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 reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Anse Canot ★ 4.8 Marie-Galante Crystal clear water enhances the beauty of this anchorage. Visitors have noted good holding conditions in 3-4 meters and appreciated the sandy areas. Be aware of busy times, particularly on Thursdays when many charterers stop here.
	Ravine Paul Thomas ★ 4.8 Basse-Terre The anchorage offers solid sand holding in 5-7 meters with the potential for good snorkeling. Several visitors appreciated the lack of tourist traffic and the presence of a beautiful beach. Conditions may be swelly at times, impacting the experience.
	Anchorage Pointe Basse ★ 4.7 Les Saintes Secluded anchorage offers decent protection from easterly winds. The sandy bottom allows for good anchor holding, while waters are described as calm and clear. Visitors have enjoyed the quiet atmosphere and swimming opportunities.
	Grande Anse / Deshaies North ★ 4.5 Basse-Terre The anchorage offers beautiful views and sandy beaches with good holding conditions in 5-7 meters of sand. Visitors report some rolling due to swell, so selecting an anchoring spot requires care. Snorkeling and swimming conditions are generally favorable.
	Pointe Du Maréchal ★ 4.5 Marie-Galante Anchorage features clear water and available sand spots for anchoring. Visitors observed peaceful conditions with little swell and enjoyed the local beach and coconut trees. However, one Review mentioned noise from a busy road affecting the experience.
	Petite Anse ★ 4.5 Basse-Terre The anchorage features a sandy bottom with good holding in approximately 3 meters of water. Visitors describe the setting as beautiful, though conditions can be rolly. Snorkelling is common, but caution is advised due to unmarked traps.
	Port Louis ★ 4.4 Grande-Terre The anchorage features clear waters and decent surf conditions. Anchoring may be challenging due to rocky and coral patches. While the surrounding area lacks night-time dining options, visitors can enjoy beach activities and swimming during daylight.
	Pointe Ferry ★ 4.4 Basse-Terre The anchorage features clear water and strong holding conditions. Visitors mention the area is popular for snorkeling, though caution is advised for swimmer interactions and wind shifts. The beach is enjoyable, with a peaceful atmosphere and great protection from prevailing winds.
	Pigeon South ★ 4.3 Basse-Terre Holding quality is variable, with sand and sea grass noted in some areas. Swell conditions can cause rolly anchoring, especially during certain weather patterns. Facilities nearby include grocery stores and access to fuel, though the dinghy dock has significant disrepair.
	Baie-Mahault ★ 4.2 Basse-Terre Significant anchoring space is available in a well-protected bay with a muddy bottom. Caution is advised at reef entry points due to shallows. Multiple car rental options exist nearby, enhancing accessibility to the island.

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Marinas

	Marina de Riviere Sens ★ 4.7 Basse-Terre A variety of amenities enhance stays at this marina, including helpful staff, nearby shopping, and good dining options. Depth is limited to approximately 2.5 meters at low tide, necessitating cautious navigation. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
	Marina Bas-du-Fort ★ 3.8 Grande-Terre Water availability is inconsistent, operating only every other day with low pressure noted. Facilities are often inadequate, with issues like a lack of soap and closed restrooms impacting experiences. In contrast, the marina has friendly staff and numerous nearby services.
	Marina St Francois ★ 3.8 Grande-Terre Approaching the marina presents some challenges, with specific navigation conditions noted. Depths reported include 2.8 meters in the channel and 3+ meters inside. Visitors found it friendly with reasonable pricing, though attention is required, especially with winds above 25 knots.

Moorings

	Iles de la Petite Terre ★ 4.8 Moorings are primarily 10 tons, with one 30 ton buoy available. Expect clear waters for snorkeling, but conditions can be challenging due to breaking waves. The area can be quiet at night, though day-time visitors can crowd the space.
	Ilet a cabrit mooring balls ★ 4.6 Les Saintes Mooring balls are in good condition, with varying setups allowing for comfort depending on winds. Popular for snorkeling and hiking, access to beaches adds value. Fees are around €13 to €16 per night, with limited availability of mooring balls noted.
	Terre de Haut ★ 4.4 Les Saintes Mooring balls are well maintained but difficult to connect due to heavy weights. The area is prone to swells, affecting comfort during stays. Access to a charming town with amenities is possible via a dinghy dock.
	Pigeon Island ★ 4.3 Basse-Terre The mooring buoys are designated for vessels shorter than 8 meters, accommodating mainly dinghies. Multiple reports indicate there is space for up to six vessels in the furthest southeast mooring. Visitors may encounter charter boats in the area, particularly in the morning.
	Pain de sucre mooring balls ★ 4.2 Les Saintes Mooring balls average €13 to €18 per night. A dive inspection of the buoys is advisable as conditions vary. The location offers good snorkeling, though some reports of being rolly and crowded at peak times are notable.

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Boat services

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

Boatyards

Caraïbes Docks Services ★ 4.3 Grande-Terre Services include keel maintenance and antifouling. Some workers do not speak English, and cleanliness in facilities is noted as poor. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.

Chandlers

	USHIP ★ 5.0 Grande-Terre This chandlery has a comprehensive selection of items for boats and fishing, highlighted by helpful staff. Visitors report it as well-stocked and the best in the Caribbean, surpassing offerings in nearby locations. It remains a preferred choice for essential cruising supplies.
	Captain' Nautic ★ 5.0 Grande-Terre A well-stocked chandlery provides friendly staff assistance and speaks English. Visitors have found it beneficial for sourcing items like hinges, with reasonable pricing noted in comparison to competitors. It's recognized for its focus on small motorboats.
	AD NAUTIC Guadeloupe ★ 5.0 Grande-Terre Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, providing helpful service. Visitors appreciated that English is spoken. Products appear to be well stocked and prices are equivalent to those in France.
	Captain Nautique ★ 5.0 Basse-Terre The shop features a large selection of marine products at moderate prices. Many items are unique compared to other shops, specifically in electrical goods. The dinghy dock is accessible, allowing convenient access to the store.
	Fred Marine ★ 5.0 Grande-Terre Service includes engine repairs and maintenance. Customers report timely assistance, with some experiencing quick problem resolutions. Friendly staff and knowledgeable service contribute positively to the overall experience.

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Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Guadeloupe:

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.