Sailing Paradise: Exploring Guadeloupe's Coastal Charms
Discover Guadeloupe: Sail Away Bliss
Embark on a journey around Guadeloupe and its enchanting isles for a captivating Caribbean adventure. Explore pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush tropical landscapes. Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with colourful marine life or anchor at secluded coves for serene moments. With each island offering its unique charm, discover the allure of Guadeloupe's coastal wonders from the deck of your boat!
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Day 1: Marina Bas-du-Fort - Bourg des Saintes (21.5 nautical miles)
Begin your sailing journey strong by sailing to Bourg des Saintes, a charming village located on Terre-de-Haut Island in the archipelago of Les Saintes, which is part of Guadeloupe. Upon arrival explore the marina and port or visit Fort Napoléon, which offers stunning views of the surrounding island and the Caribbean Sea. Explore the fort's museum, which showcases the history of Les Saintes and provides insight into the island's military past. For lunch at one of the charming Creole restaurants. Indulge in local specialities such as accras (fish fritters), grilled lobster, or colombo (a spicy curry dish). Don't forget to try some refreshing ti'punch, a traditional Guadeloupean cocktail made with rum, lime, and cane sugar. Spend some time exploring the quaint streets of Bourg des Saintes. Admire the colourful Creole-style houses, browse local artisan shops for souvenirs, and soak up the laid-back atmosphere of the village. After your stroll, head to one of the nearby beaches to relax and soak up the sun. Plage de Pompierre is a beautiful sandy beach with calm waters, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. As the day winds down, enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant with stunning sunset views. End your day by stargazing, with minimal light pollution, Les Saintes offers excellent opportunities for observing the night sky and spotting constellations.
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Day 2: Bourg des Saintes - Îles des Saintes (6.5 nautical miles)
Continue your sailing itinerary to Terre-de-Bas, a beautiful island in the Guadeloupe archipelago known for its stunning beaches, hiking trails, and rich Creole culture. Start your day with a traditional Creole breakfast at a local café or on your boat, enjoying the views. Enjoy some fresh fruit, pastries, and perhaps a cup of coffee or tropical juice. After breakfast, embark on a hike to Grand-Anse Beach. The trail offers breathtaking views of the island's coastline and lush vegetation. Take your time to soak in the natural beauty and snap some photos along the way. Spend the mid-morning relaxing on the pristine sands of Grand-Anse Beach. Swim in the turquoise waters, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. You may also want to bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy by the shore. Enjoy the ocean breeze and panoramic views as you dine. In the afternoon, make your way to Fort Josephine, a historic fort overlooking the sea. Learn about the island's history and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area from this vantage point. Wrap up your day with dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savour more delicious Creole cuisine.
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Day 3: Les Saintes - Marie Galante (18 nautical miles)
Next set sail for the beautiful isle of Marie-Galante, anchor in Grand Bourg Anchorage. Commence the day at a local bakery to enjoy some freshly baked pastries and bread. After breakfast, take some time to relax and unwind at one of the nearby beaches. Grand Bourg is known for its stunning coastline, with pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. You can sunbathe, swim, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the shore. Head to a local restaurant in Grand Bourg to savour some authentic Creole cuisine. Indulge in local dishes such as Bokit (a local sandwich made with fried dough). Spend more time lounging by the ocean and enjoy the sun! After a day at the beach, choose a waterfront restaurant in Grand Bourg to enjoy fresh seafood dishes while overlooking the harbour. Savour grilled fish, lobster, or shrimp prepared with local spices and flavours, accompanied by a refreshing cocktail or a glass of rum punch. Stroll along the promenade by the harbour after dinner. Enjoy the gentle sea breeze and admire views of the boats bobbing in the harbour.
