By Marine ISAIA 
By Marine ISAIA
- Basse Terre
- Grande Terre
- Marie Galante
- La Désirade
- Les Saintes
Guadeloupe, a French overseas department, is an archipelago of 5 islands hauled in by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Its 2 main islands, which are also the largest, are Grande Terre and Basse Terre. Shaped like a butterfly, these two islands each represent a wing in their own right, and are separated by a narrow channel called the Rivière Salée.
In the surrounding area, the 3 other islands of Guadeloupe, Marie-Galante, La Désirade and Les Saintes, form a mini archipelago of 14 km². There's no better way to discover these superb islands, each one more astonishing than the last, than by taking a cruise to Guadeloupe! Book your cabin with private bathroom now, on the side of the boat of an exceptional catamaran for an all-inclusive Caribbean cruise.
In terms of sailing, there is something for everyone. "In Guadeloupe, either you stay close and the sailing trips are relatively short with little sailing, or the islands are far away and the sailing trips are much longer!" Frédéric Lemaire, a Filovent customer who went on a catamaran cruise in Guadeloupe to celebrate the New Year, tells me.
Basse Terre
Basse Terre is the island to the west of the archipelago, the one associated with the left wing of the butterfly it forms with Grande Terre. The main attraction of this island is none other than the Soufrière, the volcano that dominates it, still active and perched at an altitude of 1,467 meters. From the top, you can enjoy a superb 360° panorama of the entire archipelago!
La Soufrière, an active volcano that dominates Grande Terre
An accessible and pleasant hike, in the heart of nature, allows you to reach the summit and observe the rich fauna and flora of this preserved area. During your ascent, you will cross the tropical forest, which will offer you a fabulous stroll, all accompanied by the sweet song of hummingbirds. Once you reach the top, enjoy a breathtaking view that you will never tire of, and take your best selfies to immortalize the moment!
Basse Terre is also famous for its superb marine reserve, the Cousteau Reserve, which is located in Bouillante, on the west coast of the island. This protected aquatic area is a must-see diving spot, renowned for its multitude of colorful tropical fish, turtles, seahorses, etc. It is also a superb coral reef rich in sponges! Further north, head to Deshaies and relax on the surprising pink sand beach of Grande Anse.
Grande Terre
Grand Terre, the right wing of the butterfly, is characterized by its picture-postcard scenery. Its large towns such as Sainte-Anne and Saint-François are known for their long white sandy beaches, hauled in by majestic coconut palms on the side of the turquoise sea.
For fans of board sports, Filovent recommends a stop at Pointe des Châteaux, a very wild site reminiscent of Brittany. Grande Terre is also known as the "little Brittany of the Caribbean"! The impressive cliffs that run along the coast and plunge into the Atlantic Ocean will leave you speechless. Stroll along the path to the side of the boat and discover the sugar cane fields that populate the island.
Pointe des Châteaux - Guadeloupe
During your stopover in Grande Terre, you absolutely must take a tour of the markets of Pointe à Pitre, the capital. Stroll among the colorful stalls overflowing with spices, exotic fruits and vegetables, and freshly caught fish sold by the fishermen. There's no better way to immerse yourself in the culture and participate in local life during your catamaran cruise in Guadeloupe!
Marie Galante
Nicknamed "the big pancake" because of its rounded shape, this island is renowned for its numerous sugar cane fields and old mills. Marie-Galante is also known for its rum distilleries, and it is said that the best rum comes from here! Lovers of this delicious beverage, you absolutely must visit one of the distilleries to taste the rum arrangé (flavored rum)... in moderation, of course!
Sugar cane fields in Guadeloupe
Stroll through the village of Grand-Bourg and take the time to see the small picturesque wooden houses and the charming church of Notre-Dame de Marie-Galante.
And how can we not mention its heavenly beaches? They are the island's claim to fame and the joy of yachtsmen. With fine sand, turquoise water and palm trees, all protected by a coral reef, we recommend Feuillère beach! A true paradise for turtles, the luckiest among you will be able to watch green turtles , hawksbill turtles and even leatherback turtles laying their eggs at dusk... An unforgettable sight!
Take one of the kayaks provided on the boat and make the most of your catamaran cruise in Guadeloupe to take a trip through the mangroves. Along the way, you will see impressive mangroves and many species of birds.
La Désirade
This small island will delight nature lovers and walkers. Organized around a single road, Filovent recommends that you cycle around the island. You will pass through the villages of Baie-Mahault and Beauséjour before arriving at the lighthouse. Take the time to stop and see the ruins of the former leprosarium and the former cotton mill.
For the more courageous, climb up to the Chapel of Our Lady of Calvary, a pretty little blue and white chapel overlooking the island. From up there, you will have a breathtaking view of the surrounding islands. Although the climb is steep, it is clearly worth it!
The Saintes
The Saintes form a small archipelago of 14 km² , in the archipelago! Accessible by boat, you will discover the 9 small paradise islands of this archipelago, only two of which are inhabited: Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas. So you will have the opportunity, during your catamaran cruise in Guadeloupe, to sail in one of the most beautiful bays in the world!
Les Saintes - îlet à Cabrit, photo by Frédéric Lemaire - Filovent customer
When you arrive at the Terre-de-Haut landing stage, you will be immersed in a typical atmosphere with the hustle and bustle of the crowd. Get away from the hustle and bustle and visit the charming village of Terre-de-Haut. The colorful fishermen's houses with their feet in the water, as well as the superb Creole villas, are part of its charm.
Less visited, Terre-de-Bas is a very authentic and wild island. Its beaches are absolutely sublime and well worth a stop. Known for its fishing activity, Terre-de-Bas is also home to many diving spots. Thanks to the equipment provided on the boat, you can try your hand at a few snorkeling sessions.
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