From underwater selfies in the Cousteau Marine Reserve to the 2000ft tip of La Soufriere volcano, this is an island of opportunity for first-time and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Snorkellers and divers are guaranteed spectacular sights every time in the warm, clear waters fringed with mangroves, cliffs, coves and coral reef. This Sailing Holidays Guadeloupe offers sandy beaches of many different colours: Grande-Terre is the picture postcard white sand beach with palm trees; the Leeward coast has golden brown sand and there’s black sand from the volcano on the west end of Basse Terre. Hop and stop around islands of African, European and East Indian culture, taking in the whole world on a short one week Sailing Holidays Guadeloupe. The carnival spirit is alive and well every day in these lively islands, with or without festivals.
Your journey will start at the Marina Bas du Fort. In this marina there are numerous Restaurants and Bars to spend a well-deserved first night with creole food and music.
Heading 19NM east towards “Marie Galante” this is one of the toughest sails for this week as the prevailing ESE winds will force you to tack your way up to the little fishing village named St Louis. Around Marie Galante you can snorkel in different spots in water full of tropical fishes of all colors and sizes. Care should be taken of the bouys and lobster pots which the local fisherman have placed everywhere around the island.
Spend the day exploring Marie Galante and its beautiful beaches and anchorages.
Heading west to the archipelago of “Les Saintes”, where you can find a good number of anchorages and the natural harbor. This is a historical site because the entire fleet of Admiral de Grasse, consisting of over 35 Ships, anchored here before his defeat by the British admiral Rodney in 1782. First stop in Les Saintes should be ‘le bourg”t where you can find moorings, wreck and a beautiful village with numerous little restaurants and bars.
Spend a day exploring Les Saintes by scooter, bus or foot! Don’t miss “le fort Napoleon” and the beach of “Pompierre”.
Spend the nexts day exploring the “Ilet du Gosier”, a little sandy island full of vegetation which is surrounded by a large coral reef.