Petite Terre is an uninhabited piece of land, formed by a group of two islands in the archipelago of Guadeloupe: Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-bas. It is a dream location for nature lovers with varied landscapes, a wide choice of walks and excursions through preserved flora and exotic fauna.
Without further ado, here are 3 good reasons to visit the island and the best spot to anchor!
3 reasons why you should visit Petite Terre
1- Go green tourism
Terre-de-bas is a dream destination for nature lovers and a flagship destination for sustainable and responsible tourism. To discover the island’s biodiversity, a hike inside the territory is recommended. With forests of Indian wood, “gommiers” and “mapous” trees, the island has a unique and preserved tropical flora. In this natural paradise, many endemic species live and thrive. Among them are the iguanas, classified as an endangered species since 2010, the “anolis” and the “scinque”, which are other species of reptiles, as well as various types of birds, such as resident and migratory species.
Finally, the island is uninhabited, making it a world cut off from developed areas that will delight sailors looking for new horizons.
2 - Explore the underwater depths of the lagoon that separates the two islands of Petite Terre
A narrow channel, about 150 meters wide, forms a lagoon that separates the two islands of Petite Terre. Its clear and warm waters are the playground of an astounding underwater world! Rays, corals, turtles, sponges with extremely varied shapes and colors… at Petite Terre, you will discover tropical flora and fauna typical of the Caribbean. Don’t miss these unique observations from the deck of your ship, on an observation boat or diving!
3 - Visit the oldest lighthouse in Guadeloupe: the Petite Terre lighthouse
The lighthouse on the island of Petite Terre, locally known as the “lighthouse of the end of the world,” is located about ten kilometers south of Pointe des Châteaux and La Désirade, and is the oldest lighthouse in Guadeloupe. Built in 1840, the lighthouse stands at 35 meters above sea level. It is also listed as a historical monument since March 28, 2002.
Visit this small piece of historical testimony during your stay at the Petite Terre anchorage.
To visit the island, stop at Petite Terre
Petite Terre
In the northwest of Terre-de-bas, lies the Petite Terre anchorage, offering an extraordinary natural setting.
The seabed of the anchorage, made up of sand, offers a decent hold at a depth of 5 meters. Additionally, you will benefit from protection from the wind and swell from the south to south-west.
From your boat, you will witness an exotic and breathtaking landscape. Palm trees line up on a white sandy beach, crystal-clear waters teeming with life (sharks, rays, turtles…) and dense vegetation, all coexisting in harmony, making the bay a perfect place for dreaming and relaxation.
Since it has been uninhabited since 1972, the island is also a national nature reserve and is home to the largest colony of iguanas in the Lesser Antilles. On land, you will have the opportunity to observe the famous prehistoric-looking iguanas basking in the merciless sun.
Finally, make sure to walk around the lighthouse on the island, where an impressive setting awaits you, offering a beautiful panorama of the island, up to the Vieux Fort.
The island of Petite Terre is definitely a destination made for sailors. In sometimes noisy and overcrowded Caribbean waters, it is a true paradise of calm, offering an exceptional experience.
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To discover more destinations in the Caribbean, read our latest articles on the best anchorages in Guadeloupe and les Saintes islands.
Fair winds Captain,
The Octopus
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