Guadeloupe
France (Overseas Region)
French Caribbean culture, excellent cuisine, and diverse landscapes from rainforest to beaches. Popular stop for provisioning French wines and cheeses.
About Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is a French Caribbean archipelago that surprises every sailor who makes the passage south from Antigua. It's simultaneously tropical Caribbean and unmistakably French — the baguettes are fresh-baked, the wine selection is superb, and the cuisine is a delicious fusion of French technique and Caribbean ingredients.
The main island is shaped like a butterfly, with two distinct halves joined at the centre. Grande-Terre is flatter, with more tourist infrastructure, while Basse-Terre is dominated by the Soufrière volcano and the Route de la Traversée — a spectacular drive through primary rainforest. La Soufrière (1,467m) is still active but safe to hike.
The real hidden gem of Guadeloupe is Les Saintes (Îles des Saintes) — a tiny French archipelago 30 minutes south of the main island with a near-perfect harbour, excellent restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels like a Breton fishing village dropped into the tropics.
Must-See Attractions
La Soufrière Volcano
Hike to the steaming summit of the active volcano — the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles.
Chutes du Carbet
Three dramatic waterfalls cascading down the flanks of Basse-Terre into rainforest pools.
Marché Saint-Antoine
Pointe-à-Pitre's main market — the best place to stock up on French provisions, spices, and local rum.
Sailing Route from Antigua
Course
195° magnetic from St. John's Harbour
Waypoints
- 1Clear Antigua's SE coast past Willoughby Bay
- 2Steer to leave La Désirade (E Guadeloupe) to port
- 3Enter through Passe du Nord between Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre
Hazards & Notes
- • Strong currents between the islands
- • La Désirade — stay clear of the shoals on its W tip
- • Check French clearance procedures before arrival
Timing Tip
Depart Antigua at dawn for an afternoon arrival in Guadeloupe
Anchorages & Marinas
Terre-de-Haut, Les Saintes
30–60 ftExcellent — near-perfect circular harbour
One of the most beautiful anchorages in the Caribbean. Busy in high season — arrive early. Dinghy to the town quay.
Deshaies Bay (Basse-Terre)
20–50 ftGood in N-E winds
Quiet bay on the NW coast. Used as a base for exploring the rainforest. Popular yacht stop.
Marinas
- Marina de Rivière Sens (Basse-Terre)
- Marina du Gosier (Grande-Terre)
- Terre-de-Haut (Les Saintes)
Insider Tips
Stock up on French wine, cheeses, charcuterie and condiments — quality is high and prices reasonable
Les Saintes is the highlight of any Guadeloupe passage — anchor there first
Fuel up at the Gosier marina before departing south — next fuel south is Martinique
The French clearance app "Dema@t" can be used for electronic customs clearance before arrival