, Rat, Macou, Mangue à Laurette), mangrove areas, swamp forests, grassy marshes, and more. It is a marine area worth discovering and protecting! It is also recognized as a Biosphere Reserve and is part of the Guadeloupe National Park.
What can you see in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin?
Sailing in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin offers a wide range of possibilities. The lagoon has no fewer than 10 islets, each with its own distinct character.
- Macou Island, the easternmost island, is a small strip of wooded land mainly occupied by a coconut grove, a mangrove area, and populated by hermit crabs. A pontoon allows visitors to dock there, with the main attraction being a chapel dedicated to Notre Dame de la Garde, accessible in about fifteen minutes via a footpath.
- Literally with its feet in the water, La Biche islet is essentially a fishermen's shelter surrounded by crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The shelter is open to everyone, for lunch in the shade but always with your feet in the water!
- A small island of white sand, the well-known Caret Islet has long been a must-see destination for GCSM visitors. However, its size has been considerably reduced by natural erosion and human activity. Landing on the island is strictly prohibited until the end of 2024, as a revegetation project is underway.
- Îlet Blanc is a nesting site for terns, which can be observed from a distance.
Underwater, as one might imagine thanks to the coral reef stretching over 30 km, the GCSM is teeming with marine flora and fauna: nearly 90 species of algae, around 100 species of sponges, gorgonians, and corals, and over 200 species of fish, to name but a few.
However, scuba diving is only permitted at the Colas pass site. Fortunately, a mask and snorkel will suffice most of the time to discover the richness of the GCSM's seabed. The shipwreck and starfish sites are beautiful snorkeling spots, as are the seagrass beds of Caret Islet.
To splash around and have a drink in the middle of the lagoon, head to the shallow area known as La Piscine (similar to Joséphine's bathtub in Martinique). And for a little more exercise, the shallow waters of the lagoon are ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding.
What are the regulations in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin?
The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin is part of Guadeloupe National Park, which is responsible for its protection. Several rules must be followed in order to preserve the lagoon's magnificent ecosystems:
- Respect animals and plants (no disturbance, no hunting or fishing, no picking or trampling);
- Avoid jet skiing;
- Do not use drones without special authorization.
Choosing an eco-tourism operator will allow you to enjoy a beautiful day in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, with minimal impact on its landscapes and species. For example, a respectful professional will not offer to visit the Carénage, Christophe, and Fajou islets, which are off-limits because they are turtle nesting sites.
Enjoy exploring the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin!
Article written by: Axelle Dorville
