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 but a few. Its 530 square miles encompass dramatic rain forests, towering waterfalls, magnificent beaches, picturesque villages and world-class diving. Guadeloupe is really made up of two islands connected by two bridges over the "Rivière 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.
Les Saintes, belonging to Guadeloupe, are a cluster of mid-sized to small islands some five miles south of Guadeloupe. The Saintes 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 cozy restaurants. Parallel to the anchorage there are 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.
Cruising Day 1
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. Before sunset, we leave the marina for “Ilêts Cochons” anchorage in the protected Bay of Pointe à Pitre.
Cruising Day 2
Following breakfast, the adventure begins. Our first stop will be the small natural harbor of “Petit Havre”, where it’s time to jump in the water for a bit of snorkeling before lunch. Afterwards, we’ll head up to the pretty town of “Sainte Anne”, famous for its white sand beach, and the spectacular handicraft village and spices market. You will enjoy these Caribbean flavors!
Back on your yacht to enjoy the sunset over “Basse-Terre”, while sipping a cocktail.
Cruising Day 3
We head out after breakfast, in search of dolphins and whales as we make our way to the island of Marie-Galante - named after one of Christopher Columbus’ ships. We’ll be moored in the stunning bay of “Anse Canot”: snorkeling, diving, kayaking, stand up paddle-boarding and beach-combing are on the program! Aside from the island's obvious beach assets, Marie-Galante has remained rural, and lives in rhythm with the cultivation of sugar cane. The countryside is covered with ruffled sugar canes, with splashes of white. On the roads, during harvest time, you can frequently come across carts pulled along by oxen ..... on their way to one of the three distilleries: Bielle, Bellevue, or Poisson. We strongly recommend the tour of the distilleries. After your visit to the distillery, your boat will be waiting for you with, once again, cocktails & sunset waiting for you onboard...
Cruising Day 4
After a morning swim, we set sail to “Les Saintes”. Discovered by Christopher Columbus on “All Saints Day", this archipelago was the scene of many battles between the French and the English: a strategic site known as the "Gibraltar of Guadeloupe".
Anchored in this wonderful bay, we can go ashore and discover the little French fishing village of Bourg des Saintes, an adorable seaside town, sparkling clean and picturesque. Flowers grow in abundance and no one is in a hurry. A few things to do : Fort Napoleon, Pompiere Beach, and shopping!!
Cruising Day 5
We set sail after breakfast towards Ilets Pigeon, the home of the world-famous “Réserve Cousteau”, a diving and snorkeling paradise. On our way there we sometimes stop in one of the many gorgeous bays for lunch: maybe Anse à la Barque, Les “3 Tortues” or “Anse Bouillante”.
Once at Ilets Pigeon, snorkelers and divers get ready for one of the best sites in the Caribbean. We’ll use this evening to check all the fish species encountered during the day...
Cruising Day 6
After breakfast, we will sail back to Les Saintes, where we’ll moor the yacht for a wonderful day of swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving behind 'Pain de Sucre', a 200-foot mini-piton, which is joined to the main island. Here, you will find an exquisite beach, with a picturesque abundance of palm trees. The underwater life is bright and colorful. 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 hiking shoes, as well as your camera ... for the grand views are breathtaking and well worth recording.
Cruising Day 7
After a scrumptious early breakfast, its time to head back towards the center of Guadeloupe. We will stop at the beautiful “Gosier” island, where lunch is served. In the afternoon 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 promises to be entertaining, with many good restaurants to choose from. Work up an appetite by strolling around and enjoying the French West Indian atmosphere.
Departure Day
After a last tasty breakfast onboard, it is time to gather your belongings, as well as your wonderful memories of a week in this most beautiful environment. Before exchanging fond farewells, your crew will arrange transport to the airport. You will already be planning your next cruise with TradeWinds.
Share this luxury vacation
