Located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, the island of Guadeloupe is one of the top destinations in the region. Its islands not only offer idyllic beaches and turquoise lagoons for those who love the sea, but also feature picturesque hikes for those who love the great outdoors and want to experience the island’s exceptional wilderness.
Hiking through the tropical forest, exploring the beauty of the underwater world, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Guadeloupe are all privileges that make the island a dream destination for sailors!
Without further ado, find our selection of the best anchorages in Guadeloupe!
Climate
With an average temperature of 27 °C in the air and 28 °C in the water, Guadeloupe has a tropical climate, which allows for travel there year-round without problem.
To make the most of your stay, it is still advisable to travel during the hottest months, from May to November. During this period, the sea is warm enough to swim and for the more adventurous to explore the underwater world.
The best anchorages of Guadeloupe
Baie Mahault
The Baie Mahault anchorage is at the top of our list of must-see anchorages in the north of Guadeloupe. Protected from western to eastern winds by the south, it provides decent holding in mainly muddy bottoms, at a depth of around 5 meters. For sailors looking for peace, Baie Mahault is the ideal spot for an unforgettable experience. You will witness a warm atmosphere in a peaceful and natural setting.
The bay is surrounded by thick tropical vegetation that leads directly into the deep blue waters of the anchorage. This small paradise has a unique charm, perpetuated on land by the village and the warm welcome of its inhabitants.
Finally, Baie Mahault is a convenient spot that offers many amenities for boaters (shops, restaurants, playgrounds for children) to meet all their needs.
Grande Anse
Our next stop, Grande Anse, is nestled on the northwest coast of Guadeloupe. The seabed of the anchorage, made up of sand and rocks, offers decent holding at a depth of 6 meters. In addition, you will benefit from good protection from northeastern to southeastern winds by the east.
From the deck of your boat, you’ll enjoy the beauty of this spectacular setting. Deep blue waters come to embrace the long sandy beach of Grande Anse. In the background, the mountain range of Pitons du Carbet, covered with thick greenery, invites you to take beautiful hikes. This is the only mountainous region of the island, where a humid tropical forest worthy of the Caribbean reigns in peace.
Finally, from the viewpoint located in Rifflet, enjoy a superb panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea and the famous Grande Anse beach in Deshaies. From there, you can also appreciate beautiful sunsets highlighting these stunning landscapes. Not to be missed!
Anse Deshaies
Anse Deshaies is one of the most beautiful anchorages on the island, located in the northwest of Guadeloupe. Its geographical location protects it from winds from the north to southeast by the east. In addition, its seabed, mostly made up of sand and a few rocks, offers decent holding for your anchor.
Once well anchored, you will enjoy a superb panorama of the lush mountainous coastline. The breathtaking natural setting of the anchorage does justice to the beauty of its waters. A swim with snorkeling gear is highly recommended to discover the rich underwater fauna and flora of the anchorage.
Nearby, find the Malendure beach which will give you exclusive access to the famous Cousteau Reserve. A paradise for divers and snorkelers from all over the world!
Finally, enjoy a peaceful walk through the surprising flora of the Caribbean at the Deshaies botanical garden! This 7 hacres park offers a wide diversity of remarkable plants and trees. Let yourself be guided by the scents and colors of the tropics and enjoy this unique place!
Rivière Sens
Rivière Sens is another must-do stopover on your cruise in Guadeloupe! Its seabed, mostly made up of sand, offers good holding. In addition, the anchorage is well protected from northern to eastern winds by the east ensuring a secure anchorage.
A welcoming setting and exceptional sunsets, sit on your boat and contemplate this unique wild landscape. Tropical forests, large rock formations dotted with vegetation, and a long sandy beach: it’s a true exotic paradise that awaits you at Rivière Sens!
Finally, the anchorage is located near the village of Gourbeyre, and offers good accessibility to many amenities (restaurants, activities, shops) for a pleasant and strategic stopover.
Anse du Mancenillier
On the east coast of Guadeloupe, Anse du Mancenillier is a popular destination for its paradise-like beach. Between its calm turquoise waters and tall coconut trees, you’ll feel like you’re in a true tropical dream. Well protected from northeastern to eastern winds by the east, it is an anchorage where you can drop anchor without worries in sandy banks, 5 meters deep.
From the deck of your boat, you will have a direct view on the long sandy beach of Anse Champagne, bordering the turquoise waters of the anchorage. Many coconut trees and palm trees populate the beach along the coast forming this magnificent setting. A postcard landscape that you won’t forget!
In addition to being located in a peaceful and tropical location, Anse du Mancenillier is located near the Saint-Francois marina which offers good accessibility to many amenities (restaurants, activities, shops). You will also have access to various activities (golf club for enthusiasts and professionals, water sports station…) for a pleasant and entertaining stopover.
Anse de la Guérite
For sailors looking for peace, Anse de la Guérite is the ideal spot for an unforgettable experience. Beautiful shades of blue and turquoise water border a long rocky coastline. The anchorage is quite wild, making it a quiet and little-visited place where you can relax with only the sound of the waves to lull you. In the evening, spectacular sunsets gracefully ligthen the sky.
From the anchorage, you will also have a view of the Marina Port-Louis. It will give you easy access to several restaurants and some shops to stock up in this small fishing village. Between historical and natural attractions, Anse de la Guérite is an anchorage that will not leave you indifferent!
That was the final candidate on our list of the best anchorages in Guadeloupe.
We hope it will inspire you for your next cruise! Don’t hesitate to share your favorite destinations with the community on Navily.
Find the perfect rental boat for cruising in Guadeloupe with our partner Samboat by clicking here!
To explore the region around Guadeloupe further, check out our articles on the best anchorages of the Saintes Islands, La Désirade, or Petite Terre Islands, to discover new must-see destinations!
Fair winds Captain,
The Octopus.
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