Sailing route from Guadeloupe to the most authentic islands of the Lesser Antilles. Enjoy trade winds, short passages, and a mix of protected anchorages and wild coastlines. From the relaxed beaches of Marie-Galante to the lush volcanic landscapes of Dominica.
Day 1Bas Du Fort
Bas du Fort is located at the entrance to Pointe-à-Pitre. This well-protected marina offers easy access in all weather conditions, modern facilities, fuel, provisioning, and skilled marine services. It’s a good starting point for sailing itinerary to Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, and Dominica, with steady trade winds and short, rewarding passages.
Day 2Marie Galante
20 nm4 hours
Marie-Galante is known as the island of a hundred windmills. Located about 20 nm from Bas du Fort, it offers safe anchorages and long stretches of white-sand beaches fringed by turquoise waters. The island is famous for its warm hospitality, excellent local rum, and authentic Creole culture. Saint-Louis Bay provides plenty of room to anchor and is an ideal stop for sailors who value simplicity and nature.
Day 3Dominica
27 nm5 hours
Dominica is a true Nature Island. It welcomes sailors with dramatic volcanic coastlines, deep-water anchorages, and lush rainforest rising straight from the sea. Here you’ll find plenty of moorings, easy provisioning in small towns, and unforgettable hikes to waterfalls, hot springs, and boiling lakes.
Day 4Plage de Leroux
50 nm8 hours
It is a favorite anchorage for sailors cruising along Guadeloupe’s leeward coast. Well sheltered from the trade winds, it offers calm waters, good holding, and an easy approach—ideal for a relaxed overnight stop. The sandy beach and clear water make it perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with coral patches close to shore.
Day 5Anse du Souffleur
20 nm5 hours
Relaxed anchorage on the northwest coast of Guadeloupe. The sandy bay offers good holding, generally calm conditions in settled weather, and easy dinghy access ashore. Long sandy beaches, clear water, and a gentle swell make it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Port-Louis village offers small shops and local eateries.
Day 6La Desirade
36 nm6 hours
This quiet island offers a dramatic coastline, clear waters, and a strong sense of isolation from busy cruising routes. Anchorages are simple but scenic, best enjoyed in settled weather, with excellent conditions for swimming and snorkeling. Ashore, life moves slowly, with friendly locals, small villages, and unspoiled landscapes shaped by wind and sea.
Day 7Bas Du Fort
30 nm6 hours
Return to the base for the check out.
Optional Stops Along the Route
Marina Bas-du-Fort
Marina
Sailors appreciate the security, the professional staff, efficiency during maneuvers, and easy access to key services (water, electricity, shops). Recurring criticisms focus on a rigid reservation system and difficulty extending stays. Despite issues such as persistent odors, occasional water outages, and aging sanitary facilities, Sailors generally find the marina comfortable and enjoyable, with good value for money.
Feedback on this anchorage is mixed. It is considered calm at night and conveniently located for technical stops or easy access to the city, shops, and airport. However, visually it is not appealing and experiences weekend noise from a nearby nightclub, making sleep difficult.
Sailors highlight this anchorage at Pointe-à-Pitre as primarily functional and practical, especially valued for its proximity to shops, services, and easy marina access. The ambiance is generally calm and industrial, lacking scenic charm for those seeking picturesque nature. It is considered an excellent stop for provisioning, repairs, and accessing technical services.
The natural setting, moderate marine life, and opportunities like snorkeling or having a drink at the beach bar are valued. Access to essential shops, proximity to the marina, and local activities like the Friday market add to the appeal.
The site is celebrated for its natural surroundings, especially outside weekends, with mangroves, a small beach, and a notable presence of birds such as pelicans and white ibis at dusk. The peacefulness and solitude are major attributes, interrupted occasionally by local speedboats with loud music on weekends.
Sailors describe this anchorage as very quiet and well situated for exploring the island, with a peaceful environment and little noise aside from occasional but manageable air traffic. It's easy to get ashore, with nearby facilities such as car rentals and shops making crew changes and island exploration straightforward. The setting offers a scenic approach with little in terms of on-site activities but is valued for relaxation and as a convenient base for leaving the boat while touring the island.
This anchorage is valued mainly for its calmness, the protection given by the coral reef, and the ease of accessing nearby attractions such as Capesterre and Îlet Fortune. The setting is generally quiet and pleasant, but recent skippers note a dirty harbor and town, which can sometimes feel unwelcoming. The site offers accessibility and tranquil environment, though experiences can vary depending on timing and local conditions.
