If you are looking for contrasts for your next Caribbean holiday, look no further than a Guadeloupe yacht charter. You will find a charter destination that is a unique blend of France and the tropics with a twist of African and East Indian heritage.
Located halfway down the Lesser Antilles chain- equal distance from the Virgin Islands and Grenada- and within the Leeward Islands, this French West Indies Island lies between Antigua and Dominica. At 629 sq. miles, this is the largest of the French overseas territories.
Guadeloupe actually comprises five islands: Basse Terre, Grande Terre, La Desirade, Marie-Galante, and Les Saintes. The two main islands are connected by bridges over the Rivière Salée (Salt River). Grande-Terre to the east is flat land with sugar cane crops, the main commercial town of Pointe-à-Pitre and several resort areas. Basse-Terre to the west is mountainous with rainforests and an active volcano at its highest peak, La Grande Soufrière. Smaller outer islands with their own unique traits make up the Guadeloupe cruising area.
Enjoy the Leeward Islands nation of Guadeloupe any month of the year. Typical of the Caribbean, these islands experience temperatures averaging 80°F with favorable trade winds year round.
While vacationers visit Guadeloupe year round, December through April is the season most in demand due to the least amount of rain and the most wind. The mid season months of May and June have comfortable weather, good winds and typically low rainfall.
June begins the region’s hurricane season, which continues through November. Rain showers are more common in the summer and early fall. While some charters still enjoy cruising the waters during this time, conditions can be riskier between mid-August and mid-October. The Virgin Island Sailing® charter experts can assist you in choosing the best season to sail in Guadeloupe.
| Temp Max (°F ) | Temp Min (°F ) | Avg. Water Temp (°F ) | Avg. Rainfall (in) | Avg. Wind Speed (kts) | |
| January | 82 | 72 | 80 | 2 | E / NE 10-25 |
| February | 82 | 72 | 80 | 2 | E / NE 10-25 |
| March | 84 | 73 | 79 | 2 | E / NE 10-25 |
| April | 84 | 73 | 80 | 3 | E 10-25 |
| May | 88 | 77 | 81 | 4 | E 10-25 |
| June | 88 | 77 | 82 | 3 | E 10-25 |
| July | 88 | 77 | 83 | 3 | E / SE 15-25 |
| August | 88 | 79 | 84 | 4 | E / SE 10-25 |
| September | 88 | 77 | 85 | 5 | E / SE 10-15 |
| October | 88 | 75 | 84 | 6 | E/ SE 5-15 |
| November | 86 | 75 | 83 | 5 | E 10-15 |
| December | 84 | 73 | 82 | 3 | E 10-15 |
45minutes | 3 miles
Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars, and live music to enjoy. Stroll through the boutiques and open-air markets for a little shopping and try some local creole food. Make a quick visit to the Cascade aux Ecrevisses, a natural, awe-inspiring waterfall with plenty of great photo opportunities.
2 hours | 11 miles
A perfect place to relax, go for a swim or spend some time windsurfing, kite-surfing or paddleboarding, while delighting in a most picturesque backdrop. Ideal for picnics or sun lounging in the shade of the bending coconut trees. Enjoy the lively atmosphere onshore by visiting a popular local market with exotic fruits and vegetables, spices, handicrafts, punch and other rum drinks and a mouthwatering selection of local cuisine. Street food is the soul of the dining culture here and you’ll be amazed by how many specialties you will find.
1.5 hours | 8 miles
A little bit of heaven with its scenic lagoon and top-notch restaurants. A variety of watersports activities are ready for you to enjoy such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet skiing, and kayaking. A diverse array of colorful sea life and corals offers up some excellent snorkeling and diving experiences. The water is warm and pristine and there are dive sites available for all levels of experience. Le Banc de Vaisseaux and La Pointe des Chateaux are strikingly preserved deep coral banks and popular spots.
1-1.5 hours | 7 miles
This long peninsula is a beautiful stretch of landscape and dramatic scenery. With miles of gorgeous white-sand beaches it’s a perfect opportunity for some relaxing sunbathing. On the peninsula you will also find a trail leading you on a 20-minute hike to the top of a cliff topped with a giant 33-foot cross erected in the 19th century and that towers over Guadeloupe and looks towards La Désirade island. The view at the top is panoramic and offers spectacular views of the ocean and eye-catching cliffs.
