GUADELOUPE YACHT CHARTERS

Guadeloupe is a seafaring adventurer’s paradise. It is a  perfect island for first-time travelers and experienced sailors alike to  plan a Caribbean yacht charter. This secluded French treasure is the  outermost point of the Leeward Islands. It is one of the largest islands  of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean, and a thriving metropolis of  French-Creole style. First discovered by the Western world in 1493,  Guadeloupe hosts a variety of French tradition while blending with its  ancestral roots. Choosing Guadeloupe for your first sailing vacation is  the best decision you can make this year. 

Guadeloupe is the perfect place to discover your love for the  Caribbean with a catamaran charter or sailing yacht vacation. When you  choose 12 Knots, you have a selection of many different professionally  maintained yachts, fully equipped to handle the open waters or allow you  to hop around to different destinations on the island at your own  leisure. We want to ensure your Guadeloupe yacht charter is memorable  and enjoyable, and take every step to ensure your sailing vacation is  held to the highest standards of excellence. Read on to discover more  about the opportunities awaiting you with boat rentals in Guadeloupe.

Guadeloupe is the southernmost island of the Leeward chain, and  can be identified on the map by its unique butterfly shape. Guadeloupe  is the common name for two distinct islands, the Basse-Terre Island and  Grande-Terre. These islands are separated by a small sea channel known  as the La Riviere Salee, or “Salt River.” On the island, you may  encounter a variety of ecosystems, from secluded sandy beaches to  tropical rainforests and towering volcanic cliffs.

One active volcano presides over Guadeloupe, the "La Soufrière." It  is located in southern Basse-Terre, and has powerful eruptions that  wiped out Guadeloupe’s landscapes in the past. However, its last  eruption was in 1976, and it poses little threat to the locals and  travelling sailors today. La Soufrière is one structure in a volcanic  complex called the Carmichael volcanoes.

Though much of the land is covered in lush tropical forests,  Guadeloupe has been settled extensively on the coastline. Grand Terre is  a shopping hub with beautiful beach resorts, while Basse Terre is home  to many small farms and plantations, supplying bananas, eggplant,  pineapple and sugarcane products to its population. This once  uninhabited island is now a major contributor to tourism and trade in  the Caribbean, and an ideal place for beginner sailors to go on their  first yacht charter experience.

Guadeloupe is also the home territory for exotic sea life and island  animals. Unfortunately, this area has been over-hunted, and many  wildlife populations are struggling to recover. Some of the protected  species include the Lesser Antillean iguana and the agouti (a large  native rodent). However, sea life thrives in the Caribbean, and while  you snorkel or sail you may catch a glimpse of several different  dolphin, whale, sea turtle, manatee and fish species. Birds are also  highly populated on the island. Birdwatchers are in for a treat on  Guadeloupe hikes and nature trails, as rare species such as the  Antillean Nighthawk, Guadeloupe Black Woodpecker, and Lesser Antillean  Macaw can be found.

If you are interested in seeing some of these landscapes and wildlife  populations up close, take a natural tour of the island with one of the  national parks, reserves, or wildlife tour companies. Many places offer  canoe and kayak tours, animal encounters, and miles of nature trails  which you can trek individually or with a tour guide. Guadeloupe is the  perfect place for nature-lovers to explore and discover what is so  special about the Caribbean island and its habitats.

The first known people to inhabit Guadeloupe were the Arawaks,  an island tribe that scattered throughout the Caribbean islands. They  called the island Karukera, or "The Island of Beautiful Waters." As the  Arawak civilization started to decline, the Caribs moved to the island  to stake their claim in the bounty and fertile grounds that were  plentiful on Guadeloupe.

On his second exhibition, Christopher Columbus found Guadeloupe and  named it after the Virgin Mary, “Santa María de Guadalupe.” However, as  more nations started to colonize North America and the Caribbean  islands, the Spanish lost control of Guadeloupe to the French. The  French settled on Guadeloupe until 1759 when the British seized the  island. In 1763, the French and British signed the Treaty of Paris,  which gave France control of Guadeloupe once more, as it ended the Seven  Years War. However, the British and French, and even the Swedes fought  over the island until The Treaty of Vienna was signed in 1815, giving  France final control of Guadeloupe.

