Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is part of the Leeward Islands and is an overseas department of France. Cruising infrastructure and yacht services are good. Provisioning is well developed, with widespread access to supermarkets, local markets, bakeries, and food outlets, reflecting French culinary traditions alongside Caribbean produce. Environmental regulations governing anchoring and marine activity apply in designated areas.

Marie Gallante is a low‑key, traditional island, less visited by cruising yachts and known for its rum distilleries and beautiful beaches. Many anchorages are exposed, so it is important to choose a suitable weather window for your visit.

Les Saintes is a small archipelago famous among sailors for its well‑sheltered bay and its charming village atmosphere.

For those interested in snorkelling and diving, Pigeon Island and the surrounding Réserve Cousteau marine park are well known for clear water, coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Further east, and accessed across a shallow bar, the Îles de la Petite Terre offers notable underwater life.

A short distance inland from the west‑coast anchorages on Basse‑Terre, you will find the Zoo de Guadeloupe, built in a rainforest setting with boardwalks and suspension bridges throughout. In the same region you can also visit Fort Delgres, which offers guided tours on the region’s colonial era and resistance to the re‑establishment of slavery.

For those anchored near the Pointe‑à‑Pitre area, Memorial ACTe Guadeloupe is a major cultural venue and museum dedicated to the history and legacy of slavery, with exhibitions that provide substantial context within easy reach of the waterfront.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Pointe Du Maréchal	5.0 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Pointe Du Maréchal is favorable due to minimal swell and ample space. Transparent waters with a sand bottom provide excellent conditions for observing marine life like turtles. The anchorage offers peace and natural beauty, enhancing the overall sailing experience.
	Anse Canot	4.8 ★	Review summary: Accessing Anse Canot involves anchoring in waters of 3 to 5 meters with sandy patches for safe holding. Visitors enjoy the clear water and beautiful beaches, though some find swells mildly noticeable. A long dinghy ride can connect to town in settled conditions.
	Ravine Paul Thomas	4.8 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Ravine Paul Thomas is well-supported by good sand holding in 5-7 meters. Visitors enjoy excellent snorkeling opportunities near the anchorage, often spotting turtles and parrotfish. The area can accommodate two to three boats, offering a scenic white sand beach.
	Grande Anse / Deshaies North	4.7 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at this spot offers a beautiful sandy beach setting with clear water and healthy corals. Visitors mention some rolly conditions depending on the swell, but good holding at 5-7 meters on sand. Swimming and snorkelling are highlighted as enjoyable activities.
	Anchorage Pointe Basse	4.6 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at this location offers good shelter from easterly winds. The anchorage provides secure holding with a sandy bottom, accommodating up to four boats. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere complemented by clear water and a partially sandy beach.
	Pointe Ferry	4.4 ★	Review summary: Accessing this anchorage offers calm waters with good shelter from Northeast and East winds. It features a beautiful sandy beach that is great for an overnight stop. Snorkeling opportunities and peaceful surroundings are highlights noted by visitors.
	Port Louis	4.3 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Port Louis requires careful spot selection to avoid rocks, but finding a sandy patch provides good holding. The area presents opportunities to enjoy swimming and surfing. Mosquitoes can be bothersome, particularly after sunset on the beach.
	Deshaies North, Grande Anse	4.3 ★	Review summary: Access to Deshaies North is favorable, with good sandy holding available for anchoring. Visitors often find the spot to be scenic and peaceful. It serves as an excellent overnight location when conditions are calm, though swells may affect some experiences.
	Sainte Rose	4.3 ★	Review summary: Extremely calm waters make this anchorage a peaceful choice. Visitors note the area is well-protected from squalls, although the bottom's soft mud may require extra anchoring during storms. Multiple Reviews highlight the serene environment as a key attraction.
	Pointe-a-Pitre East	4.3 ★	Review summary: The anchorage at Pointe-a-Pitre East is convenient for short stays with access to town and marina amenities. Reviews note the area is crowded with liveaboards and the water is unsuitable for swimming. Visitors appreciate the anchorage's calm conditions and proximity to local facilities.

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Marinas

	Marina de Riviere Sens	4.7 ★	Review summary: Sheltered setting with convenient local amenities makes this marina attractive. Visitors generally find the staff friendly. Water, electricity, and essential supplies like groceries are accessible.
	Marina St Francois	3.7 ★	Review summary: Access to Marina St Francois can be challenging with depths in the channel being around 2.8 to 3 meters. Once inside, depths exceed 3 meters. Visitors are drawn by the marina's proximity to a kiting beach and nearby amenities.
	Marina Bas-du-Fort	3.6 ★	Review summary: Staying at Marina Bas-du-Fort includes access to handy local amenities. Many visitors appreciate the friendly and attentive staff. Challenges such as occasional water supply issues and crowded bathroom facilities are noted, affecting overall convenience for marina users.

