Sailboat Charter in Guadeloupe

Essential Islands You Should Visit When Sailboat Charter in Guadeloupe

Terre-de-Haut

Things to know: This island was first discovered and named by Christopher Columbus in 1493, he named this easternmost island in the Îles des Saintes "Petite Martinique." The named was changed to Terre-de-Haut later. The island is a part of the archipelago of Guadeloupe. Many islands surround Terre-de-Haut, which makes here a great location to explore different islands. It was a long-time strategic island from a military point of view. Today it becomes the most visited place of the archipelago. Because the island is relatively rocky and hilly, so few slaves were brought here. The most population you will see here are the descendent of Bretons and Normans.
How to get there: The best way to achieve there is by water. There is a tiny airport on Terre-de-Haut, but it only takes charted flights from elsewhere in Guadeloupe. If you charter a sailboat in Guadeloupe, you won't be worried about the transportation at all.
What to visit: With its beautiful multicolored houses, its small fishing port or its majestic Fort Napoleon, visitors can witness the turbulent history of Guadeloupe. The first inhabitants, Bretons and Normans have established a long tradition of fishing in canoes called "Saintoises" which continues and makes it a signature tradition of the island.
Make sure to have a taste of the famous sugar loaf of Terre-de-Haut, it is good enough to be considered as the seventh wonder of the world. The subtle cupcake stuffed with coconut called "torment of love" is another sinful delicious treat. If you are seeking calm, authenticity, and local products, Terre-de-Haut is the place to be!

Basse-Terre

Things to know: Don't be tricked by its name, even though it means "the low land," but this island boasts the active La Soufrière volcano and some other peaks. As one of the butterfly-shaped islands of Guadeloupe, Basse-Terre is the most dynamic place so far. Apart from the lush rainforests, you will find yourself in countless golden beaches, and the best dive sites in the Caribbean. The city of Basse-Terre is the administrative capital of Guadeloupe, yet it's the second biggest city after Pointe-à-Pitre.
How to get there: You can charter a sailboat in Guadeloupe and sail to here of course! But most tourists achieve there by car. It is easy to rent a car at the airport in Grande-Terre, and drive through one of the two road bridges that connect the two islands.
What to visit: Climb the Soufrière, marvel at sunset at Deshaies, discover the clues of Amerindians ancestors... Basse-Terre has so much to offer! Guadeloupe's only national park is located in Basse-Terre. With its impressive thick forest, cascades, and rivers, it is a great location to admire the emerging La Soufrière while taking a hike. Basse-Terre, above all, is also every adventurer's dream! Here allows you to swim under a waterfall, hide behind huge foliage, and make you live like Tarzan for one day by jumping through the forests.
The local products that you will discover in Basse-Terre will keep your taste buds forever awake. Cocoa, coffee, vanilla... you can find them on each steep slope. You can join a tour to observe the production process, you will have a chance to see how they preserve the traditions of the islands of Guadeloupe.

La Désirade

Things to know: Put your suit and tie away and come enjoy the total disconnection from the world on the Island of La Désirade. The island is at the eastern end and away from the butterfly-shaped main Island of Guadeloupe, it rests approximately 8 km off the coast of Grande-Terre. Geologically, La Désirade is the oldest island in the Lesser Antilles. Its most aged rocks are 145 million years old. Buying jewelry and souvenirs on La Désirade is a good idea since it has its own lapidary.
From Notre Dame du Calvaire, you will have a breathtaking view of the Pointe des Châteaux. At Pointe Doublé, you will feel like alone at the end of the world.
How to get there: La Désirade is only accessible by water. Sailboat charter in Guadeloupe and sail from St-François to La Désirade. It's only 45 minutes navigating, so it's perfect for a day trip.
What to visit: If you visit the island in August, don't miss out the annual Sailors' Commemorative Ceremony. All the people from Guadeloupe and France will gather here and enjoy the festival. Even though the festival is just for one day, which is the 16th of August, but parades and parties are held serval days ahead and after the festival. La Désirade is in a primitive state, it presents an excellent opportunity to see different and uncommon wildlife.