The islands of Guadeloupe have more than 400 kilometres of beaches. Some have white sand, others black or even ochre/gold, shaded by coconut palms, perfect for relaxation but also for swimming and water activities.
Moreover, with its unusual butterfly shape, Guadeloupe boasts two types of beaches.
The Caravelle beach is also called Club Med Beach because it is surrounded by the hotel of the same name. It is also one of Guadeloupe’s favourite beaches for travellers. Despite its small size, it alone embodies the Caribbean postcard we imagine from the Antilles. These transparent waters are pure joy, as the gentle currents make Caravelle an ideal beach for families and also a popular spot for kitesurfers.
Bear in mind, however, that access to Caravelle beach during the peak tourist season can be tricky (if you are not staying at Club Med). Parking is scarce, so you will need to park in Sainte-Anne and walk to the beach.
Along the beach there are also sellers of bokits, typical Guadeloupe snacks, sold at a higher price while along the Digue in Sainte-Anne you will find the same quality but at a lower price.
The beach of Grande Anse, located on the north-western coast of Basse-Terre in Guadeloupe, is a true tropical paradise. This beach attracts visitors from all over the world with its golden sand, crystal-clear waters and tranquil atmosphere.
Stretching for almost two kilometres, framed by the green hills of Pointe le Breton and Pointe Gros Morne, Grande Anse unfolds a perfect arc of blond sand, bordered by a dense curtain of coconut palms: you will find a slope that quickly plunges into the deep blue and waves that can be vigorous (with children, prefer nearby Pearl Beach.
At sunset, the colour of the sand turns red and the Soufrière volcano takes its place in the background, adding to the photogenic nature of the place.
Plage de la Perle, located on the island of Basse-Terre in Guadeloupe, is a natural treasure that enchants visitors with its serene beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
This beautiful beach, fringed by swaying palm trees and crystal-clear waters, perfectly embodies the quintessence of the Caribbean.
La Malendure beach is an oasis for lovers of underwater life. With its unique black sand, this beach is the ideal starting point for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Its crystal-clear waters are home to an abundance of colourful corals, tropical fish and even sea turtles. It is a magical place in which to explore the underwater world of the Caribbean.
In the heart of the town of Gosier, Datcha beach offers a magnificent view of the islet of the same name, which can be reached by boat, canoe or even swimming for the more courageous.
This white sandy beach is lined with small restaurants and beach bars, with your feet in the sand: it is the ideal place to have a ti-punch in front of the sea.
Anse du Souffleur is the postcard of La Désirade. Like the beaches of Marie-Galante, here too there are incredibly transparent turquoise waters and blond sand surrounded by green hills.
The waters are generally calm and shallow, making it an ideal place for safe swimming, perfect for children, who can play in the water in peace.
Bois-Jolan, located on the Grande-Terre in Sainte-Anne, is definitely one of the best beaches in Guadeloupe.
These clear, shallow waters are perfect for couples looking for a rest as well as for families who want to swim in peace. A very popular beach, it is nevertheless large enough for everyone to find a corner of peace.
These transparent shades of blue are also a great place for snorkelling.
Raisins Clairs beach is a paradisiacal beach located in Saint-François, Grande-Terre, which boasts a beautiful coral-lined lagoon and white sand.
You can also dive to admire the underwater life, swimming among corals and tropical fish.
The Salines beach in Saint-François is a unique ecosystem of 50 shades of turquoise sea, white sand and marshes. It is perfect for snorkelling as it is protected by a coral reef. In addition, you can admire the splendid view of the Désirade island.
The only drawback is the almost total absence of shade, which makes this beach unsuitable for families with children.
Reachable on foot, this small cove is renowned for its calm, crystal-clear waters and exceptional seabed. Dominated by Sugarloaf Mountain, it is very pleasant to swim in its calm and tranquil lagoon.
This beach is also accessible by sea, as many boats come to spend the day there. Despite its popularity with tourists and locals, it is never too crowded and remains fairly quiet, perfect for a relaxing moment.
An hour’s ferry ride from Grande-Terre, Marie Galante is definitely worth a diversion or even a stay. Its beaches are generally uncrowded and yet they are exceptional. After the idyllic Petite Anse, a picture-postcard lagoon, white sand and sloping coconut palms, Anse Feuillard undoubtedly holds the prize for the wildest.
A sandy scenery encrusted with corals is reached after a twenty-minute walk. Vegetation is rare and so is shade. The best place to enjoy it remains the crystal-clear water, calm and protected by a reef where soft corals, blue surgeon fish and other zinga box fish dance.
Petit Havre beach is the most beautiful beach in Gosier, located in the south of Grande-Terre, near Anse à Jacques. Turquoise waters, blond sand and vegetation bordering the sea: this is what awaits you on Petit-Havre beach, a little paradise also for those looking for a surfing beach.
It is quite a busy beach, so arrive early enough to find parking and take advantage of the best spots. The only drawback is the sargasso that comes onto the beach but it is cleaned regularly.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.