1-1.5 hours | 7 miles
A magical place surrounded by a coral reef. When you arrive, you are greeted by turquoise waters, white sand and palm trees. Coming ashore you’ll feel like an adventurer as your feet feel the ground coral sand beneath. Colorful hammocks can be found between palm trees which provide a welcome break from the suns heat. A perfect spot for a picnic or barbecue lunch. Fantastic snorkeling opportunities abound with an abundance of marine life, including stingrays, turtles, stingrays and lemon sharks in the crystal-clear waters. Truly a little corner of paradise.
3-3.5 hours | 16 miles
White sandy beaches, coconut trees, and turquoise lagoons protected by coral reefs. Drop anchor and explore the beaches, swim in the ocean or enjoy some fantastic snorkeling and diving. Exploring the island of a hundred windmills, of which 70 can still be seen today, is also time well-spent with many things to explore and activities to enjoy in the surrounding area. Unspoiled scenery can be found everywhere, from its charming chateaus to its isolated beaches. Ashore you’ll find an authentic Caribbean life style and the chance to taste the world’s best rum.
0 minutes | 0 miles
There is so much to do in Marie Galante spend the first half of your day continuing to discover and explore all the island has to offer. Visit the beaches, swim in the ocean, or head towards land and visit a rum distillery.
6-6.5 hours | 32 miles
Discover an enchanted, unspoiled island with soaring mountains, flourishing green tropical forests, stunning volcanic scenery and winding rivers. If you are interested in authentic and adventurous eco-vacations this is a must-stop for you. In the waters surrounding the island you will find thriving coral gardens that provide a rainbow-colored seascape and are ready to be explored by snorkeling or diving. Beautiful beaches surround the island with towering coconut trees and beautiful, clean pearly-white sand. A great place for a swim to just soak in the sun.
0 minutes | 0 miles
There is so much to see and do in Dominica spend the first half of your day continuing to discover and explore all the island has to offer. Visit the beaches, swim in the ocean, or head ashore to resume your adventure.
4.5-5 hours | 21 miles
Head to Terre de Haut Bay, the main island and one of the two inhabited islands in the archipelago. This area is known for its beautiful bays, historical sites, quaint charming villages and architecture, shops and the restaurants serving delicious authentic cuisine. The island has beaches perfect for swimming and fine snorkeling. Use a scooter or take a walking tour of the village and be sure to visit Fort Napoleon. You’ll get the most wonderful views from the top of the hill, which are worth the walk.
3 hours | 14 miles
Bordered by sandy and pebbled beaches in tones of ochre brown, black and pink and large bays encircled by lush green mountains. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing or just enjoying a scenic picnic. Many signposted hiking trails are available for an adventurous trek. Discover a rich ecosystem with a notable number of indigenous species. In these vibrant surroundings you will also find stunning waterfalls ready to be explored.
2-2.5 hours | 13 miles
One of the world’s most celebrated snorkeling and dive destinations. Here you’ll be able to see coral, tropical fish, turtles and humpback whales as you explore this underwater paradise. The islets are famous for the splendid elkhorn and staghorn corals covering the sea floor. Snorkelers and divers will be able to catch a glimpse of an abundance of colorful reef fish species such as parrotfish, angelfish and butterflyfish, as well as sea turtles.
6.5-7 hours | 42 miles
Surrounded by a large coral reef this is a perfect spot for swimming or snorkeling. The islet is uninhabited making it the perfect place to explore and relax. There’s also a small restaurant specializing in seafood ready to serve you. Make sure to take a stroll over to the lighthouse, where the 900-year-old remains of an Amerindian woman were recently discovered.
45minutes | 4 miles
The perfect opportunity to relax. Stroll through the boutiques and open-air markets for a little shopping and try some local creole food. Sample delicious cuisine and drinks in the nearby bars and restaurants while enjoying live music and make the most of your last night on the island.
15-20 minutes | 1 mile
One last short adventure to return your yacht and then a final chance to enjoy some fine cuisine and shopping before heading home.
Guadeloupe has a large international airport, it is the largest of the six airports in the archipelago. The airport code Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport is PAP. It is a main hub for Air Caraïbes and Air Antilles Express, plus serves flights by Air France.
Resources:
Bareboat Charter Packing Checklist
Crewed Charter Packing Checklist
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