Guadeloupe 2

Catamaran Charter
Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is home to lush rainforests, pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters that offer a unique and exhilarating experience for a Caribbean catamaran charter.

Situated in the Leeward Islands, this French overseas territory comprises Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre which are joined by a small bridge, plus several smaller islands that make up an archipelago of beauty and diverse landscapes.

These sister islands, while close in proximity, offer distinct experiences and attractions for travellers. The eastern island of Grande-Terre is relatively flat, characterised by rolling plains, and boasts some of the most beautiful and accessible beaches in the Caribbean, from the golden shores of Sainte-Anne to the windswept beauty of Le Moule.

Basse Terre is more developed, with most of the population living here, and is home to the lively and bustling Pointe-à-Pitre, the largest city in Guadeloupe.

What Makes Guadeloupe Special?

Variety of Islands

Guadeloupe is an archipelago composed of five main islands, each with its own unique charm and character. From the vibrant nightlife of Grande-Terre to the lush rainforests of Basse-Terre, there is a range of experiences to suit everyone on board.

Natural Beauty

Guadeloupe is known for its stunning white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and picturesque landscapes, offering breathtaking views as you sail along the island's coast.

World-Class Snorkelling

The Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve surrounds parts of Guadeloupe, providing access to incredible snorkelling and diving sites teeming with vibrant marine life.

Local Island-Hopping

While on a yacht charter in Guadeloupe, you can explore the nearby islands like Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, and La Desirade. Each island has its distinct vibe and attractions, allowing you to really experience the best of the region.

Caribbean Island Hopping

Guadeloupe is strategically located in the heart of the Caribbean, making it an excellent starting point for sailing to neighbouring islands such as Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Barts, Dominica, and Martinique.

Dramatic Landscapes

Guadeloupe is an archipelago comprising five islands, each with distinct landscapes from volcanic peaks and lush rainforests to idyllic white sand beaches and towering cliffs.

French Caribbean Culture

As a French overseas region, Guadeloupe immerses visitors in authentic French-Caribbean culture through its architecture, cuisine, language, and traditions.

Fewer Crowds

Less frequented by catamaran charters than some Caribbean destinations, Guadeloupe offers a more tranquil and secluded yachting experience.

Tranquil Surroundings

Make time to take in the beautiful Caribbean scenery; pour yourself a rum punch and relax on deck in the tranquil anchorages of Guadeloupe.

Caribbean - Guadeloupe - Church of St Peter and St Paul, the Cathedral and the fountain on Place Gourbeyre, Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe stock photo

Vibrant Culture

Guadeloupe has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of African, Creole and French traditions. Visit historic sites, museums, and local markets to learn about the island's history and enjoy the laid back atmosphere.

Not To Be Missed

The Saintes Islands

A short cruise from the mainland, the idyllic Les Saintes Islands are known for their charming villages, picturesque beaches, and panoramic viewpoints, including Fort Napoleon.

Archipel de la Guadeloupe

Explore the National Park with crystal-clear waters, colourful reefs and stunning marine life; a perfect spot for excellent snorkelling and diving adventures.

Pigeon Island

Known for the Jacques Cousteau Reserve, this protected marine park is a paradise for divers and snorkelers, with vibrant coral reefs and abundant tropical fish.

Marie-Galante Island

A short sail from Guadeloupe, this island is famous for its rum production. Visit distilleries, taste the world-renowned rum and explore the beautiful beaches and rolling hills.

Rainforest Hiking

Guadeloupe offers several hiking trails through lush rainforests. Explore the Parc National de la Guadeloupe trails and discover breathtaking waterfalls, hidden pools, and diverse flora and fauna.

Fort Napoleon

Located on the island of Terre-de-Haut, this 19th-century fort offers panoramic views and a museum showcasing Guadeloupe's historical and cultural heritage.

Terre-de-Haut Island

One of Guadeloupe's best-kept secrets, Terre-de-Haut is a small island in the Saintes archipelago. It offers beautiful beaches, snorkelling spots, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Petite-Terre Reserve

A nature reserve located southeast of Grande-Terre, Petite-Terre offers stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. It's an excellent spot for snorkelling and wildlife spotting.

La Desirade Island

Discover the quiet palm-strewn beaches, coral reefs and natural beauty of this remote island.

Caribbean - Guadeloupe View of a secret beach in Deshaies in Gaudeloupe stock photo

Beaches of Deshaies

This picturesque coastal area offers a range of beautiful beaches, some only accessible by boat. Try Grande Anse and Plage de la Perle, where you can soak up the sun and swim in the warm Caribbean waters.

Time To Visit

The high season in Guadeloupe runs from December to April, which is typically dry and sunny.