Moorings

	Iles de la Petite Terre	4.8 ★	Review summary: Entrance can be challenging due to waves, but careful navigation using tools like Navionics can ensure a safe approach. Visitors appreciate the natural setting with clear water and abundant marine life such as turtles, though maintaining a safe distance from currents is recommended.
	Ilet a cabrit mooring balls	4.5 ★	Review summary: Mooring balls at Ilet a Cabrit provide a popular spot for anchoring, with some visitors noting comfortable conditions even in swirling winds. The location remains attractive with features like beaches, hiking trails, and underwater exploration. Mooring fees are often collected in the afternoon.
	Deshaies	3.9 ★	Review summary: Visitors often utilize mooring buoys at Deshaies, which are reportedly new and very solid. The presence of a nearby dinghy dock and good snorkeling opportunities creates convenience and recreational options. However, the fee for using the buoys is noted as somewhat expensive.
	Pain de sucre mooring balls	3.7 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Pain de sucre mooring balls can be a sheltered experience, especially from E/NE winds. The mooring is noted for clear water, with some buoy balls requiring visual inspection due to varying conditions. Fees are collected in the evening by staff.
	Terre de Haut	3.7 ★	Review summary: Picking up mooring balls at Terre de Haut can be challenging due to their heaviness, particularly for larger vessels. Despite these difficulties, the moorings are robust and provide easy access to the village. The surrounding area is scenic, with the opportunity to explore on foot.

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Boatyards and services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Boatyards

Caraïbes Docks Services

4.3 ★

Review summary: Caraïbes Docks Services, a boat yard, handles tasks like hauling out boats and antifouling. The owner, Igor, is noted for being helpful and accommodating. Services like sanding and seal replacement are performed efficiently, though communication in English may be limited.

Chandlers

	USHIP	5.0 ★	Review summary: USHIP is open and offers a wide variety of boating and related supplies. Multiple Reviews highlight a strong selection of ropes and various boat-related articles. Staff are described as helpful, contributing to a well-regarded shopping experience.
No image	Volvo	5.0 ★	Review summary: Volvo specializes in providing parts for specific engine models. Customers can expect knowledgeable service and part availability, as exemplified by a customer's experience of easily obtaining a required belt after confirming their engine model. Visitors should verify details before their visit.
	Captain' Nautic	5.0 ★	Review summary: Offering a well-stocked selection, Captain' Nautic supports visitors with English-speaking assistance. It is particularly known for a collection focused on small motorboats, as mentioned by multiple Reviews. Staff interactions have been described as friendly and helpful.
No image	AD NAUTIC Guadeloupe	5.0 ★	Review summary: AD NAUTIC in Guadeloupe offers a well-stocked selection of products with assistance available in both English and local languages. Staff are described as friendly and knowledgeable, providing useful advice on where to find items not available in-store.
	Captain Nautique	5.0 ★	Review summary: Visitors often explore the extensive selection of marine products available at this chandler, despite the limited electronics. The shop is conveniently accessible via the nearby dinghy dock. It's known for moderate pricing, encouraging visitors to check here first for their needs.

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This table summarizes first-hand reviews from sailors who have checked in to Guadeloupe.

Useful yacht clearance links

Environmental protection rules are increasingly strict, with anchoring banned in many zones, including national park waters, where mooring buoys are mandatory. Check with authorities on arrival.

Most yachts leave Guadeloupe during the hurricane season, typically heading to safer grounds such as Trinidad or Grenada.

• Best times of year to sail here: Late November to June
• Most common type of shore power: 230V 50Hz
• Cost for provisioning: Medium; local markets offer better prices compared to marinas
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Personal security: Generally safe, but exercise caution in more urban areas
• Emergency phone numbers:
  • General number for all emergency services: 112
  • Ambulance: 15
  • Police: 17
  • Fire: 18
  • Coast Guard: 196
• International dialing code: +590
• Time zone(s): UTC -4

Guadeloupe’s maritime history is rich and storied, beginning with its initial settlement by the indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples, who relied on the sea for trade and sustenance. European exploration initiated by Columbus in 1493 marked the start of intense colonial competition, with the French eventually gaining control. The strategic location of Guadeloupe made it a key naval site during the colonial period, helping to shape the island's maritime and trade infrastructure.

The 17th and 18th centuries saw Guadeloupe transform into a major sugar-producing colony under French control. This era saw ongoing maritime conflict, primarily between France and Britain, for dominance over the Caribbean seas. Military fortifications from this period, such as Fort Delgrès on Basse-Terre, still stand today, offering visiting sailors a glimpse into the past.

In modern times, Guadeloupe has developed a vibrant maritime culture, propelled by both tourism and its strategic importance within the Caribbean. The island now hosts several annual sailing events, drawing yacht enthusiasts from around the globe. The continuation of these traditions highlights Guadeloupe as a key point for sailing tours and regional shipping, maintaining its historical connection with the sea.