Guadeloupe Sailing Itinerary from Pointe-à-Pitre: A 7-Night Cruise to Marie-Galante and Les Saintes
Marina Bas-du-Fort, Guadeloupe
7 days cruise, 7 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 to Marie-Galante and the colourful bay of Terre-de-Haut in Les Saintes.
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. Once on board, there is time for settling in, stowing luggage and planning the week ahead. Departure follows the check-in and chart briefing at the base, with timing set by the operator. The first night on board is 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
A longer passage 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, arriving in the afternoon. The last night is spent on board in the marina, and disembarkation takes place the following morning after breakfast.
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. These decisions are taken by the skipper or, on a charter without crew, by the person in charge of the boat, supported by the briefing at the base.
Cruise price details
Entire yacht price
€ 5000
Book the entire yacht for a private trip
Included in the price
Entire boat rental
Standard boat equipment
Insurance for navigation
Dinghy with outboard engine
Yacht additional fees
Security deposit: € 8,000, refundable
Fuel according to consumption
Provisioning, food and drinks
Mooring fees and water and electricity in ports and marinas, according to use
Extra services
Skipper (6% damage waiver added to the invoice when hired): € 1,680 for seven nights
Hostess: € 1,400 for seven nights
Full board (plus € 60 per day for the crew): € 420 for seven nights
Departure pack for 3 to 4 cabins (final cleaning, linen, towels and consumables): € 450
A modern, well kept catamaran with a flybridge, teak decks and a comfortable layout, a relaxed home on the water for a family or a small group of friends.
This catamaran offers a generous living space on a single level, with a bright saloon opening onto a large cockpit and a fully equipped galley. The flybridge adds a second lounge area with a helm station and fine views, while the teak decks and the foredeck are ideal for sunbathing and relaxing at anchor.
Four double cabins provide private and comfortable sleeping quarters for up to eight guests. Two additional crew cabins are kept separate from the guest areas. Ten berths in total, eight in the four guest cabins.
A water maker, an inverter, solar panels and an autopilot make life on board easy, and the dinghy with outboard engine gives freedom to explore the coast.
Yacht
Model
2023 Lagoon 46
Length
14 m
Accommodations
Max guests
8
Double cabins
4
Bathrooms
4
Private Bathrooms
No
Crew
0
Chef on board
No
Other facilities
Refrigerator
Water maker
Bimini
Dinghy
Outboard engine
Flybridge
Teak deck
Autopilot
Chart plotter
Inverter
Solar Panels
Lazy jack
Lazy bag
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?
Weather and sea state can change the plan on any sailing holiday. In Guadeloupe the route, anchorages and overnight stops may be adjusted to keep the boat safe, with sheltered bays and marina stops as alternatives. These decisions are taken by the skipper or, on a charter without crew, by the person in charge of the boat, supported by the briefing at the base. 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.
