La Désirade is a small wild island, located in the arc of the Lesser Antilles and Guadeloupe. The island is characterized by its calm and simplicity that sets it apart from its neighbors.
Nothing seems to disturb the peaceful atmosphere that prevails on the island, or change the authenticity and friendly welcome of its inhabitants.
Whether you are passionate about History, gastronomy, nature and the sea or simply looking for a quiet place to relax, La Désirade will meet your expectations.
The Octopus presents three good reasons to visit the paradise-like island of La Désirade, as well as its exceptional anchorage.
3 good reasons to visit la Désirade
1- A real break from the world
La Désirade is quiet and little urbanized, so mainly rural. On the island, you will witness a complete change of scenery, where simplicity and tranquility reign. A completely outdated atmosphere, a slowness of days gone by and inhabitants particularly attached to their island. This is what La Désirade has to offer to its visitors.
There, no marinas, hotels or rental villas, this small piece of land in the ocean has managed to keep all its authenticity.
2- There’s a beach for every taste, far from the crowd
In a completely tropical and exotic setting, the beaches of La Désirade have nothing to envy from the other beaches of the surrounding islands that can sometimes be overcrowded and noisy. Whether you are looking for a spectacular natural setting, beautiful sunsets, or a peaceful place to rest, La Désirade has a beach that meets your expectations. Let yourself be seduced by the sweetness of life of this magical place and escape to a land of total disconnection.
3 - The island's trails will lead you on wonderful bucolic hikes.
For hiking enthusiasts, a day is enough to visit this 11 km long island, which has three villages connected by one road. You can explore La Désirade on foot or by bike, from the town of Grande-Anse to Baie-Mahault. Several hiking trails start from the road to climb to the heights and enjoy splendid views of the sea. Along the way, it is not uncommon to come across iguanas, a protected species thanks to the isolation of the island.
To visit the island, stop at Anse Souffleur
Anse Souffleur
The anchorage of Anse Souffleur is the perfect stopover in the south of the island to drop anchor and discover La Désirade. Well protected from the west and north by the west, the anchorage remains a little rolly. Its seabed, made of sand and rocks, offers a good hold for your anchor.
The setting of the anchorage is out of a tropical dream. In the foreground, a pristine beach constitute the blond sandy shore shaded by tall coconut trees. In the background, hills rich in vegetation complete this unique and beautiful landscape.
At anchor, it doesn’t take long to understand that you have fallen into a paradise of calm and disconnection. You won’t find marinas, hotel complexes, or holiday clubs on the island, which preserves a way of life from another time. On land, only a beachside snack bar will warmly welcome you.
Finally, near the anchorage, you’ll find the chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Calvaire, painted in blue and white in the style of Greek churches. It opens onto a panoramic terrace, where you can admire the Caribbean and its distant islands. Without a doubt, the best place to understand how La Désirade lives up to its name.
That concludes our beautiful trip to La Désirade island. An anchorage and three good reasons to discover this beautiful and unique island, you are now ready to drop anchor in this tropical paradise!
To learn more about the region, discover our latest articles on Guadeloupe, Marie Galante, Les Saintes and the islands of Petite-Terre.
Bon Voyage Captains,
The Octopus
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