A complete yacht charter guide that has everything you need to know about your next sailing holidays in Guadeloupe. Let’s get started.
Guadeloupe experiences its best sailing weather from late December to April, during the dry season when humidity is more tolerable, and winds from the east to northeast average around 15 knots. This timeframe avoids the peak of hurricane season (August–October) and delivers relatively calm seas, making it ideal for island-hopping between the butterfly-shaped main island and smaller surrounding islets like Les Saintes or Marie-Galante. Gentle trade winds in early winter to spring make for pleasant daytime sails and comfortable overnights at anchor.
What are the sailing qualification and license requirements to charter a yacht or catamaran in Guadeloupe? As with other French Caribbean islands, Guadeloupe does not strictly require a domestic license for visitors, but recognized international certifications (ICC, RYA, ASA) streamline bareboat charter arrangements. Primarily, operators look for evidence of practical cruising competence in your sailing resume. Local conditions can vary dramatically around Guadeloupe’s butterfly-shaped main island and its smaller neighbors, such as Marie-Galante or Les Saintes, where channels can produce stronger currents. Preparing for brisk trade winds and reef-fringed anchorages ensures a safe voyage through these lush, volcanic landscapes.
Guadeloupe’s butterfly-shaped archipelago presents an alluring blend of tropical landscapes, Creole traditions, and French flair. In Pointe-à-Pitre, sample bokit (fried bread stuffed with various fillings), spicy Creole sauces, and freshly caught seafood. Venture inland to discover rum distilleries offering tours and tastings of locally made agricole rums. Traditional Gwo Ka music—rooted in African rhythms—animates cultural events, while weekly markets bustle with exotic fruits, spices, and homemade preserves. Savoring Guadeloupe’s fusion cuisine and rhythmic heritage adds a flavorful dimension to your sailing experience.
As a French overseas region, Guadeloupe has standardized customs check-in at marina offices featuring self-service computer systems. Some ecologically important areas—such as Les Saintes or Marie-Galante—limit fishing and anchoring. Be prepared to present registration and insurance documents if local officials request them. Respecting these regulations helps preserve Guadeloupe’s pristine coastlines and marine life, while ensuring you can move freely among its island gems.
Explore paradise by sea. Guadeloupe is the Caribbean island of calm lagoons and coves.
Originally named Karukera by native people, meaning “the place of beautiful waters”. Easterly blowing trade winds and line-of-sight sailing will guide you to the Grand-Terre, where you will enjoy the classic Caribbean beach holiday on white coral sands, while in contrast on Basse-Terre you will find yourself in a green land of tropical rainforest and mountainous slopes.
Guadeloupe is truly an ode to nature. During your Guadeloupe boat rental, you must visit the Underwater reserve by Pigeon Island where you can snorkel amidst the gorgeous colored coral reefs and fish. On land, you can hike the La Soufrière volcano, which is still mildly active with the last oozing of lava in 1976. The trail is around 8.4 miles round trip, making for a great activity for the day!
The weather in Guadeloupe is much like the rest of the Caribbean Islands. While temperatures never drop too low, it is most important to avoid the rainy season for your Guadeloupe charter.
The average temperature in the winter is 23°C, and 30°C in the summer. The dry season goes from December to May, which is when we recommend visiting. Sailing conditions may include strong winds, between 15 to 25 knots. Guadeloupe sailing is great for people with more sailing experience. Discuss your sailing qualifications with a charter consultant who can recommend the right route and itinerary for you.
Start your Guadeloupe yacht charter by flying into the Pointe-a-Pitre International airport. For European travelers, AirFrance offers daily flights from Paris. However, for most US travelers, it is advisable to transfer from San Juan, Martinique, or Atlanta, GA.
Travel time from the airport to base: 15 mins by car
If you are island hopping in the Caribbean or flying into Martinique, you can also take a convenient daily ferry boat from Fort-de-France. The boat leaves at 2:00 pm makes 1 stop in Dominica, and then arrives at Pointe-à-Pitre around 5:45 pm. Fares cost about 66€ one-way and round-trip 100€. You can find more info, here.
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When planning your Guadeloupe boat rental, there are a few important things to note. Because Guadeloupe is a French territory, if you are traveling from the EU, Canada or Switzerland, you will only need a valid passport for stays under 90 days.
For currency, Guadeloupe uses the Euro. and most places accept both cash and credit cards. Also good to note that Guadeloupe is in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -4 hours.
Day 1: Pointe-à-Pitre – Check-in
Begin your journey in Pointe-à-Pitre, the gateway to the French Caribbean. After check-in and provisioning, enjoy a walk through the colourful markets or dinner in the vibrant marina district.
Day 2: Pointe-à-Pitre – Îlet à Gosier (3 NM)
Set sail for a short hop to the tiny islet of Îlet à Gosier, just off the coast of Grande-Terre. Drop anchor in turquoise waters and enjoy snorkelling, paddleboarding, and a relaxed beachside BBQ.
