Guadeloupe (pronounced Gwa de lu p) is an archipelago located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 17 degrees north of the equator. To the south are Dominica and Martinique, to the north, Antigua and to the north west, Montserrat. Guadeloupe has a land area of 1,628 square kilometres (629 sq. mi). As part of France, Guadeloupe is part of the European Union; hence, as for most EU countries, its currency is the Euro. However, Guadeloupe does not fall under the Schengen Agreement.

 

GETTING THERE

 

Flying to Guadeloupe

Pointe a Pitre Airport (airport code: PTP) is the point of entry for visitors arriving by air to Guadeloupe. There are both direct flights and connections from North America and from Europe.

 

Airlines Serving North America

Much the easiest way to come from USA is via Miami with the American Airlines flight each Saturday, and non stop flights from Montreal with Air Canada. There is also an Air France flight from Miami 3 times a week. American Airlines is operating direct flights every Saturday between Miami and Guadeloupe. The flight to Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe (airport code PTP) departs Miami at 11:15 and lands in Guadeloupe at 14:25. The return flight departs Pointe-à-Pitre at 15:30 and arrives in Miami at 19:05.

American Airlines

(800) 433-7300

(268) 462-0950

Air Canada

(800) 422-6232

(268) 462-1147

Air France

Tel. +33 (0) 1 41 56 78 00

 

Airlines Serving Europe

Air Caraibes

Tel. 0820 835 835

Air France

Tel. +33 (0) 1 41 56 78 00

Corsair

Tel. 0 820 042 042

 

Inter-Caribbean airlines

Air Antilles Express

Tel. 590 590 38 43 34

 

Getting to your yacht

To get to the Marina take a taxi from the airport. The drive will take 5 to 10 minutes.

There is a taxi station at the airport, however, we can arrange a taxi for you to meet you as you come into the arrivals hall. The taxis do accept US dollars, but the exchange rate is not favourable, hence carrying Euro for taxis is recommended. Take the taxi to Marina Bas du Fort, near Pointe à Pitre. The taxi will drop you at the "Capitainerie" (Harbour Office).

 

Departure

There is no airport departure tax to pay when leaving Guadeloupe.

 

FURTHER INFO

 

Guadeloupe is an all-year destination, with temperatures ranging between 28°C and 31°C (82F - 88F). Water temperature is steady year round and averages 28°C (81°F) so no need for divers to bring wetsuits.

 

What to bring

Please pack as lightly as you can. Most of our guests wear only a fraction of what they bring! All you really need are shorts, tee shirts and beachwear. In addition to this perhaps something a little more dressy for the two evenings you will be dining ashore. Soft luggage is preferable if you have it. We have some limited storage onshore for your empty bags, but please bring as little as you are comfortable with. Between meals, fresh fruit is available. If you like to eat more between meals, please feel free to bring snacks with you.

 

What shoes shall I bring?

You only need sandals or other shoes for the nights on shore as you will be barefoot whenever you are aboard. Bring your sneakers if you want to go for a run, there are several good opportunities for a nice run!

 

Dry bags

You will be around water for the week. If you are concerned about getting your purse, wallet or watch wet, bring a small dry bag. These can be purchased from sports and outdoor vendors. Some of them roll up and trap the air inside which has the added benefit of making the bag float.

 

Fishing

All of our yachts have a fishing rod onboard - we usually troll a line when sailing from island to island and will often catch yellow fin, wahoo, mahi-mahi or similar ...... which might become lunch or dinner! Maybe even Sushi or Sashimi!

 

Travel insurance

We strongly advise that all guests cruising with us have fully comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all eventualities such as hotel accommodation, lost baggage, changes to flights etc. It is advisable to bring a change of clothes and toiletries in your hand luggage. If your luggage gets lost enroute it may not be able to be delivered to you until days later.

 

Electricity

The island is 220 volts.

 

Currency

Official currency is the Euro. Travellers checks and major credit cards are welcome everywhere, although Visa & Mastercard are preferred. No businesses will accept any USD cash, so it's best to withdraw some Euros upon arrival, or plan to bring some along with you.

 

Hotel accommodation

If you wish to stay for one or more days prior to sailing we recommend the La Toubana or La Creole Beach Hotel.

 

Visas and restrictions

All visitors to Guadeloupe must have an onward or return ticket. Citizens of United States, Canada and European Union do not require a visa to enter Guadeloupe and must travel on a VALID PASSPORT valid for 3 months BEYOND your last day of stay. For anyone not included above, you will need a visa. Please contact your nearest French Consulate.

 

Taxes/Service Charges

Service charge and taxes are always included, tips are not.

 

Useful links

Guadeloupe tourism board

 

Sample Itinerary

Please click here to read more about a sample itinerary for a crewed sailing charter in archipelago of Guadeloupe