BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide

Catamaran charter in Guadeloupe: the archipelago, explained

Pointe-à-Pitre, Les Saintes, Marie-Galante: where to sail, in which season, on what budget — the guide to chartering a catamaran in Guadeloupe.

Guadeloupe is one of the few places in the world where a single week on a catamaran lets you touch five very different islands without ever sailing more than three hours. The classic starting point: the marina of Pointe-à-Pitre (Bas-du-Fort), the largest in the French Antilles.

The itinerary everyone agrees on

Head south to Les Saintes (a 3-hour crossing, anchoring in one of the world's most beautiful bays), then Marie-Galante and its rum distilleries, back along the leeward coast of Basse-Terre — the Cousteau reserve and its turtles — and, weather permitting, the islet of Petite-Terre and its lagoon. A full week, with no night sailing.

When to go

The dry season, December to April, brings steady trade winds (15-20 knots), clear skies and a manageable sea: it is high season, so book months ahead. May-June remains very pleasant and noticeably cheaper. June to November is the wet and hurricane season: people still sail, but with a close eye on forecasts and cancellation policies worth reading twice.

The budget

Expect €3,000 to €6,000 per week for a 38-42 ft catamaran depending on the season, excluding skipper (add €180-250/day). Price gaps between platforms are real here: the same boat out of Pointe-à-Pitre sometimes shows a 15% spread — compare before you book.

License or not?

Under sail, no license is required, but operators ask for a serious sailing résumé (skipper-level cruising experience). Without it, a skipper turns the week into a floating masterclass — and he knows the anchorages no app will show you.

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