Best beaches in Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is a French-Caribbean which is made up of several islands and nearly over three hundred beaches on the five main islands of Guadeloupe. For US travelers it's getting easier to get through due to low-cost airlines, but the island is still a relatively hidden gem in the Caribbean.
Guadeloupe Island is also called Karukera which means land of beautiful waters. Through this archipelago you will find more than 300 beaches and lagoon.
Grande Anse Beach
The wide and famous Grand Anse Beach is located north of the west coast of the island Basse-Terre, two kilometers north of the village Deshaies. Immersed in lush greenery, this beautiful beach of golden sand is the longest in Guadeloupe with 1.5 kilometers of fine sand for the delight of the tanner and a variety of coconut palms and vines. Shadow is especially appreciated in the moment of relaxation like a nap, a picnic or a taste of sorbet in hand, coconut while admiring the waves of the Caribbean Sea rubbing themselves on the shore.
The beach of Datcha
The beach of Datcha is a fine sandy beach in the village of Gosier in Guadeloupe. It is located opposite the island of Le Gosier and is very busy during the week. It is known for its nocturnal illumination until 11pm.
It offers a breathtaking view of the island of Gosier and the mountains of the neighboring island of Basse-Terre, marked by a red and white lighthouse, is a popular diving destination. You can swim, Kayak or sail on the beach. There are also two beachfront restaurants that serve French Creole cuisine.
The neighboring island of Gosier which features traditional red and white lighthouse can be seen from the Datcha beach. There are several cabins offering water sports such as kayaking and windsurfing.
This beach is ideal for experienced swimmers. You can swim to the shores of the island of Gosier. It is strongly recommended not to swim alone. For the lovers of the night bath, a small part of the beach is lit after sunset. The local beach authorities also offer shower facilities.
Pompierre Beach
The beach of Pompierre is one of the two islands of the archipelago of Saintes in the French West Indies. 800 meters long, it overlooks the Bay of Pompierre which is located in the northeast coast of the island and also protected in the trade winds by a small island. Even the most beautiful of Saintes leads you through a dense labyrinth of gigantic coconut palms, where goats graze and quietly walk. In the front you will find a wide stretch of golden-white sand and a sea that is ideal for swimming. It is a popular place, but it is never crowded due to the large space available. You can also come along with your snacks to enjoy on the picnic tables on the back.
Plage de Malendure
The beach of Malendure is located on the island of Basse-Terre near Mahaut on the north coast of the island. The most beautiful beaches of Guadeloupe are quite busy, but the beach of Malendure is less exposed than the others, making it the ideal place for vacationers who do not like tourist crowds.
North of Bouillante, not far from the small fishing village, this beach is one of the few black sand beaches in Guadeloupe due to the proximity of the volcano. Located opposite the famous Pigeon Islands, Malendure Beach is an indispensable base for divers and enthusiasts of deep-sea exploration: it is not uncommon to see turtles. Malendure Beach is the perfect spot for divers and for activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, deep sea fishing and sea cruises.
Malendure is one of the most popular beaches in Guadeloupe. The beach is not protected by coral reefs, but swimming in the warm water is very pleasant as it faces the Caribbean, much warmer and quieter than the sea.
It is well equipped and has all the comforts: parking, showers, bathrooms, restaurants, souvenir shops and clothes, points of sale where you can refresh yourself with typical regional drinks. On the beach there are providers who rent glass bottom boats, sea kayaks, fins, masks and snorkels for diving.
The flagship of Malendure Beach is the diving. It is the main town in Guadeloupe, especially around the island of Pigeon, whose waters are a protected area of 400 hectares and made famous by the film by Commander Cousteau: The World of Silence. The reserve is home to exceptional wildlife, including turtles on and around Pigeon Island.
Sugarloaf Beach
This small beach in the archipelago of Saintes is a little paradise, which is located west of Terre-de-Haut is the Sugar Loaf, whose basalt flanks plunge into the clear crystal waters of the Caribbean Island. A rocky path leads to a small shady coconut beach, where the clear waters of one of the island's best snorkeling areas offer the clear waters. Do not be tempted to swim from the other shore to the rock as the area is full of pleasure boats.
The Saintes archipelago is located about fifteen kilometers south of Guadeloupe. The beach is easy to get to especially during the day from Trois-Rivières. Once you get to Terre de Haut, it is just 2 km to reach your destination, along the main road to the west which is right on the road. If you don’t want to use public transport, you can rent a car or scooters but note that it is expensive. Another option is that you can also walk to the beach which is about 40 minutes from Terre de Haut. Since the road is hilly, this option can be difficult at maximum sun.