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Day 4: Marie Galante - Marina Saint Francois (23.5 nautical miles)
Depart from Grand Bourg and head to Saint Francois, stopping off at Saint-Louis on the way, an unforgettable stop on this sailing holiday in Guadeloupe. Explore the historic Fort Louis Delgrès, located near the town centre. This 18th-century fortress offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and provides insight into the island's colonial past. Take a self-guided tour of the fort and learn about its significance in the history of Guadeloupe. Then sail to Saint Francois, a commune located on the eastern side of the island of Guadeloupe. Visit La Pointe des Châteaux, which is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Guadeloupe. Enjoy a scenic hike along the rugged coastline, marvel at the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean Head back to Saint-François for lunch and indulge in some authentic Creole cuisine at a local restaurant. Try classic dishes like accras de morue (cod fritters), boudin (blood sausage), or grilled fish served with rice and plantains. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and relaxing on one of Saint-François' beautiful beaches. Plage des Raisins Clairs is a popular choice, known for its crystal-clear waters and golden sands. Take a leisurely swim, sunbathe, or simply unwind with a good book while enjoying the tropical surroundings. Wrap up your day with a dinner at one of the seafront restaurants.
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Day 5: Marina Saint Francois - Petite Terre - Saint Francois (20 nautical miles)
Spend a day at the nearby isle of Petite Terre in Guadeloupe. Upon arrival, take in the breathtaking views of the crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches. Spend some time simply relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun, and dipping your toes in the warm Caribbean Sea. Petite Terre is renowned for its incredible marine life and coral reefs. Strap on your snorkelling gear and explore the underwater world teeming with colourful fish, sea turtles, and other fascinating creatures. After a morning of adventure, find a shaded spot on the beach to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. Stroll along the island's trails to discover its unique flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for iguanas, seabirds, and other wildlife that call Petite Terre home. Head to the northern part of the island to visit the iconic lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of Petite Terre and the surrounding Caribbean Sea. Climb to the top for unparalleled photo opportunities and a glimpse into the island's maritime history. Return to Saint Francois and dine at a local waterfront restaurant.
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Day 6: Saint Francois - Gosier (14 nautical miles)
The last stop before heading back to the base is Gosier Isle. Head straight to Plage De L'ilet Du Gosier. Spend your morning relaxing on the golden sands, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or trying out some water sports activities like snorkelling or kayaking. After lunch, visit Îlet du Gosier Lighthouse and marvel at its beauty. Sail towards Gosier's main port and stop off at one of its pristine beaches Plage de la Datcha or Anse Tabarin. After a morning full of adventure and swimming enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the seafront restaurants. After lunch walk around the Parc Paysager du Calvaire. To end this beach-packed day, dine at a local restaurant or simply on the boat and watch the sun as it sets over the gorgeous coastline. Experience the vibrant nightlife of Le Gosier by visiting one of the local bars or nightclubs. Dance to Caribbean rhythms, sip on tropical cocktails, and mingle with locals and tourists alike.
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Day 7: Marinor Gosier - Marina Bas-du-Fort (3.5 nautical miles)
Finally, return back to base and enjoy your last moments at sea, start your day with a delicious breakfast at one of the charming cafes near Marina Bas-du-Fort. Enjoy some freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits, and a cup of rich Caribbean coffee. After breakfast wander along Bas-du-Fort Beach, which is just a short walk from the marina. Dip your toes in the crystal-clear waters or simply relax on the sandy shores while soaking up the sun. After your beach adventure, satisfy your appetite with a delicious seafood lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants near Marina Bas-du-Fort. Indulge in fresh-caught fish, lobster, or shrimp prepared fresh. In the afternoon visit the Aquarium de la Guadeloupe, located near Le Gosier Beach. Explore the diverse marine life of the Caribbean as you stroll through the aquarium's exhibits featuring colourful fish, sharks, turtles, and coral reefs. Spend some time browsing the shops and boutiques in La Pointe à Pitre, where you'll find a wide range of locally made crafts, artwork, and souvenirs. Don't forget to pick up some authentic spices or rum to take home with you. Disembark at the port in the evening and enjoy your last taste of the Caribbean!