Guadeloupe is one of the most singular islands of the Caribbean, considering the two parts in the shape of a butterfly, the geologically more ancient, Grande-Terre, being flat and more peopled, the younger one, Basse-Terre being mountainous and hosting the National Park as well as the Reserve Cousteau famous for diving. These aspects five it great interest in landscapes of turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches for Grande-Terre, tropical rain forest, the 1500 meters high volcano of la Souffrière and dark sand beaches for Basse-Terre. Moreover Guadeloupe’s central position in the archipelago and complete sailing facilities will rejoice the sailsmen by providing many destinations of cruises, to Marie-Galante, the Saintes, Antigua or Dominica.
Discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, the island was named after one his ships, “Santa Maria de Guadalupe”. It was colonized by the French in 1635, then occupied by the English and finally back to France. It is now a French overseas department. Its economy, mainly agricultural has little by little encompassed international tourism. The population of 420 thousands inhabitants is mixed between Afro-Caribbeans, descending from the slaves, Indians from Asia who immigrated at the end of the 19th century to replaces the freed slaves in the plantations, “bekes” descending from the first European settlers and “metros” more recent settlers from France. The official language is French and natives also speak Creole. Lots of people, especially in the tourist industry practice English as well. Medical care is one of the best in the region as there are hospitals in the biggest islands, doctors, chemists and physiotherapists everywhere.
As for sailing, moorages are numerous on the “continent” as they say here. There are 3 marinas. Bas-du-Fort at Pointe-à-Pitre is the biggest one, a few minutes away from the international airport. The Rivière Sens marina is settled south of Basse-Terre, at the foot of the Mounts Caraibes and the Souffrière and Saint-François marina, east of Grande-Terre has been newly remande and offers anchorages to visitors.
From Saint François and its beautiful lagoon, you will be able to discover “la Desirade” and the natural reserve of “Petite-Terre”. Westward, Sainte-Anne is also a pleasant mooring in order to visit the typical market for fresh food and spices or its beautiful beaches shaded by palm trees. Ilet Gosier and Ilet Cochon offer safe moorages in front of Pointe-à-Pitre. In Basse-Terre heading south to Goyave, there is a safe lagoon around the typical village and a very attractive nautical club.
The Caribbean coast, leeward of Basse-Terre offers many moorings as Vieux-Fort at the foot of the Basse-Terre south point lighthouse and its charming fishing harbour, “Anse à la Barque” a very safe mooring north of the capital town of Basse-Terre, Malendure Bay with the Pigeons Islets famous for diving and the magnificent bay of Deshaies in the north, who will offer good fresh food and nice cooking in restaurants as well as a wonderful botanic park.. Lastly the “Grand Cul de Sac Marin”, separating the two parts of Guadeloupe, offers a superb zone of sailing with islands and anchorages provided you pay attention to the numerous shoals in the area. Places of interest are either fishing ports of Port-Louis or islets of Caret and Fajou for the mangrove and birdwatching.