Guadeloupe

Why go there?

Guadeloupe offers a captivating mix for yacht charterers. Explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes and waterfalls of Basse-Terre, part of the lush Guadeloupe National Park, with a hike up La Soufrière volcano. On Grande-Terre, discover pristine white-sand beaches like Plage de la Caravelle and the lively markets of Pointe-à-Pitre.

Don't miss a day trip to Les Saintes, a charming archipelago renowned for its picturesque bays (like Pain de Sucre) perfect for snorkeling and diving in the Cousteau Marine Reserve around Pigeon Island.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Creole culture, enjoy the lively music scene, and look out for the annual Fête des Cuisinières (Festival of Women Cooks) in August, a colorful celebration of Creole culinary traditions. Carnival is also a major annual event, usually held in February or March, with parades and festivities across the islands.

How to get there?

The main airport on the island is Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP), also known as Guadeloupe - Pôle Caraïbes Airport.

Scheduled flights arrive from:

• France (Paris): Main airlines include Air France and Air Caraïbes, and Corsair.
• North America (Miami, Montreal, New York): Airlines like Air France and American Airlines operate flights.
• Other Caribbean Islands: Regional airlines such as Air Antilles and St Barth Executive connect Guadeloupe to islands like Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy.

Approaching by yacht:

Sailing to Guadeloupe from other Leeward Islands involves open water passages. Here are approximate distances and average sailing times (assuming 5-7 knots average speed):

• USVI (St. Thomas/St. John): Approximately 220-250 nautical miles; 35-50 hours sailing time.
• BVI (Tortola): Approximately 230-260 nautical miles; 38-52 hours sailing time.
• Saint Martin (Simpson Bay): Approximately 120-130 nautical miles; 19-26 hours sailing time.
• Saint Barts: Approximately 110-120 nautical miles; 17-24 hours sailing time.
• Antigua: Approximately 40-50 nautical miles; 7-10 hours sailing time.

Sailing to Guadeloupe from the Northern Leeward Islands (USVI, BVI, St. Maarten, St. Barts) on a 7-day charter holiday is not recommended as a primary itinerary due to the significant sailing distances involved. The passage would consume too much of your limited time, leaving little for exploration.

To include Guadeloupe on a multi-island charter in the Leeward Islands from these northern islands, a minimum recommended duration of 10-14 days would be more appropriate to allow for comfortable sailing legs and sufficient time to explore. However, for a 7-day charter focused purely on the Southern Leeward Islands, sailing from Antigua to Guadeloupe is very feasible and highly recommended due to the short distance.

Marina facilities

Guadeloupe offers several well-equipped marinas, primarily concentrated around Pointe-à-Pitre and the southern coast of Grande-Terre. These facilities cater well to yachts up to 24 meters and larger.

Main Marinas:

• Marina Bas-du-Fort (Pointe-à-Pitre): This is one of the largest and most comprehensive marinas in Guadeloupe.
  • Services: Fuel, water, electricity, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, provisioning, repair services, chandleries, customs and immigration. It's a major base for charter companies.
  • Capacity: Accommodates vessels up to 40-50 meters (approx. 130-165 feet), with deeper drafts in certain areas.
• Guadeloupe Superyacht Docks (within Port of Pointe-à-Pitre): Specifically caters to larger yachts.
  • Services: Dedicated superyacht services, shore power, high-speed fueling, concierge services.
  • Capacity: Accommodates mega yachts 40 meters (131 feet) and above, with stern-to/Med-moor berths and alongside berths for vessels up to 150 meters LOA.
• Marina de Saint-François Located on Grande-Terre, a popular tourist area.
  • Services: Standard marina services including fuel, water, electricity, basic repairs, and proximity to resorts and restaurants.
  • Capacity: Accommodates yachts of various sizes, typically up to 25-30 meters.
• Marina de Deshaies (Basse-Terre): A charming and well-protected anchorage, with some marina facilities.
  • Services: Moorings, dinghy dock, water access, and proximity to shops and restaurants.
  • Capacity: Primarily known for its moorings and anchorage, but can accommodate smaller to medium-sized yachts.

What food to expect?

Guadeloupean cuisine is a delicious fusion of French, African, and Indian influences, creating vibrant Creole flavors. Look out for Accras (savory fritters, often codfish or shrimp), a perfect appetizer with a Ti' Punch. Colombo de poulet is a staple, a rich and aromatic chicken curry stew, often served with rice and plantains, a legacy of Indian indentured labourers. For street food, try Bokit, a popular fried bread sandwich filled with various meats, cheese, or vegetables. Seafood is abundant and fresh, with grilled fish, lobster, and conch widely available. Don't leave without tasting Tourment d'Amour, a sweet pastry from Les Saintes, typically filled with coconut.

For drinks, the local rhum agricole (agricultural rum, made directly from sugarcane juice) is a must-try, especially in a Ti' Punch (rum, lime, and cane sugar syrup). French wines are readily available and widely consumed.

Restaurants are generally accessible from the sea, especially in popular anchorages like Deshaies, Les Saintes, and around Pointe-à-Pitre. Quality ranges from casual "lolos" (beachside shacks) offering authentic local dishes to more upscale establishments providing refined French-Creole dining experiences. Many towns offer waterfront dining where you can dinghy directly to shore..

Provisioning advice

Guadeloupe, being an overseas department of France, benefits from French subsidies and a robust import system. This means that provisioning in Guadeloupe is generally excellent compared to many other Leeward Islands.

• Main Hubs (Pointe-à-Pitre, Le Gosier, Basse-Terre, Le Marin): You'll find large, well-stocked supermarkets (like Carrefour, Géant Casino, Super U, Leader Price) offering a wide range of French and international products, fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and wines at prices often comparable to or even cheaper than mainland France, and significantly less expensive than non-French Caribbean islands (like the BVI or USVI). There are also local markets for fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood.
• Less Developed Areas/Smaller Islands (Les Saintes, Marie-Galante): Provisioning will be more limited, primarily to small local shops and bakeries. It's best to stock up in the main towns before heading to these smaller islands.

The cost of living in Guadeloupe, particularly for groceries and wine, is generally lower than in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) or U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). If you’re planning a multi-island charter it is highly preferable to provision in Guadeloupe ahead of a yacht charter in the Leeward Islands, especially if your itinerary includes islands where provisioning might be more expensive or limited. You'll get better quality, wider selection, and more favorable prices for many items.

Language and currency

• Main Language: French is the official language. Guadeloupean Creole (a French-based Creole) is also widely spoken. English is understood in tourist areas, hotels, and major marinas, but it's appreciated if you try a few basic French phrases.
• Widely Accepted Currency: The official currency is the Euro (€), as Guadeloupe is an integral part of France and the Eurozone.

Visa requirements

As an overseas department/region of France, Guadeloupe follows the Schengen Area visa policy.

• US Passport Holders: No visa is required for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business. A valid passport is sufficient.
• Canada Passport Holders: No visa is required for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business. A valid passport is sufficient.
• UK Passport Holders: No visa is required for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business. A valid passport is required. (Note: Since Brexit, UK travellers may have slightly different rules regarding passport validity; ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date).
• France and EU Passport Holders: No visa is required. An official identity card or a valid passport is sufficient, as Guadeloupe is an integral part of the EU.

For stays longer than 90 days, or for purposes other than tourism/business (e.g., work or study), specific visas may be required, and it's advisable to check with the French Consulate in your country of residence.