Guadeloupe is not just a destination for yachting; it's also a place steeped in history and culture. It was in 1493 that Christopher Columbus landed here on his second voyage to the Caribbean. In homage to the Virgin of Guadalupe, protector of sailors, he named the island Guadeloupe, a name that has become synonymous with beauty and maritime traditions. Located in the heart of the West Indies, between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic, the island offers a wealth of spectacular scenery and heavenly anchorages. In this final episode of our series dedicated to sailing destinations in the Antilles, we invite you to discover the island's anchorages and activities that will delight yachtsmen in search of adventure and relaxation.
Must-see anchorages and marinas
From December to March, Guadeloupe enjoys optimal weather conditions for yachtsmen. Mild temperatures and steady trade winds make sailing a real pleasure. Here are some of the island's most popular stopover sites.
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Anse Deshaies
This peaceful haven in the heart of Basse-Terre offers the perfect haven for yachtsmen, with its sandy and rocky seabed ideal for secure anchoring. Once anchored, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding green mountains. The site is also perfect for underwater exploration, thanks to its rich flora and fauna. Nearby, Malendure beach, famous for its Cousteau reserve, offers the perfect opportunity to deepen this experience
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Bas-du-Fort Marina
The Marina de Bas-du-Fort, between Pointe-à-Pitre and Le Gosier, is a popular stopover for yachtsmen, with 1300 berths and a full range of services. Divided into 23 quays, it also offers 45 berths on buoys. The port is a veritable nerve center for yachtsmen, with a local fleet and charter boats. Although the site is very busy, it remains an ideal refuge for boats in transit. Nearby is the Îlet du Gosier for a more peaceful stopover. With its sand and seaweed beds, it offers a good anchorage despite some turbulence caused by passing speedboats and jetskis. Accessible by dinghy, the site is also popular for its local snack bar.
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Saint-François Marina
The Marina de Saint-François, located on the east coast, boasts 220 berths for boats up to 16 m in length and 2.70 m draft. While access to the port requires a certain amount of vigilance due to the shallow depth of the channel, the marina makes up for this with a full range of services. The marina boasts a warm welcome and an ideal location close to shops and restaurants.
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Anse du Mancenillier
Protected from the prevailing winds, Anse du Mancenillier offers a safe anchorage with a sandy seabed around 5 meters deep. The idyllic setting, with its coconut-fringed beach and turquoise waters, is complemented by a coral reef that protects the cove from swells. Although access is easy, yachtsmen should beware of the reefs in the entrance channel.
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Anse de la Guérite
Anse de la Guérite, located to the northwest of Grand-Terre, boasts waters of exceptional color, ranging from deep blue to brilliant turquoise. This bay, well protected from northerly winds, has a sandy, rocky bottom at a depth of around 7 meters. This wild, little-visited site is a haven of tranquility.
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Baie Mahault
Baie Mahault, in the north of Guadeloupe, is particularly popular with sailors in search of serenity and disconnection. The nearby village, with the warm welcome of its inhabitants, adds to the local experience. Although the bay provides a stable anchorage, the water is slightly murky due to the muddy soil, and does not offer optimal visibility.
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Anse du Souffleur
Protected from the waves and prevailing winds, the Anse du Souffleur site guarantees a secure anchorage. An ideal place for swimming, it also appeals to beginner surfers. There's no shortage of activities, with local amenities. However, you'll need to be wary of the north-easterly swell, especially during periods of changing weather conditions.
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Anse de Sainte-Anne
Anse de Sainte-Anne, on the south coast of Grande-Terre, is a popular anchorage for yachtsmen and locals alike. The site offers favorable conditions for anchoring, with a sandy bottom. The Anse is accessible by dinghy, and yachtsmen can take advantage of the proximity of local restaurants and shops to enjoy a meal or organize their visit to the island.
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Îlet à Caret
Îlet à Caret, located in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, offers an idyllic landscape. However, anchoring here is limited due to the presence of protected seagrass beds, and mooring buoys are only available for small craft. In addition, access to the island is forbidden, and mooring rules are strictly enforced. This magnificent but fragile site requires careful navigation that respects local regulations to preserve its ecosystem.
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Pointe de la Saline
Pointe de la Saline, on the south coast of Grande-Terre, is a popular anchorage, particularly for activities such as kite-surfing and wingfoiling. The site is well protected from the swell by a wide coral plateau, making the calm water ideal for water sports. However, access is somewhat difficult, particularly due to the shallow depths (between 1 and 3 meters), and it is recommended to anchor south-west of Le Diamant to avoid the waves.
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Sainte-Rose
The port of Sainte-Rose, north of Basse-Terre, has berths with electricity and water, as well as amenities such as showers and toilets. Visitors can also take advantage of fuel and Wi-Fi connections on the quayside. However, it should be noted that no businesses are currently listed in the immediate vicinity of the port. In terms of anchorages, several interesting options are available in the vicinity, including Anse Deshaies and Plage Bosco, two of the region's most popular anchorages.
The warm welcome and rich culture of Guadeloupe
Beyond the anchorages and landscapes, Guadeloupe offers a warm welcome to yachtsmen. Whether you're an experienced sailor or a sailing enthusiast, the island abounds in opportunities to discover its Creole culture, gastronomy and traditions. Local markets, Creole restaurants and music festivals make it a lively and bustling place to take a break.
On land, yachtsmen can enjoy a wide range of activities. The Guadeloupe National Park, with its active volcano, La Soufrière, and its tropical forests, is a must for hikers.
The island also boasts an abundance of white sandy beaches and surrounding islands such as Les Saintes and Marie-Galante, ideal for sailing excursions.