Day 3: Îlet à Gosier – Marie-Galante (19 NM)
Sail to Marie-Galante, the “island of a hundred mills,” known for its white-sand beaches, sugar plantations, and traditional rum distilleries. Anchor near Saint-Louis or Anse Canot for a calm and scenic overnight.
Day 4: Marie-Galante – Portsmouth, Dominica (25 NM)
Cross to Dominica and moor in Portsmouth, on the island's lush northwestern coast. Explore the Indian River by boat, hike rainforest trails, or visit nearby waterfalls and hot springs for an unforgettable nature experience.
Day 5: Portsmouth – Les Saintes (18 NM)
Sail north to Les Saintes, an archipelago of volcanic islets with dramatic hills and French-Caribbean flair. Anchor in Terre-de-Haut and stroll through the charming village or hike to Fort Napoléon for sweeping bay views.
Day 6: Les Saintes – Cousteau Marine Park (Pigeon Island)
Sail along the west coast of Basse-Terre to Cousteau Marine Park, one of the Caribbean’s top snorkelling and diving destinations. Anchor near Pigeon Island and explore the vibrant underwater life celebrated by Jacques Cousteau himself.
Day 7: Cousteau Marine Park – Pointe-à-Pitre (10 NM)
Return to Pointe-à-Pitre via the scenic west coast. Enjoy your final moments at sea or relax with a farewell lunch before check-out.
Day 1: Marina Bas-du-Fort – Les Saintes (18 NM)
Begin your journey with a beautiful sail to Les Saintes, one of the most scenic archipelagos in the French Caribbean. Anchor off Terre-de-Haut and explore the quaint village, boutiques, and French bakeries with a view of the iconic Pain de Sucre.
Day 2: Explore Les Saintes (2 NM)
Enjoy a short reposition to a nearby anchorage such as Pain de Sucre or Îlet à Cabrit. Swim, paddleboard, or hike to Fort Napoléon for panoramic views over turquoise bays and green peaks.
Day 3: Sugar Loaf (Les Saintes) – Marie-Galante (20.5 NM)
Sail east to the peaceful island of Marie-Galante, known for its unspoilt charm and old-world sugar plantations. Anchor near Saint-Louis or Anse Canot for the evening, and enjoy sundowners in this tranquil haven.
Day 4: Marie-Galante – Saint-François, Grande-Terre (19.9 NM)
Continue to the lively seaside town of Saint-François on Grande-Terre. Its modern marina, restaurants, and nearby golf course offer a great contrast to the rural charm of Marie-Galante.
Day 5: Day trip to Petite-Terre and return (10.9 NM round trip)
Take a day sail to Petite-Terre, a protected marine reserve with iguanas, rays, and untouched beaches. After snorkelling and hiking the island’s trails, return to Saint-François for the night.
Day 6: Saint-François – Le Gosier (18.4 NM)
Sail west along Guadeloupe’s southern coast to Marina Le Gosier or anchor near Îlet du Gosier. Enjoy a relaxed evening with great dining options and a buzzing, local atmosphere.
Day 7: Le Gosier – Anse-de-Mai, Dominica (52 NM)
Make an early start for a longer sail to Dominica’s northern coast, anchoring at remote Anse-de-Mai. This off-the-beaten-track anchorage offers total tranquillity and access to wild landscapes.
Day 8: Anse-de-Mai – Portsmouth, Dominica (5.1 NM)
Take a short hop to Portsmouth and explore the island’s lush northwest. Visit the Indian River by rowboat, enjoy local Creole cuisine, or venture inland to waterfalls and rainforest trails.
Day 9: Portsmouth – St. Louis, Marie-Galante (35 NM)
Cross back to Marie-Galante for your final island stop. Relax on quiet beaches, visit a local rum distillery, or enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars in Saint-Louis.
Day 10: St. Louis – Marina Bas-du-Fort (20 NM)
Return to Pointe-à-Pitre and conclude your adventure with a smooth sail along the west coast. Disembark at Marina Bas-du-Fort with memories of pristine beaches, volcanic peaks, and the unique character of the French Antilles.
It depends. For example, the most important ones are the type of boat you will choose and whether you require a professional crew on board (e.g. skipper, hostess or cook). So, as you can see, there are many factors that can shape a price for a boat rental.
Check our full guide about yacht charter cost and how you can save much money in your next sailing holidays or request a tailor-made quote from one of our yacht charter consultants!
Guadeloupe’s butterfly-shaped islands invite bareboat, skippered, and crewed charter adventures across its lush landscapes and azure seas. Bareboat yacht rentals allow confident sailors to set off from Pointe-à-Pitre, island-hopping between Marie-Galante’s rum distilleries and La Désirade’s secluded bays. Prefer a leisurely pace? Skippered charters come with a local captain who can navigate trade-wind channels and suggest the top beach restaurants for fresh seafood. And for the ultimate in relaxation, fully crewed yacht charters deliver a private yacht cruise complete with a crew who handle every detail—from provisioning local produce to planning sunset sails beneath Caribbean skies.
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