Framed by the steady trade winds of the Lesser Antilles and ringed with reefs, mangroves, and white-sand bays, Guadeloupe is a practical gateway to yacht charter Guadeloupe adventures. The “butterfly” main island—Basse-Terre to the west and Grande-Terre to the east—sits among short-hop destinations like Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, and La Désirade. For first-time skippers, line-of-sight passages and plentiful moorings reduce stress. For experienced crews, the variety of anchorages, snorkel sites, and day sails keeps each itinerary flexible and rewarding. Reliable easterly trades (often 10–20 knots in the dry season) and warm water set a comfortable baseline for a week on the water.

Boat Rental Guadeloupe: Where Charters Start (Marina Bas-du-Fort, Pointe-à-Pitre)

Most boat rental Guadeloupe trips begin at Marina Bas-du-Fort in Le Gosier, at the entrance to Pointe-à-Pitre. It’s the island’s main nautical hub: large capacity, fuel, water and power on the docks, chandlers, supermarkets, and shore-side services within walking distance. The location is convenient for fast provisioning and quick departures toward Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, or the mangrove-lined Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin. Expect professional check-ins, a harbor team on VHF 9, and straightforward taxi access from the airport.

Catamaran Charter Guadeloupe

Catamarans dominate in Guadeloupe for good reasons. Twin hulls sail flat and stable, which helps mixed-ability crews and families. Generous deck areas and wide salons improve day-to-day comfort; multiple equal cabins make group logistics simpler; and shallow draft opens up sandy shelves closer to the beach. With reef-fringed anchorages common across the Leeward Islands, a catamaran Guadeloupe setup often means more options and less compromise when conditions vary.

Choose a newer model if you want air-conditioning, a watermaker, and big refrigeration for remote days. If you prize sailing feel over living space (and lower fuel burn), a monohull can be a smart, budget-friendly alternative.

Bareboat Charter Guadeloupe vs Skippered: What We Offer

A bareboat charter Guadeloupe gives your qualified skipper full control of navigation and daily decisions. Short, protected legs make this an approachable first Caribbean bareboat: hazards are charted, mooring fields are common, and you can keep most passages to one or two hours. If you prefer to relax, add a professional skipper to your listing at checkout—still a private charter, just with piloting handled for you. Boataround focuses on bareboat and skippered yacht charter Guadeloupe options you can tailor to your plans; fully crewed, all-inclusive packages are not the emphasis here.

What to expect before you cast off

• A quick sailing résumé or license check (ICC/ASA or national equivalent is typically accepted by French bases).

• A refundable security deposit; paid extras may include fuel, final cleaning, and national park mooring fees.

• A chart and safety briefing covering local rules, marine parks, and VHF practices.

Sailing Charter Guadeloupe: Seasons, Trade Winds and Best Time to Go

• Dry season (December–April): The most predictable months, with northeasterly trades typically in the 10–20-knot range, lower rainfall, and comfortable temperatures. Moorings fill earlier—book ahead.

• Shoulder months (May–June, Nov): Warmer, quieter, and often good value. Winds remain moderate, seas usually manageable.

• Wet/Hurricane season (July–October): Hotter, more humid, with a higher chance of squalls and tropical systems—keep itineraries flexible and monitor forecasts closely.

No matter the month, aim to arrive at anchorages by early afternoon to secure a mooring, snorkel in calm light, and choose an evening plan without rushing.

Guadeloupe National Park, Mangroves and World-Class Diving

Guadeloupe is more than beaches and beach bars. West-side Basse-Terre carries rainforests, waterfalls (try Cascade aux Écrevisses), and the island’s highest peaks—dramatic backdrops to sheltered coastal runs. On the north side, the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin protects mangroves, seagrass, and shallow reefs; it’s a calm, nature-focused contrast to the open Caribbean side.

Scuba Diving Highlights (Cousteau Reserve)

Off Bouillante on Basse-Terre, the Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve (around the Pigeon Islets) offers accessible coral gardens, drop-offs, and abundant fish life. Local operators can pick you up or meet you ashore for guided dives; snorkelers will also find clear water and lively shallows. Plan early arrivals and mind marine-park moorings to avoid anchoring on coral.

Yacht Charter Guadeloupe Itineraries: 7–9 Days of Line-of-Sight Island-Hopping

Distances are compact, so you can keep sails short and still see a wide variety of anchorages. Use the following as a framework and adjust for wind, swell, and mooring availability.

Day 1–2: Pointe-à-Pitre → Les Saintes (Terre-de-Haut)

Clear the marina, then a comfortable reach south to Les Saintes, known for clear water, small-town cafés, and scenic bays on Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas. Pick up a mooring (anchoring may be restricted in marked zones), swim at Pain de Sucre, and stroll Bourg des Saintes for pastries and sunset views. Early arrivals help with mooring availability and calmer snorkels.

Day 3: Les Saintes → Basse-Terre (West Coast)

Follow the coast north in the lee of the island. Stop for a drift snorkel or a guided dive around the Pigeon Islets in the Cousteau Reserve, then overnight nearby if conditions allow, or continue to a more protected bay.

Day 4–5: Basse-Terre → Marie-Galante

A reach or motor-sail takes you to Marie-Galante, nicknamed “La Grande Galette” for its round, low-lying shape. Expect long beaches, rum distilleries, and a slower pace ashore. Anchor or moor off Saint-Louis or Grand-Bourg, rent e-bikes, and sample local rhum agricole.

Day 6: Marie-Galante → La Désirade (Weather-Dependent)

In settled trade-wind weather, La Désirade offers a remote feel and good snorkeling in clear water. It’s more exposed than other stops; check the forecast and swell before committing. If conditions don’t line up, add an extra night in Marie-Galante or swing back early toward Grande-Terre.

Day 7–8: La Désirade/Marie-Galante → Grande-Terre North → Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin

Trace the north coast of Grande-Terre toward the protected lagoon of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin for mangroves, quiet anchorages, and a “nature day.” Avoid seagrass with your anchor—use park moorings when provided—and watch depth soundings closely.

Final Day: Return to Pointe-à-Pitre (Marina Bas-du-Fort)

Arrive with enough time for fuel, water, and a measured checkout.

Longer trip? Add a side loop to Dominica (formal check-in/out required) or upwind to Antigua if you plan for longer reaches and clearance procedures.

Yacht Charter Caribbean Connections: Extend Beyond Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe sits centrally in the yacht charter Caribbean grid: Antigua to the north (regattas, English Harbour), Dominica to the south (rainforests and hot springs). Ambitious crews with extra days can incorporate one of these legs, keeping a close eye on weather windows and entry formalities. For most one-week charters, staying within Guadeloupe’s “family” of islands provides more swim time and simpler logistics.

Book Your Guadeloupe Yacht Charter with Boataround

Ready to explore Les Saintes’ moorings, Marie-Galante’s beaches, and the mangroves of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin? Compare catamarans, sailing yachts, and power options, filter by cabins and equipment (AC, watermaker, generator), and see transparent pricing and real-time availability—all in one place. Start here: Yacht Charter and Boat Rental Guadeloupe on Boataround. Pick the boat that matches your crew, shape a flexible route around the trades, and set sail for warm water, clear reefs, and a straightforward island-hopping week.

Yacht charter and Boat rental in Guadeloupe

Charter a yacht and explore Guadeloupe! Prices start from 158 € per day. Choose from the largest selection of catamarans, motor boats, sailboats and motor yachts.

Popular regions are Caribbean Islands, Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre.