Guadeloupe with neighbouring Islands sample itinerary

This is a sample itinerary. Weather or other outside factors may mean that your captain sets an alternative course.

Guadeloupe is located in the eastern Caribbean, it is a wonderful butterfly-shaped island with adjoining Islands, Petit Terre, Les Saintes, and Marie-Galante to name a few. Its 530 square miles encompass dramatic rain forests, towering waterfalls, magnificent beaches, picturesque villages and world-class diving. Guadeloupe itself is made up of two islands connected by two bridges over the river Salée. The Island is known for its white sand beaches, rolling hills, cane fields and resort areas. The friendly West Indian hospitality and delicious local and French cuisine enhance the natural wonders of Guadeloupe.

The Saints, belonging to Guadeloupe, are a cluster of mid-sized to small islands some five miles south of Guadeloupe. The Saints have a feeling of being a French Bequia – a unique paradise to enjoy. Strolling down the “main” road (where there may be only about 5 vehicles!) the view offers colourful tiny shops and cosy restaurants, which parallels the anchorage, small fishing boats pulled up along the beach, folks playing boules by the sailing club or relaxing under the Almond trees watching the world go by. A lovely highlight along our route.

Saturday

Boarding at 5 pm. Enjoy a refreshing Welcome cocktail. After dinner, enjoy a relaxing time onboard or head off to sample the French flavours of the quaint Marina Bas-du-Fort.

Sunday

Following breakfast, our adventure is ready to commence. We first head up past the city of Point a Pitre, then north through the unique salt water mangroves of River Salee, the body of water which separates the two “butterfly wings” of Guadeloupe. The river has two bridges to pass through and we’ll fit nicely underneath. The bird life along the channel is impressive, you’ll be able to spot heron, egrets and kingfishers to name a few. In the mangroves you’ll see crabs running all over. As we arrive on the northern opening the waters changes colour and an amazing vast turquoise sea enfolds on our way to a fabulous away-from-it-all anchorage of Ilet a Care. This tiny sandy Island is covered in palm trees and surrounded by reefs. There are several thatch shelters to sit under, sipping an ice cold beverage and admiring the impressive back drop of the mountainous Island of Guadeloupe. Lunch is served here and a lazy afternoon of relaxation, tranquillity and watersports is on the books.

Late afternoon will see us moving along the north west coast to the little picturesque fishing village of Deshaies. Here you will also find a tropical river and a spectacular Botanical Garden. The anchorage is set in a deep bay protected by hills and mountains. Dinner is served here and a good nights rest is in store.

Monday

After breakfast we set course for the Pigeon Islands and the famous Jacques Cousteau Underwater Park. One of the top 10 dive locations in the world. Snorkelling and scuba diving here is simply excellent. Rocks, cliffs, corals of all types, octopus, brightly coloured fish, its all here for you to enjoy. The two little islands offer a small beach, so if you want to explore, feel free to take the kayak on a little excursion alternatively swim to laze on the secluded little beach.

A delicious lunch is served and time for some more snorkelling before heading further south in the mid afternoon, along the majestic coastline of Guadeloupe to your left. Our next port of call are the magnificent and irresistible group of islands with idyllic Gallic charm called Iles des Saintes. Mountains climb to over 1000 feet and white sandy beaches abound, it is bound to be love at first sight. Enjoy the vista from your yacht and a refreshing cocktail while the sun sets and yet another mouth watering evening meal is prepared by your wonderful crew.

Tuesday

We’ll reposition the yacht for a wonderful day of swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving behind 'Pain a Sucre', a 200-foot mini-piton, which is joined to the main Island. Here, you will find an exquisite beach with picturesque abundance of palm trees. The underwater life is bright and colourful. The bay also provides a perfect place to use as a base for those who want to do some land based exploring. There is a track that leads up to the main road and a nice hike up to Le Chameau, to the old lookout tower at the top. In the other direction, past Le Bois Joli, is a small secluded beach. There are other hikes too numerous to mention here but if it sounds appealing to you, then do bring along good shoes as well as your camera for the grand views are breathtaking and well worth recording. Just in time for sunset we will head back towards the main anchorage at the Saintes. The little French fishing village of Bourg des Saintes is an adorable seaside town, sparkling clean and picturesque. Flowers grow in abundance and no one is in a hurry. It offers a gastronomic experience with several restaurants to choose from. This evening we dine ashore.

Wednesday

After breakfast we set off on the journey to the unspoiled heaven of the thickly wooded and green Island of Marie Galant. In the olden days some 600 sail-driven windmills ground sugar cane, nowadays you’ll be able to spot around 70 of those and although none are commercially used you’ll still see ox-drawn carts hauling some cane from the one old fashioned working mill, for visitors to enjoy. If you fancy, there are flat hiking trails all over the Island. There are several anchorages around this large Island. One of them is the Saint Louis bay, where the water is so spectacular and clear that you can see starfish over the side in the moonlight. Another anchorage is at the mile-long beach at Pointe de Folie Anse.Off this beautiful island which is fringed by palm trees we arrange cocktails and snacks on the beach and enjoy watching the sunset after another perfect day.

Thursday

Today we continue our wonderful journey to Iles de la Petite Terre, two uninhabited green islands, protected by reef. The whole area is a securely protected marine park. The colours of the water is incredible, ranging from turquoise to azure to aquamarine, all shades. Snorkelling is superb. This Island is truly one of the most beautiful places in the whole of the Caribbean. Enjoy! By the late afternoon we will likely have these gems all to ourselves, relishing in another perfect Caribbean stargazing evening.

Friday

After a scrumptious breakfast its time to head back towards the south east coast of Guadeloupe and the lovely coastal town of Saint Francois. The relaxed and uncrowded beaches makes it an ideal spot to stop off at. Lunch is served here. In the late afternoon as the sun is starting to set, we head back to our base at Marina Bas-du-Fort a very pleasant full service marina, arriving back just in time for some mouth watering cocktails. Dinner ashore at the marina is promising to be entertaining with many good restaurants to choose from. Work up an appetite by strolling around and enjoying the West Indian French atmosphere.