During colonization, much emphasis was placed on the sugar trade.  Hundreds of plantations arose, and Guadeloupe became a primary exporter  of sugar and rum. Guadeloupe exported more sugar than all the British  islands combined. In total, the sugar trade in Guadeloupe during the  1700s was worth about £6 million ($8.01 million) per year. While sugar  is still produced on the island, Guadeloupe’s primary export item is  bananas and other local fruits.

Guadeloupe has a very unique culture. It’s blend of French  influence and Caribbean authenticity makes their signature Creole style  one of a kind. The official language of Guadeloupe is French, however  most of the population speaks a specific dialect of Antillean Creole. A  majority of the population is Roman Catholic, however indigenous  religious influence makes their worship and culture much different from  Western Catholicism. Along the streets you’ll find a charming mix of  French cafes and bistros and classic Caribbean restaurants serving  spiced and savory West Indian cuisine.

Guadeloupe is well known for its people’s literary achievements.  Several well known poets and authors originate from Guadeloupe, the most  renown being Saint-John Perse (Alexis Léger). This French diplomat and  avid poet won the 1960 Nobel Prize in Literature. In addition to  literature, Guadeloupe has a vibrant musical scene, both in traditional  dance music and modern pop tunes. Most music of Guadeloupe is a blend of  African, French and Indian influence. Unlike many cultures, a majority  of music is sung in the native language, Guadeloupean Creole. Dance is  an important part of music as well; popular styles include zouk,  zouk-love, and kompa.

As part of the French islands, Guadeloupe is also a vibrant area for  fashion. Though French fashion isn’t as prevalent here as it is on other  islands, the influence of fine European clothing is still prevalent.  However, traditional garments are still worn in celebration and ancient  religious practices. Women wear a unique style of traditional dress, one  that is colorful, layered, and reserved for special occasions. During  festivals and celebrations women also wear madras, which are special  headdresses with the same vibrant patterns and fabrics as the dresses.  Gold jewelry is the traditional accessory, and the styles of jewelry are  heavily influenced by European, 

African and Indian cultures.

If you’re visiting Guadeloupe for the first time, you’re likely going  to want to shop and eat at the local destinations rather than  frequenting the tourist traps. This island, like many others in the  Caribbean, is well known for ist artisan crafts and unique treasures to  take home with you. Each city has its own speciality, from artisan  crafts to specialty dishes made from local produce. FOr example, Pointe  Noire is the place to go for quality woodwork. La Broderie de Vieux-Fort  is where to visit of you want to shop for embroidered products, and  Saint Francois has its claim to fame with coconut sculptures. Each town  will have its own artisans and shops that you will surely want to  experience.

If you are planning a yacht charter in Guadeloupe, there are  several nearby islands, beaches, and nature preserves within a day  sailing that are incredibly unique. You won’t regret sailing towards  Dominica where secluded beaches and dense rainforest can be discovered.  Or, if you’re eager to face more challenging waters, head north to the  islands of Antigua, Nevis and St. Kitts. Wherever you land there may be  beautiful beaches, stunning mountain views, or something else you never  knew was out there.

Guadeloupe is part of a Caribbean archipelago consisting of five  islands: Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, and La  Desirade. All of these are fairly easy to reach if you sail from  Guadeloupe, however the northern islands may require more sailing  experience as the trade winds are stronger. 12 Knots offers crew  assistance so you can venture off in whichever direction is calling you  the most during your yacht charter in Guadeloupe.

If you head south just 6nm, you can reach the islands of Marie  Galante and Les des Saintes. Both islands have bustling streets,  beautiful farmlands and a wealth of beaches for you to enjoy on your  trip. If you continue your trek south, you will eventually land on the  island of Dominica. Unlike Guadeloupe, Dominica was controlled by the  British until 1978 when it gained independence. It is known as the  “Nature Isle of the Caribbean.” Many plant and animal species are able  to thrive, especially because the island is still growing and forming,  as evidenced by the island’s hot spring, Boiling Lake. It is a beautiful  place for novice travellers and experienced sailors alike.

More experienced travellers are encouraged to sail further north.  Approximately 40nm from Guadeloupe you will meet the shores of Antigua,  where lush forests and mountainous crevices paint the lands. Antigua is a  perfect place to go snorkeling or lounge on the beach for some  relaxation time. If you continue on the northbound track, you will also  meet Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis islands. Each of these islands have  unique natural preserves, beaches and excursions that you and your  group will love.