Sailors generally appreciate the beauty of Saint-Louis bay as a calm, large, and welcoming anchorage with sandy beaches and palm trees. The anchorage is spacious and pleasant, adjacent to an authentic village with all essentials (bakeries, supermarket, restaurants). The area has the site’s peaceful charm, easy access ashore, and the opportunity for island excursions.
This anchorage has a unspoiled natural environment, crystal-clear water, and sandy beaches. The beach is easily accessed either by swimming or by dinghy. A few also suggest a local restaurant for a quality dining experience.
Sailors regard this anchorage as magnificent, often describing it as idyllic and tranquil. Highlights include turquoise water, beautiful beaches, and a well-preserved natural setting. Minimal light pollution also makes the night sky memorable.
Sailors speak positively about this anchorage. Several sailors mention the beautiful beach, the exceptionally clear water, and the tranquil environment. Access is facilitated by the road running close to the beach.
The anchorage is valued for valued by sailors as an excellent base for exploring the natural mangrove river and enjoying peaceful surroundings. Sailors consistently highlight the calm environment, clear water, appealing beaches, and diverse recreational opportunities like kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling. Unique features include historical artifacts underwater and frequent sightings of marine life.
Feedback on this anchorage is mixed. Some sailors appreciate the peaceful setting, wildlife such as turtles, and beach amenities like the barbecue area. Others mention the unattractive view and smell from the nearby factory, murky water, and a disappointing beach.
Sailors describe the anchorage and beach as pleasant with a picturesque environment and a sandy shore. The area offers relative tranquillity, unspoiled nature, and clear water, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling near the rocks. Although conditions can be rolly and the wind can swirl at times, Sailors generally find the anchorage enjoyable, particularly with good weather.
This anchorage is a calm, pleasant small bay with a beautiful beach and preserved natural surroundings. Wildlife such as turtles and barracuda is often spotted, and snorkelers can enjoy attractive coral. The bay works well as a quiet stopover or departure point.
Sailors describe Deshaies as a charming, picturesque village with a welcoming atmosphere and French-Caribbean flair. There are many restaurants, bakeries, and shops, as well as easy access to formalities and island services. The harbor staff and local shopkeepers are valued for their friendliness and efficiency.
Sailors value the anchorage for its outstanding natural beauty, with turquoise, clear water, a lovely beach, and nearby mangroves and restaurants. Multiple Sailors note the pleasant atmosphere and serene bay, especially in calm weather. The anchorage is magnificent and is a favorite among sailors seeking a scenic, peaceful setting.
This anchorage is beautiful, peaceful, and featuring lovely beaches and clear water. The preserved natural environment and the tranquility are mentioned, with several appreciating the sense of isolation compared to busier areas. Walking trails and easy access to the beaches further enhance the experience, and no disruptive noise was reported in the evenings.
Malendure offers natural setting and unique proximity to the Cousteau Reserve. The anchorage offers excellent snorkeling, especially around Pigeon Island, with frequent turtle and fish sightings. Waters are generally clear, though some coral bleaching is reported.
The Cousteau Reserve is universally valued for its rich marine flora and fauna. Sailors describe it as one of the best snorkeling spots in Guadeloupe and the Caribbean, with impressive numbers of colorful tropical fish and very clear water. Some Skippers note a lack of corals, but the experience is extremely for both snorkeling and scuba diving.
This anchorage offers clear turquoise water, a pristine beach, and a well-kept natural setting. Even with some daytime activity such as jet skis, evenings are usually peaceful. Sailors have easy shore access, with clean surroundings and useful beach amenities nearby.
A scenic stop, this bay is beautiful, peaceful, and wild, offering a natural and serene atmosphere with clear water and abundant marine life, including fish and rays. Skippers should note the difficulty of accessing the spot due to very shallow depths, but those who manage to visit appreciate the location's beauty, especially in the western part. The environment invites relaxation and underwater exploration.
The marina is seen as peaceful, welcoming, and valued for its authentic atmosphere and friendly locals. The natural surroundings and island vibe appeal to sailors seeking tranquility and authenticity away from crowded tourist spots.
Sailors describe the reserve as a stunning and unforgettable place for nature lovers. Excellent marine life—including turtles, sharks, rays, and iguanas—is mentioned. The onshore scenery is just as remarkable, and the evenings and mornings, away from day crowds, are particularly peaceful and memorable.
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