Natural Wonders of the Caribbean – 8 Days Guadeloupe Sailing Adventure

Natural Wonders of the Caribbean — 8 Days Guadeloupe Sailing Adventure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Guadeloupe to Marie-Galante — Set Sail for the Hundred Mills Island

Arrive in Guadeloupe and transfer to the Bas du Fort marina near Pointe-a-Pitre, where your catamaran awaits. Your crew welcomes you aboard in the late afternoon with a safety briefing, cabin assignment, and a glass of planter’s punch as the sun begins its golden descent over the Caribbean. Cast off and set a southerly course for Marie-Galante, a flat limestone island visible on the horizon. The two-hour sail takes you across the calm waters between Grande-Terre and Marie-Galante, with the late afternoon sun gilding the sails and the sea turning from turquoise to deep blue. Dolphins occasionally ride the bow wave, and you may spot the spout of a distant whale. Drop anchor in the sheltered bay of Anse Canot, a quiet bay on Marie-Galante’s western coast. Your first dinner aboard the catamaran is served on deck under the stars: fresh seafood, Creole rice, and tropical fruit. The night is spent at anchor, gently rocking on the Caribbean swell. Overnight aboard at Anse Canot, Marie-Galante.

Day 2: Marie-Galante Exploration & Sail to Dominica

Wake to the soft light of dawn over Marie-Galante’s palm-fringed coastline. After a tropical breakfast of fresh fruit, French bread, and coffee, spend the morning swimming in the crystal-clear water directly from the catamaran. Kayaks and snorkeling gear are available: paddle along the coast exploring small coves, or snorkel over seagrass beds where green turtles graze. An optional guided bus tour of Marie-Galante explores the island’s interior — the Murat sugar plantation ruins, the 19th-century Chateau Murat, the historic windmills that give Marie-Galante its nickname “Island of a Hundred Mills,” and a stop at Pere Labat distillery for a rum tasting of their acclaimed rhum agricole, made from fresh-pressed sugarcane juice rather than molasses. Late morning, the catamaran raises anchor and sets sail south for Dominica, the Nature Island of the Caribbean. This longer passage of approximately 5-6 hours offers deep-sea sailing with the possibility of spotting pilot whales, spinner dolphins, and flying fish skimming the wave tops. Lunch is served underway. Approaching Dominica in the late afternoon, the island’s dramatic silhouette — steep volcanic peaks cloaked in untouched rainforest — rises from the sea. Drop anchor in Prince Rupert Bay, off the historic town of Portsmouth. Dinner aboard with the lights of Dominica’s coast twinkling in the distance. Overnight aboard at Portsmouth Bay, Dominica.

Day 3: Dominica — The Nature Island

Spend the full day exploring Dominica, the Caribbean’s wildest and most mountainous island. An optional full-day island excursion takes you inland through lush rainforest to Red Rocks, a dramatic formation of red-tinged volcanic cliffs pounded by the Atlantic surf, creating spectacular blowholes. Continue to the Syndicate Nature Trail in Morne Diablotin National Park, one of the best places in the Caribbean to spot the endemic Sisserou and Jaco parrots — Dominica’s national bird appears on the country’s flag. Walk through primary rainforest where giant gommier trees, tree ferns, and wild orchids create a cathedral-like atmosphere, accompanied by the constant soundtrack of birdsong and rushing water. A highlight is Milton Waterfall, where you can swim in a crystal-clear pool beneath a cascade tumbling through dense jungle. Visit a local farm to taste Dominica’s abundant tropical fruits: grapefruit, soursop, passionfruit, and cocoa, with a demonstration of traditional cocoa tea preparation. Lunch features Dominican Creole cuisine at a countryside restaurant. Return to Portsmouth in the late afternoon. Those staying with the catamaran can enjoy swimming and relaxation time in the calm waters of the bay. Dinner aboard with fresh-caught fish and local vegetables. Overnight aboard at Portsmouth Bay.

Day 4: Dominica to Ilet Pigeon — Cousteau Reserve Arrival

An early morning departure as the catamaran sets course north, retracing the route past the southern tip of Guadeloupe toward the Cousteau Reserve. This is a full day at sea, with the dramatic coastlines of Dominica and then Guadeloupe’s Basse-Terre sliding past on the port side. The sail takes you past the Saintes channel, with Les Saintes islands visible as green jewels on the starboard horizon. Your crew serves meals throughout the day’s sailing, and there is ample time to read on deck, sunbathe, watch for marine life, or learn basic sailing skills from the crew (trimming sails, reading charts, taking the helm). By late afternoon, you arrive at Ilet Pigeon, the two tiny islets at the heart of the Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve. The catamaran anchors in water so clear you can see the coral formations 15 meters below. An afternoon snorkeling session introduces you to the reserve’s famous underwater world: brain corals the size of cars, swirling schools of blue tang, curious trumpetfish, parrotfish crunching on coral, and the ever-present hawksbill turtles. Watch the sunset paint the Pigeon Islands and the mountains of Basse-Terre in shades of pink and orange. Dinner aboard. Overnight anchored at Ilet Pigeon.

