GUADELOUPE
Truly the French West Indies, the Guadeloupean Islands are ‘blessed by the gods’. Prevailing Caribbean trade winds makes this a first class sailing destination.
Here you will find, turquoise waters in all shades imaginable, Islands in the archipelago such as The Saints, Marie Galante and Petite Terre, all invite to discovery and exploration. Snorkeling and scuba diving in this breathtaking paradise is a most enjoyable pastime.
All this sheer beauty coupled with the French touches and friendly inhabitants makes your Guadeloupe adventure a trip of a lifetime!
Here is sample itinerary of what you may expect while enjoying a sailing vacation with TradeWinds in Guadeloupe. 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.
Boarding is at 5 pm. Feel free to check in and drop off your luggage during the day and enjoy the local marina area. Enjoy a refreshing Welcome cocktail as you step onboard. After dinner, enjoy a relaxing time onboard or head off to sample the French flavours of the quaint Marina Bas-du-Fort.
Following breakfast, our adventure continues. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Guadeloupe (pronounced Gwa de lu p) is an archipelago located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 17 degrees north of the equator. To the south are Dominica and Martinique, to the north, Antigua and to the north west, Montserrat. Guadeloupe has a land area of 1,628 square kilometres (629 sq. mi). As part of France, Guadeloupe is part of the European Union; hence, as for most EU countries, its currency is the Euro. However, Guadeloupe does not fall under the Schengen Agreement.
Pointe a Pitre Airport (airport code: PTP) is the point of entry for visitors arriving by air to Guadeloupe. There are both direct flights and connections from North America and from Europe.
The easiest way to come from USA is via San Juan (PR) with American Airlines flights (daily or twice a day) and non stop flights from Montreal, there is also an Air France flight from Miami 3 times a week.
American Airlines
(800) 433-7300
(268) 462-0950
www.aa.com
Air Canada
(800) 422-6232
(268) 462-1147
www.aircanada.com
Air France
Tel. +33 (0) 1 41 56 78 00
www.airfrance.fr
Air Caraibes Paris
Tel. 0820 835 835
www.aircaraibes-usa.com
Air France
Tel. +33 (0) 1 41 56 78 00
www.airfrance.fr
Corsair
Tel. 0 820 042 042
www.corsair.fr
It is advisable to bring a change of clothes and toiletries in your hand luggage. If your luggage got lost enroute it will not be able to be delivered to you until days later.
To get to the Marina take a taxi from the airport. The drive will take 5 to 10 minutes.
There is a taxi station at the airport, however, we can arrange a taxi for you to meet you as you come into the arrivals hall. The taxis do accept US dollars, but the exchange rate is not favourable, hence carrying Euro for taxis is recommended.
Take the taxi to Marina Bas du Fort, at Pointe à Pitre. The taxi can drop you at the Capitainerie or at the Tourism Office. We are located just in front of dock number 9.
If you experience delays and you feel that you cannot get to the base in time then please call 05 90 90 16 81 (local) / + 590 901 681 (international) leaving your name(s) and a short description of the problem along with contact details for where you are.
Your charter ends, after a delightful breakfast, on Saturday at 9 am. Your yacht will have arrived on the dock from Friday evening so if an early flight or ferry on your schedule, then our office can book a taxi service for you on Saturday morning. There is no airport departure tax to pay when leaving Guadeloupe.
See our further information section for information on visas, currency, weather and more.
Updated April 2012
Guadeloupe is an all-year destination, with temperatures ranging between 28°C and 31°C (82F - 88F).
Water temperature is steady year round and averages 28°C (81°F) so no need for divers to bring wetsuits.
Please pack as lightly as you can. Most of our guests wear only a fraction of what they bring! All you really need are shorts, tee shirts and beachwear. In addition to this perhaps something a little more dressy for the two evenings you will be dining ashore. Soft luggage is preferable if you have it. We have some limited storage onshore for your empty bags, but please bring as little as you are comfortable with. Between meals, fresh fruit is available. If you like to eat more between meals, please feel free to bring snacks with you.
You only need sandals or other shoes for the nights on shore as you will be barefoot whenever you are aboard. Bring your sneakers if you want to go for a run, there are several good opportunities for a nice run!
You will be around water for the week. If you are concerned about getting your purse, wallet or watch wet, bring a small dry bag. These can be purchased from sports and outdoor vendors. Some of them roll up and trap the air inside which has the added benefit of making the bag float.
All of our yachts have a fishing rod onboard - we usually troll a line when sailing from island to island and will often catch yellow fin, wahoo, mahi-mahi or similar ...... which might become lunch or dinner! Maybe even Sushi or Sashimi!
We strongly advise that all guests cruising with us have fully comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all eventualities such as hotel accommodation, lost baggage, changes to flights etc.
Please read our travel insurance recommendations for more information.
Both the island and the boat is 220 volts.
Official currency is the Euro. Travelers checks and major credit cards are welcome everywhere.
All major French banks including BNP, Société Générale, Credit Agricole are in Guadeloupe. Cash machines (ATM's) are commonplace and dispence cash in Euro. Banking hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm.
If you wish to stay for one or more days prior to sailing we recommend the La Toubana or La Creole Beach Hotel.
All visitors to Guadeloupe must have an onward or return ticket. Citizens of United States, Canada and European Union do not require a visa to enter Guadeloupe and must travel on a VALID PASSPORT valid for 3 months BEYOND your last day of stay.
For anyone not included above, you will need a visa. Please contact your nearest French Consulate.
Service charge and taxes are always included, tips are not.
Updated April 2012