Guadeloupe / Beach Life

The majority of Guadeloupe's beaches are open to the general public, but there are some private shores owned by hotels, which are only open to their guests. The sand on Grand Terre, which is a coral-based island, is generally bright white. On Basse Terre, which is mountainous and volcanic, it varies from sugary golden to black. On Marie-Galante and the Saints it is generally very light. Topless bathing is acceptable on all beaches, especially near the resorts, and there are some areas that are recognised (if not official) nudist beaches. Most of the beaches have protected and calm water for swimming, but you should beware rough water in the north east and dangerous currents around the north of Basse Terre.

Below is a selection of the best beaches Guadeloupe.

Grande Terre

Gosier, south side, near Point-à-Pitre
Built up area with hotels on the protected south coast of Grande Terre. Windsurfing and water skiing equipment for hire.

Petit Havre, between Gosier and St Anne
A series of small coves on the south coast which generally lack crowds and are worth investigation.

Caravelle Beach, near St Anne
Popular beach that gets very crowded on weekends. Bright white sand and good for swimming.

Ste Anne Beach
Extremely popular beach near the town that gets crowded. Watersports for hire and food and drink available.

Plage des Raisins Clairs
Just outside St François on the southeastern shore of Grande Terre. Palms and other tropical trees back the gentle curves of sand.

Pointe des Châteaux, eastern tip
There are beaches on both the northern and southern sides of the eastern tip of the island, with excellent secluded strips of sand, particularly at Anse à la Gourde and Plage des Salines. There are nudist areas at Plage Tarare on the northern side.

Le Moule Beach
Reef-protected beach on the eastern coast. Some hotels near the shore, watersports facilities and beach bars.

Basse Terre

Le Grande Anse, north-western tip
One of the most attractive beaches on the island, a huge bay of golden sand and green palms. Restaurants serving food on the beach.

Malendure, mid-way down the west coast
A dark sand beach but it gets busy. Plenty of watersports on offer and day trips depart from here. Opposite Ilet de Pigeon on the west coast.