Guadeloupe > Private Sailing Vacations
Private Sailing Vacations in Guadeloupe in the Caribbean Sea
A Guadeloupe sailing charter is ideal for those who appreciate nature and want to escape to the authentic “less-traveled” Caribbean. More than two-thirds of Guadeloupe is a nature reserve, which makes it a special place for those who love wildlife.
“Caribbean reality resembles the wildest imagination.”
About Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe, a French overseas region, is an island group in the southern Caribbean Sea. Resembling a butterfly, its 2 largest islands are separated by the Salée River. Hilly Grande-Terre Island has long beaches and sugarcane fields. On Basse-Terre Island, Parc National de la Guadeloupe encompasses Carbet Falls and the volcano La Grande Soufrière. Smaller islands include Marie-Galante and La Désirade., and are perfect destinations for Guadeloupe sailing vacations.
Guadeloupe is formed by an archipelago of more than 12 islands – six of which are inhabited islands—Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, La Désirade, and the two inhabited Îles des Saintes—as well as many uninhabited islands and outcroppings. Basse-Terre is mountainous, containing such peaks as Mount Sans Toucher (4,442 feet) and Grande Découverte (4,143 feet), culminating in the active volcano La Grande Soufrière, the highest mountain peak in the Lesser Antilles with an elevation of 4,813 ft. In contrast Grande-Terre is mostly flat, with rocky coasts to the north, irregular hills at the center, mangrove at the southwest, and white sand beaches sheltered by coral reefs along the southern shore. Plenty of shopping opportunities are available here.
Guadeloupe Destinations for Sailing Vacations
Christopher Columbus was the first European to see Guadeloupe, where he landed in 1493 and gave the island its name. The official language is French; Antillean Creole is also spoken.
The region’s capital city is Basse-Terre, located on the southern west coast of Basse-Terre Island; however, the most populous city is Les Abymes and the main center of business is neighboring Pointe-à-Pitre, both located on Grande-Terre Island. It had a population of 384,239 in 2019. Guadeloupe is part of the Leeward Islands and stands out because of its butterfly shape. The eastern wing, Grand-Terre, features Pointe-à-Pitre, the island’s biggest city and center of tourism. The western wing, called Basse-Terre, is less developed and dominated by an impressive national park. A narrow channel called the Salt River separates the two halves of the island.
Best Dive Destinations While Sailing Guadeloupe
Nearby are Marie Galante, which offers fantastic snorkeling, and the Gosier islet and its large coral reef – make sure you visit both during your visit. For anchorages, head to Les Saintes and take a stroll around Fort Napoleon on Terre-de-Haut. Don’t leave before visiting Jacques Cousteau’s Underwater Reserve in the waters close to Pigeon Island for an abundance of colorful coral forests and marine life. This underwater world is considered one of the best dive sites you can experience.
Temperatures in Guadeloupe average 74°F in winter and 87°F in summer. Temperatures at night can drop so make sure you pack a light jacket. Sailing conditions in Guadeloupe benefit from north-easterly trade winds up to speeds of 15 to 25 knots November to May, which temper the heat and humidity.
Guadeloupe Quick Facts
- Temperatures in Guadeloupe average 74°F in winter and 87°F in summer. Temperatures at night can drop so make sure you pack a light jacket. Sailing conditions in Guadeloupe benefit from north-easterly trade winds up to speeds of 15 to 25 knots November to May, which temper the heat and humidity.
- According to Wikipedia, Guadeloupe is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean.
- Electricity is 230 Volts – 50Hz, power sockets are C, D and E type.
- The currency is the Euro. Master and Visa cards are accepted widely and you can find ATMS easily, except in remote areas, which dispense Euros. Most banks are in Pointe-à-Pitre.
- Guadeloupe is in the AST (Atlantic Standard Time) time zone, 1 hour later than Eastern Standard Time.