Day 5: Ilet Pigeon to Les Saintes — Underwater Paradise & Island Beauty

A leisurely morning dedicated to the Cousteau Reserve. After breakfast, gear up for extended snorkeling: explore the “Garden of Coral,” a particularly rich section of reef where dense schools of grunts, snappers, and chromis create a living wall of fish. The more adventurous can try free-diving through natural archways and small caves in the reef. For certified divers, the local dive club offers guided dives to the Cousteau Reserve’s deeper sites, including walls dropping to 30 meters covered in huge barrel sponges and black coral. Mid-morning, the catamaran raises anchor for a short but spectacular sail westward to Les Saintes archipelago. As you approach, the islands emerge in stunning clarity: Pain de Sucre (Sugar Loaf), a conical islet that could be a miniature Rio landmark; the red-roofed village of Terre-de-Haut; and the deep blue waters of the bay considered among the most beautiful in the world. Anchor in the bay. Spend the afternoon swimming from the catamaran, paddleboarding, or taking the tender ashore to explore Bourg des Saintes. Wander the village’s pedestrian lanes, sample tourment d’amour tarts at the waterfront patisserie, and climb to the viewpoint at Fort Napoleon for the classic postcard panorama. Dinner on deck with views of the illuminated village reflecting on the calm bay. Overnight anchored at Les Saintes.

Day 6: Les Saintes — Full Day Island Discovery

A full day at Les Saintes, one of the Caribbean’s most enchanting destinations. After breakfast on board, take the tender ashore for a day of exploration. The main activity is the walk up to Fort Napoleon (approximately 30 minutes on foot), where the 360-degree views from the ramparts are among the most photographed in the French Caribbean. Visit the fort’s museum to learn about the 1782 naval Battle of the Saintes and the island’s unique cultural identity, distinct from mainland Guadeloupe. The Saintois people descend from Breton and Norman settlers and maintain their own dialect. Back at sea level, rent a scooter or electric golf cart to explore the island’s other corners: Pompierre Beach, a protected cove with swaying palms and calm waters; Marigot Bay, a quieter alternative with good snorkeling; and the hike to the Camille Mortenol viewpoint above the bay. Lunch at a waterfront restaurant: grilled langouste, fresh dorade, and local specialties. The afternoon is at leisure — snorkel from the boat, sunbathe on the foredeck, or try watersports equipment available on board. A special dinner this evening: a Creole barbecue on deck, with rum flowing and the lights of Les Saintes twinkling across the water. Overnight anchored at Les Saintes.

Day 7: Les Saintes to Ilet Gosier — Final Snorkeling & Sunset

After breakfast, the catamaran sails toward Grande-Terre, Guadeloupe’s eastern wing. Mid-morning, anchor at Pain de Sucre for a final snorkeling session — this site near Les Saintes offers excellent visibility and the chance to spot sea turtles, rays, and large schools of reef fish. The sugar-loaf shaped islet erupts from deep water, and the vertical walls are covered in colorful sponges and corals. After snorkeling, the catamaran continues on a relaxing afternoon sail along Guadeloupe’s southern coast toward Ilet Gosier, a tiny islet just offshore from the town of Gosier on Grande-Terre. This islet features a historic lighthouse, a small sandy beach, and excellent snorkeling in the shallow lagoon. Drop anchor for your final night aboard. Spend the late afternoon swimming in the calm waters, exploring the islet on foot, or simply relaxing on deck reflecting on the week’s journey. As the sun sets, a farewell dinner is served: a celebration of the week’s adventure with champagne and a recap of highlights from the crew. Optional visit to the Gosier night market ashore for last-minute souvenir shopping. Overnight anchored at Ilet Gosier.

Day 8: Return to Guadeloupe — Disembarkation & Departure

Enjoy a final breakfast on deck as the catamaran makes the short sail back to Bas du Fort marina in Pointe-a-Pitre. Watch the butterfly-shaped island of Guadeloupe welcome you back with its green mountains and turquoise waters. Disembark with your crew’s assistance, saying farewell to new friends and the crew who have been your guides through this Caribbean odyssey. Transfer to Pointe-a-Pitre International Airport. You depart having sailed to four distinct territories (Guadeloupe, Marie-Galante, Dominica, Les Saintes), exploring above and below the water, and experiencing the Caribbean as the early explorers and pirates knew it — from the deck of a sailing vessel, with the wind in the sails and the horizon forever beckoning.

What’s Included

– 7 nights aboard a modern catamaran (twin/double cabin with private shower/WC)
– All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
– Professional crew (captain, chef, deckhand)
– Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
– Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
– All sailing and navigation
– Fuel and port fees
– Linens and towels

What’s Excluded

– International flights to/from Pointe-a-Pitre
– Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase on board)
– Optional island excursions on Dominica (~$50-70)
– Marie-Galante bus tour (~$35)
– Scuba diving (~$80/dive)
– Travel insurance (mandatory)
– Crew gratuities (recommended 10-15%)