This exotic destination is ideal for a boat cruise around the 7 islands of the Caribbean archipelago. We have prepared an itinerary for you in Guadeloupe. You are free to follow this boat route or take it as an inspiration to create your own.
The main island includes Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, which form the famous butterfly. Pointe-à-Pitre, the main marina and city of the archipelago, is located here. We advise you to start your cruise from this point. Easy to access, the port of Pointe-à-Pitre offers all the services and comforts necessary to prepare for your trip.
Rent a boat in Guadeloupe for having this incredible experience.
The must-sees :
- The beautiful beaches of Les Saintes, including the Plage du Pain de Sucre
- Visit the sugar canes and taste the famous rum of Marie Galante
- The fauna and flora of the islands of Petite Terre.
Day 1: Welcome to Pointe-à-pitre
Welcome to Pointe-à-Pitre! This city brings together people from all over the Caribbean and Europe. We suggest you stroll through the markets of the dock and Saint Antoine. The colours, the scents and the atmosphere make it a must for all visitors.
And if the city is not your thing, then we suggest you set sail for the islet of Gosier. Easily accessible by boat, and although very busy, expect to be amazed. A heavenly beach and multicoloured fish make this islet a postcard landscape.
Day 2: Pointe-à-pitre → Saintes archipelago
20 nautical miles, 4 hours of sailing
The second stage of this itinerary is Saintes archipelago, located about twenty nautical miles from Point-à-Pitre. Leave early in the morning to enjoy the two inhabited islands of this archipelago: Terre-de-bas and Terre-de-haut. It’s up to you to choose which one you want to visit!
Terre-de-haut is the closest island to Pointe-à-Pitre, and it is probably the one that will take you to the Saintes archipelago. This island is the most touristic of the Saintes and has one of the most beautiful bays in the world: La Plage de Pain de Sucre. Get your masks and flippers ready because a real aquarium awaits you: from rays to lobsters and multicoloured fish.
Day 3: Saintes archipelago → Marie-Galante
20 nautical miles, 4 hours of sailing
On the third day of this boat tour, set sail for Marie-Galante. 20 nautical miles separate you from this island famous for its rum and sugar cane. It is also the third-largest island in Guadeloupe.
From the Saintes, you will arrive via the town of Grand-Bourg. You can easily find a mooring in the harbour. If the anchorage in Grand-Bourg is not suitable for you, don’t waste time and anchor in Saint Louis.
Take the time to visit it.
In any case, don’t miss the “Gueule Grand Gouffre”, located north of Marie-Galante. It is a natural arch, sculpted by the sea. Luminous blue in calm seas, it is the perfect place to take beautiful photos.
Day 4: Marie-Galante → Petite-Terre
25 nautical miles, 5 hours of sailing
For the fourth day of this itinerary in Guadeloupe, head for Petite-Terre, a little corner of paradise. Turtles, sharks, rays and multicoloured fish await you in the translucent waters of this small island.
Although very popular, Petite-Terre remains a nature reserve. So remember to respect this idyllic place as much as possible. Once you have explored the turquoise waters of this reserve, set sail for La Désirade.
Day 5: Petite-Terre → La Désirade
7 nautical miles, 1 hour 20 minutes of sailing
This 5th stage in your Guadeloupe itinerary is one of the shortest on the circuit in terms of distance – only 7 nautical miles to reach port. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the wild and authentic destination, La Désirade.
A haven of peace, a little piece of paradise: there is no shortage of praise for this archipelago. You can explore the interior of the islands, on foot for the uninhabited ones or with the help of a scooter for the other. The few restaurants present will be a good way to enjoy a moment of comfort on this 15 km long island.
By the way, do you know the origin of the name La Désirade? According to legend, it was the first island to be spotted by the caravels during Christopher Columbus’ second voyage. La Désirade then represents the sailors’ desire to find dry land.
Day 6: La Désirade → Saint-François
13 nautical miles, 2.5 hours of sailing
The goal of this last stage is to sail to the town of Saint-François, one of the tourist centres of the butterfly. This town has skilfully blended modernity and authenticity. On one side, a fishing port gathers wooden houses and huts, centred around an old church. On the other side, a marina that is very lively in the evening and luxury hotels offer tourists numerous souvenir shops and typical restaurants.
Your Guadeloupe tour ends in Saint-François, with a head full of excellent memories. You can head back to Pointe-à-Pitre during the day or enjoy the late-night entertainment in the marina and sail the next day in the early hours.
Here you can find more itineraries
