BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide

Catamaran Charter in Guadeloupe and Les Saintes

Catamaran charter in Guadeloupe: Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and Petite-Terre. Itinerary, season, budget and a neutral comparison of the platforms.

Guadeloupe is one of the finest catamaran bases in the Caribbean. From Pointe-à-Pitre, the archipelago lends itself to an easy cruise between Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and the Petite-Terre reserve, over short hops and anchorages sheltered by the trade winds. It is a perfect destination for a first big cruise in the sun, with no gruelling passages. You sail in shorts and a tee-shirt, with warm water all year and stops that are never far apart. It is the dream setting for a first successful cruise.

An archipelago made for catamarans

A catamaran is the natural choice here: steady at anchor, shallow enough to approach the beaches and roomy enough to live outdoors in the tropics. From the marinas of Pointe-à-Pitre or Le Gosier, you roam without long passages, ideal for a first Caribbean cruise. The Rivière Salée splits Grande-Terre from Basse-Terre and opens, to the south, onto sheltered water where you island-hop at your own pace. Distances are measured in hours, not days, which leaves plenty of time for the beach and for snorkelling. The trade winds do most of the work, so even a modest crew can manage the hops.

Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, Petite-Terre

Head south to Terre-de-Haut in Les Saintes, one of the world’s loveliest bays, with the Pain de Sucre for snorkelling among fish and coral. Marie-Galante charms with empty beaches, sugar mills and rum; Petite-Terre, a nature reserve, shelters iguanas and a turquoise lagoon, though it caps the number of boats allowed. Take a mooring buoy in protected zones, respect regulated anchorages and keep some time in hand for the weather. On the way back, do not miss a loop around Îlet du Gosier, or an early-morning swim before the day boats arrive. Terre-de-Haut itself rewards an evening ashore, with pastel houses and a lively little harbour.

Season and budget

The dry season, December to April, offers the best conditions, with steady trade winds and little rain. A catamaran hires for 800-1,500 €/day, or 3,000-8,000 €/week; a local skipper (150-350 €/day) knows the passes, the best anchorages and the good spots ashore. Budget separately for provisioning, fuel and any deposit. Platform service fees range from 0 to 9 %. Outside the cyclone season prices ease, but always check the tropical forecast when you book.

Compare before you book

The same catamaran can vary by 10-25 % depending on the platform. Boat-Comparator queries Boataround, SamBoat, Click&Boat and GlobeSailor in one search, handy for a far-flung destination booked well in advance. Comparing early secures the right catamaran for your dates, which fill fast over the school holidays. See the catamaran rental in Pointe-à-Pitre page, the catamaran charter hub and the Caribbean boat rental zone. Cancellation varies by operator: check each listing.

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