May to June is the shoulder season, with fewer visitors but still warm temperatures. The low season is July to November when temperatures remain high but are typically wetter.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 27.1°C (81°F) 22.8°C (73°F) wind direction 79degE
FEB 27.2°C (81°F) 22.2°C (72°F) wind direction 75degENE
MAR 28.1°C (83°F) 22.3°C (72°F) wind direction 104degESE
APR 28.8°C (84°F) 23.5°C (74°F) wind direction 107degESE
MAY 29.9°C (86°F) 25.0°C (77°F) wind direction 104degESE
JUN 30.6°C (87°F) 26.1°C (79°F) wind direction 99degE
JUL 30.6°C (87°F) 26.1°C (79°F) wind direction 85degE
AUG 31.4°C (89°F) 26.2°C (79°F) wind direction 102degESE
SEP 31.7°C (89°F) 26.2°C (79°F) wind direction 108degESE
OCT 30.3°C (86°F) 26.2°C (79°F) wind direction 112degESE
NOV 29.6°C (85°F) 25.2°C (77°F) wind direction 94degE
DEC 28.1°C (83°F) 23.6°C (75°F) wind direction 69degENE
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Language

The official language of Guadeloupe is French, but Creole is also widely spoken, and some English is spoken in the tourist areas.

Local Currency

The official language of Guadeloupe is French, but Creole is also widely spoken, and some English is spoken in the tourist areas.

Tipping

Tipping of between 10-15% is generally appreciated and expected in Guadeloupe.

Boat Types In Guadeloupe

Is A Catamaran Right For Your Trip

Stability

Catamarans have two hulls, making them more stable than a regular monohull boat, both while sailing and at anchor. So if you don't like heeling over while under sail, a catamaran is the ideal choice.

Privacy

The split-hull design allows for better separation of living spaces, with cabins in each hull providing more privacy for guests. A perfect option for two families or larger groups.

Shallow Draft

Catamarans have a shallower draft (less boat below the water), allowing them to access shallow anchorages and get closer to beaches than a typical monohull.

Deck Space

The wide deck space provides ample room for sunbathing, outdoor dining, and relaxation.

Accessibility

With easy access from the rear deck to the water, swimming and water sports activities are a cinch - not to mention getting in and out of the tender to go ashore.

Sailing Characteristics

Catamarans sail differently from monohulls. They don't heel (tilt) as much, which can be more comfortable for some passengers but may provide less of a "sailing feel" for purists.

Layout

Catamarans often feature a raised helm station with excellent visibility, and many have a flybridge for additional outdoor living space.

Group Size

Catamarans can often accommodate larger groups comfortably, making them popular for family charters.

Comfort at Anchor

The wider stance of a catamaran makes it more stable at anchor so any rolling motion is reduced - making for relaxing meals and calm sleep.

PERFECT LANDING

Space

Catamarans offer more living space both above and below deck due to their wide beam. This means they tend to have larger common areas and more spacious cabins.

Charter Types In Guadeloupe

Bareboat Catamaran Charters

A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Guadeloupe and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.

We select our catamaran fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a catamaran you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.

Skippered Catamaran Charters

With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Guadeloupe and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.

However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.

On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.

Crewed Catamaran Charters

Crewed yacht charters from Guadeloupe come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.

Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.

How To Book

How To Book Your Catamaran Charter From Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is a popular charter destination, and therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.

You can search for your dream catamaran via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.

Pure Thoughts

Gaudeloupe is a destination of contrasts, consisting of the mountainous western island of Basse Terre and the rolling plains of sister island Grande Terre.

Basses Terre is renowned for its exceptional natural beauty, earning it the nickname "the Green Island." As you venture inland, you'll be surrounded by dense rainforests that cloak the island's volcanic slopes. The Guadeloupe National Park, which encompasses a significant portion of Basse-Terre (and is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve) is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. At the heart of Basse-Terre lies the majestic Soufrière volcano, an active volcano that towers over the island and has numerous waterfalls.

Just a stone's throw from the shores of mainland Guadeloupe lie the stunning Saintes Islands (Îles des Saintes). The picturesque Terre-de-Haut is the crown jewel, famed for its scenic harbour where colourful houses with red-tiled roofs line the waterfront, creating a picture-perfect scene. Make sure to explore Fort Napoléon and its lush botanical gardens, which also offer stunning panoramic views of the harbour.

While Terre-de-Haut is the more popular and bustling of the Les Saintes, Terre-de-Bas offers a quieter, more tranquil experience. This island is known for its pristine natural beauty, with unspoiled beaches and a laid-back atmosphere that invites relaxation and reflection. Numerous out-of-the-way anchorages and serene escapes can be found on the smaller islands of Ilet a Cabri and Ilet a Madame.

Whether you seek vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, or peaceful serenity, Guadeloupe and Les Saintes offer sailors a diverse range of experiences to make a truly memorable catamaran charter.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Catamaran?

If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.

How Do I Choose The Right Catamaran?

When chartering a yacht from Guadeloupe, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.

What Type Of Catamaran Can I Charter From Guadeloupe?

There are typically four main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Guadeloupe, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, and Luxury Yachts which includes Superyachts.

How Long Does A Catamaran Charter Typically Last?

The typical times for a catamaran charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.

What Type Of Catamaran Can I Charter From Guadeloupe?

There are typically four main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Guadeloupe, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, and Luxury Yachts which includes Superyachts.

When Is The Best Times To Charter A Catamaran From Guadeloupe?

You can sail all year in the Caribbean, but the high season is from December to May.

What Happens If There Is A Problem With My Catamaran Charter?

The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.