Guadeloupe Sailing Itinerary from Pointe-à-Pitre: A 7-Day Cruise to Marie-Galante and Les Saintes
Marina Bas-du-Fort, Guadeloupe
7 days cruise, 41 dates available
Catamaran
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
A one-week sailing itinerary from Marina Bas-du-Fort in Pointe-à-Pitre, linking the sugar cane island of Marie-Galante with the colourful bay of Terre-de-Haut in Les Saintes, with sheltered anchorages and warm Caribbean water all the way.
The cruise starts and ends at Marina Bas-du-Fort in Pointe-à-Pitre, the main sailing base of Guadeloupe, and follows a circular route through the southern islands of the archipelago. Guadeloupe lies in the heart of the Lesser Antilles, between Antigua and Dominica, and the islands around its butterfly-shaped main landmass pack varied landscapes, clear water and Creole culture into a compact and very navigable sailing area.
The week alternates between longer crossings and short, easy legs. The passages to Marie-Galante and back from Les Saintes are the longest of the trip and are best started early, while the days spent around the anchorages leave plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling and exploring ashore. All passages are planned in daylight, with most nights spent at anchor in sheltered bays.
The landscapes change from one island to the next. Marie-Galante is flat and green, a patchwork of sugar cane fields dotted with stone windmills and long white beaches. Les Saintes rise steeply from the sea in volcanic hills, with a deep bay and a turquoise sea that is a joy to anchor in. Îlet du Gosier closes the route with a small lighthouse island and shallow, transparent water.
Ashore, the cruise offers a real taste of the Creole Caribbean. On Marie-Galante, distilleries still produce agricole rum the traditional way, while Terre-de-Haut in Les Saintes is a pretty fishing village of colourful houses, small restaurants and a historic fort above the bay. Pointe-à-Pitre itself is a lively port town with markets, shops and cafes worth a visit before or after the cruise.
Life on board follows the rhythm of the sea: a swim before breakfast, a sail to the next island, lunch at anchor and long evenings under the stars with the sound of the Caribbean around you. It is an itinerary designed to be taken at your own pace, with enough variety to fill the week without ever feeling rushed.
Itinerary
Day1
Boarding in Pointe-à-Pitre
Boarding takes place at Marina Bas-du-Fort in Pointe-à-Pitre, the main sailing base of Guadeloupe, in the late afternoon. The first evening is for settling in, stowing luggage and planning the week ahead, with the check-in and chart briefing at the base coming before the first departure. The first night is usually spent at the marina, a relaxed start before the islands.
Day2
Pointe-à-Pitre to Saint-Louis, Marie-Galante
Once the formalities are complete, the sails go up for the crossing to Marie-Galante, known locally as the island of a hundred mills. The passage takes most of the day, with open water between the two islands and the flat green profile of Marie-Galante growing on the horizon. The anchor goes down off Saint-Louis, on the sheltered western coast, in time for a swim and a first evening ashore.
Day3
Exploring Marie-Galante
A day to discover an island shaped by sugar cane. Fields, old stone windmills and traditional distilleries producing agricole rum are all within easy reach of the coast, while long white beaches such as Anse Canot offer clear water for swimming and snorkeling. The boat stays in the same area, so there is time to explore ashore or simply to enjoy the water and the quiet of the anchorage.
Day4
Marie-Galante to Terre-de-Haut, Les Saintes
The route leaves Marie-Galante behind and crosses the channel to Les Saintes, a small archipelago of green volcanic hills. The approach to Terre-de-Haut is one of the most scenic of the week, with the bay opening up between steep slopes and colourful houses. Anchor or pick up a mooring in the bay, then walk the village streets in the evening light.
Day5
Terre-de-Haut and Pain de Sucre
A slow day in Les Saintes. Fort Napoléon, on the headland above the bay, gives wide views over the islets and a museum of local and naval history, while the cove of Pain de Sucre is a favourite for swimming and snorkeling in clear water. Beaches, small restaurants and a relaxed island rhythm make this the place to linger, with a second night at anchor.
Day6
Les Saintes to Îlet du Gosier
The longest passage of the week takes the route back across open water towards the south coast of Grande-Terre, so an early start is recommended. The reward is Îlet du Gosier, a small island with a lighthouse and a shallow, sheltered anchorage just off the coast, ideal for a last swim and an evening at anchor within sight of the mainland.
Day7
Îlet du Gosier and Return to Pointe-à-Pitre
A last morning swim at Îlet du Gosier, then a short sail along the coast back to Marina Bas-du-Fort, where the boat is returned and prepared for the final evening and night on board. Disembarkation takes place the following morning.
Important Note This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, sea state and operational requirements. The route, anchorages and overnight stops may be adjusted to ensure safety, comfort and the best possible sailing experience.
Cruise price details
Entire yacht price
€ 7199
€ 5831
Book the entire yacht for a private trip
Included in the price
Rental of the whole boat for one week with its onboard equipment
Dinghy with outboard engine
Boarding on Saturday from 18:00, with the possibility to leave the marina straight away
Last night on board included, with return to the marina by 18:00 on Friday and disembarkation by 08:00 on Saturday
Yacht additional fees
Charter pack, cleaning, bed linen, towels and first gas bottle: € 450
Security deposit, refundable after the return if the boat is in good condition: € 3500
A spacious sailing catamaran with four double cabins, generous social spaces and a comfortable layout, ideal for friends and families who want to run their own cruise.
This catamaran offers a bright, airy interior and wide outdoor areas designed for relaxed days at anchor. The saloon opens onto a teak cockpit with cushions and speakers, perfect for shared meals and sunset drinks, while the well equipped galley makes life on board easy.
Four double cabins give each couple or pair of friends their own private space, so the boat suits families and groups of up to eight guests. Air conditioning, a generator and a water maker add comfort and autonomy, while solar panels, a lithium battery and an inverter help keep power available during the cruise.
A tender with outboard engine makes it simple to reach beaches and quiet coves. The navigation license allows a maximum of ten people on board, crew included, while the four guest cabins sleep eight.
Yacht
Model
2024 Lagoon 42
Length
12.8 m
Yacht services
Air conditioning
Yes
Accommodations
Max guests
8
Double cabins
4
Bathrooms
4
Private Bathrooms
No
Crew
0
Chef on board
No
Other facilities
Cockpit cushions
Cockpit speakers
Coffee maker
Autopilot
Generator
Teak cockpit
Chart plotter
Refrigerator
Electric toilets
Air conditioning
Solar panels
Water maker
Inverter
Lithium battery
Tender with outboard engine
What to pack for a sailing holiday?
Pack smart for your yacht charter: choose a soft bag instead of a hard suitcase, bring lightweight layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and non-slip shoes for onboard use. A couple of swimsuits and motion sickness remedies can also make a big difference. Each boat has limited storage, so pack light but wisely! Need help building the perfect list? Read our full guide: What to pack in a suitcase for a yacht charter
What’s a Typical Day Like on a Yacht Charter?
Start your day with a swim in a quiet bay, sail to hidden beaches or seaside villages, and enjoy a slow lunch on deck. Afternoons mean snorkeling, sunbathing, or exploring ashore. As the sun sets, your boat anchors in a scenic cove or near a harbor ready for a relaxed dinner and a night under the stars. Curious about the full experience? Discover more in our guide: What’s a typical day like on a sailing holiday?
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather During a Sailing Holiday?
Summer sailing holidays rarely face major weather issues but when the sea gets rough, skippers adjust the route for your safety. Expect protected bays, marina stops, or a change in plan. These moments often lead to unexpected gems: local towns to explore, time to relax on board, or cozy dinners ashore. Curious about how crews handle these changes? Read the full FAQ: What to do in case of adverse weather conditions or changes to the itinerary
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