If you don’t want to start sailing your first few days of the  Guadeloupe yacht charter, there are plenty of things to do on and near  the island that don’t require a days’ trip. Guadeloupe is home to many  historically and geographically significant sites, from historic rum  distilleries to beautiful national parks and forests. There is surely  something for everyone with boat rentals in Guadeloupe.

If you are a nature-lover, visit the Guadeloupe National Park in  Basse-Terre. This national park is also a world biosphere reserve by  UNESCO, and offers over 300 kilometers of hiking trails to see the  beautiful flora and fauna that inhabit the island. Trek up the La  Soufrière volcano, then on your way back visit the Carbet Falls, where  towering volcanic slopes give way to stunning waterfall views. Your path  will be lined with mahogany and bamboo trees, and some of the hundreds  of orchid species endemic to Guadeloupe.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the most popular Caribbean  excursions, and there is no better place than Guadeloupe’s Jacques  Cousteau Underwater Reserve (Réserve Cousteau). This underwater reserve  sits just off the coast of Basse-Terre, near the Pigeon Island waters.  Beginners can snorkel the shallow reefs, or take a tour via glass bottom  boat,  while experienced divers are invited to explore the depths of  these beautiful waters. On your tour of Réserve Cousteau, you may find  sea turtles, parrotfish, barracuda, and hundreds of sea plants and  corals you may never have seen before.

Pointe-a-Pitre is the place for shopaholics and for finding the  perfect souvenir to take back home. In this busy town you can find   French luxuries, cosmetics, and jewelry in the Center Saint-John Perse,  while Saint-Antoine offers open air markets filled with Creole food,  hand crafts, and vendors dressed as vibrant as the art and clothing they  sell.

Guadeloupe, like most Caribbean islands, is known for its rum. If you  want to see historical distilleries and sample some of the Caribbean’s  finest spirits, take the ferry to visit Marie-Galante. Most tours start  at the “Hundred Mills Island,” where you will get an overview of the  history of colonization, the history of rum production, and a tour of  the distilleries as they functioned in the late 15th century. The  distilleries of Marie-Galante are famous because they contain 59%  alcohol by volume, whereas other Caribbean rums only contain 40-50% at  most. Famous distilleries such as the Distillerie Poisson (Père Labat)  and Bielle distillerie are popular tourist attractions for tasting and  purchasing a rum for back home.

12 Knots Yachting Club offers a variety of boat, sailing yacht,  catamaran and luxury yacht rentals for you to plan your dream Caribbean  vacation. Our team will ensure you are equipped with a reliable sailing  yacht suited to your experience level and destination plans. We also  offer crew assistance, equipment and even watersport rentals for  fishing, kayaking and more. If you plan your Guadeloupe yacht charter,  we can make it happen.

Guadeloupe is a great place for beginner and advanced sailors to  explore the open water. Our yacht charters are based in Marina Bas du  Fort, in Point a Pitre. This full-service marina provides all of your  pre- and post-trip essentials, including fueling, maintenance, food,  drinks and a shower station. It is located about located 10 minutes away  from the Point a Pitre International Airport. 12 Knots will provide you  all the necessary equipment for your yacht charter, and offers  additional watersports rentals and optional crew assistance for your  sailing vacation.

These waters provide perfect line-of-sight sailing and receive very  calm trade winds. The average temperature in Guadeloupe hovers  consistently around 27-30°C (80-86°F) throughout the year. Like most  tropical areas, Guadeloupe has two main seasons; you can expect a dry  season between January to June, and a wet season from July to December.  During the peak rainy months, the northeast trade winds blow at an  average of 20-25 knots.

We recommend you plan your trip for the first half of the year to  avoid rain and thunderstorms, and to experience calmer waters. If you  are a beginner, we recommend you hire a skipper for  your yacht charter  to help with navigation and to learn more advanced sailing techniques.  12 Knots also offers sailing school, if you have time to enroll before  your vacation.

12 Knots Yachting Club wants to provide the best Caribbean sailing  vacation available. Whether you’re content in hopping around the island  of Guadeloupe, savoring the food and experiencing the bustling French  streets, or if you crave the adventure of open water, yearning to see  new islands and discover untapped, natural beauty, we have a charter for  you. Guadeloupe is a popular destination for island vacations. Why not  make yours a sailing vacation and experience not only the island, but  the natural wonder of the open ocean?

Choose 12 Knots Yachting Club for an experience you’ll never forget.