Guadeloupe comprises of more than twelve islands where landscapes beautifully switch from uninhabited beaches to sky-scraping mountains.
At the heart of Guadeloupe are the islands of Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre – connected by two bridges that arch over a mangrove swamp. Together these islands form the shape of a butterfly – nature’s nod to the extensive, diverse and intriguing wildlife. With all Guadeloupe has to offer, these islands have unsurprisingly come to be known as “Pearl of the French-Caribbean”.
The section between the two central islands of Guadeloupe is the Riviera Salée, which can be explored by shallow draft boat (generally boats that have a 6ft (1.8m) draft can navigate through, though they may need to plough through the soft mud of the swamp.
Since Guadeloupe has been the crossing line for numerous transatlantic races, sailors can look forward to excellent yachting facilities throughout Guadeloupe, with numerous marinas and extensive repair and service facilities.
Key anchorages/marinas in Guadeloupe
Sud Ancrage Marina, Saint Charles: A busy and feature-rich marina, Sud Ancrage can be found in Saint Charles, a location in Guadeloupe that is an ideal starting point for wandering off into the tropical forest and hiking up the volcanic La Soufrière.
Marina Bas-du-Fort, Nor Pointe-à-Pitre: Located close to the township of Pointe-à-Pitre, the Marina Bas-du-Fort is welcoming to all pleasure crafts and open all day and night. Services include car rentals, a postal service, technical help, phone booths and weather updates. Despite Pointe-à-Pitre lacking the typically beauty and charm of Guadeloupe (which is instead replaced by harsh architecture, declining houses and significant congestion, it is a practical location – at the centre of Guadeloupe, and indeed convenient for the remaining West Indies. A key attraction in Pointe-à-Pitre is the new museum that’s dedicated to slavery and colonialism.
Yacht charters in Guadeloupe – exploring the coastline.
Guadeloupian sands span from tropical ebony to glaring white – with the occasional beach where you’ll discover rich, golden brown sands (such as the beaches found on the leeward side); one beach to buck all trends is Base Terre – where black sand contrasts against the universally turquoise waterline. Fishing is commonplace around the coast, with tradesmen as familiar as the beautiful coral formations that hug the shoreline.
For calm swims and sailing, choose to explore the south coast, which is better sheltered and warmer than those that are not sheltered from the Atlantic.
For experiencing the Caribbean of old, consider the offshore isles of Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and La Désirade – where little has changed, even over the course of many decades.
Hike up volcanic mountains – a particular favourite being the La Soufriere. Explore history at the Ecomusee de Marie Galante, Grand Bourg – a museum that covers five sites of historical importance – showcasing the diversity and heritage of Marie Galante.
Your yacht charter from Guadeloupe will offer more than enough variety to absorb sailing and kicking back here.
However, for those with 9-14 days vacation time available and an adventurous spirit, you can choose a one way charter to Antigua, St Kitts and Saba. A yacht charters in Guadeloupe can offer you a one way to Nature’s Island, Dominica, continuing on to Martinique and St Lucia before handing the yacht back to a delivery skipper and flying home. This is the stuff of dream sailing holidays.