10 Best Beaches in Guadeloupe

Perhaps the most famous, most developed and biggest of Guadeloupe’s beaches, Grande-Anse beach is well worth visiting. Its name translates to ‘large cove’ and this shelter is what makes it so good for bathing. The waves tend to be less choppy and the water is clear with no sharp rocks underneath. However, please be aware that it does get deep quickly.

Located in Deshaies on the northwest of Basse-Terre Island, one of the best things about this beach is the facilities. You’ll find a number of beachside restaurants, food trucks and bars: everything you need for a relaxing day. Be aware that parking here is limited.

Named after Rio de Janeiro’s sugar loaf, Pain de Sucre beach is often described as a jewel of the Guadeloupe archipelago. However, it’s not the easiest beach to find. The path isn’t paved or signposted and can be rugged and rocky. This inaccessibility, though, is one of the things that makes it special and less crowded.

Nestled on the Terre-de-Haut island, you’ll find a beautiful beach with clear, turquoise waters. This makes it a great spot for snorkeling. Just off the coast, there are corals, which are home to several colorful fish. This dreamy spot is also ideal for enjoying a peaceful sunset.

White sands, clear emerald waters and multiple bars and restaurants, Plage de la Caravelle has all the ingredients for the perfect beach day. You can even grab a massage or rent jet skis and electric surfboards. It’s also well-known for its kite surfing with rental options nearby.

Located in the southeast of Guadeloupe, the water is typically quite calm, creating great bathing conditions for kids and snorkeling. If you don a mask, you may sport sea urchins and queen conch as well as lots of little fish. The beach is a little tricky to find if you’re not a guest at the Club Med resort but is open to everyone so don’t let that put you off.

While a lot of the beaches in Guadeloupe are remote, Datcha beach is a little different. In the heart of the city, Datcha combines the buzz of a hub and views which belong on a postcard. However, due to its location, you’re unlikely to ever have this beach entirely to yourself.

Right in the heart of Le Gosier on the south of Grande Terre, you’ll be able to see incredible views of the Gosier Islet. If you’d rather get on the water instead of just looking at it, you can rent a canoe or enjoy a quick dip. There are also a few restaurants and bars nearby to refuel.

Malendure beach is undoubtedly one of the best spots for snorkeling in Guadeloupe. The waters are generally quite calm, and you’ll find all sorts of sea life which call the reef home. There’s a huge range of fish, but what makes this beach really special are the sea turtles. You’re most likely to spot them early in the morning.

Stretching out on the western coast of Basse-Terre, Malendure beach is also great for water sports. You’ll be able to rent kayaks, jet skis, paddle boards, sea bobs and more. As well as equipment hire, lessons and boat tours are also on offer. The carpark gets quite busy so you may need to walk a short way to the beach.

Petite Terre is on a small uninhabited island off the coast of Guadeloupe and is a popular day trip. Here you’ll find crystal-clear waters and soft sands perfect for sunbathing. The snorkeling is also first class with turtles, stingrays and even lemon sharks being spotted in the waters.

Between a 1.5- and 2-hour boat ride from Saint-François, much of the island is covered in palm trees and ferns, creating a habitat for rare animal and insect species. As there’s no infrastructure, it has a virgin nature very uncommon in the world today. It’s limited to 200 visitors a day so make sure you plan accordingly.

Raisins Clair beach brings the picture-perfect postcard to life. Expect to find soft sand, waves of clear blue water lapping on the shore and the sun beating down on you. As it’s located in the middle of the town, it’s easy to head to a local restaurant or bar for a quick bite to eat before heading back to the beach.

Located in the town of Saint-François, the waters tend to be quite gentle. This makes it the perfect beach for kids to paddle and swim at. Food trucks also tend to pull up at the beach, giving you the opportunity to enjoy local delicacies without even leaving the beach.

Plage de Perle literally translates to Pearl Beach and it’s not hard to see why. This stunning beach is an absolute gem. Not only is the scenery breath-takingly beautiful, the gentle waves and sandy, rock-free ocean floor make it easy to swim and splash about. There are also plenty of trees, providing a shady canopy for when you need to cool down.

On the northwest side of Guadeloupe’s main island, on a clear day you’ll be able to see all the way over to Monserrat. While it is one of Guadeloupe’s most popular beaches, it rarely feels crowded. However, you may find parking to be more limited.

Craving a secluded spot? Head to Bois Jolan beach where the woods create natural nooks, sheltering you from both the sun and other people. The waters also tend to be quite calm here, providing a safe environment for children to swim.

On the southern tip of the island in Sainte-Anne, the clear waters also make it a good spot for snorkeling, including for beginners. You may spot sea urchins and queen conch alongside smaller fish. Please be aware that this beach doesn’t have any facilities, including toilets or showers.

Fine black sand and lush green trees… Plage de Bananier may look a little different from your typical beach but it’s well worth visiting. The surf is particularly good, making it a prime spot for surfing and body boarding. However, good surf normally means applying a little caution when bathing.

Located in Anse Salee, Plage de Bananier is also a wonderful place to relax. You’ll often find games of beach volleyball, sandcastle building and sunbathing underway. Head to the nearby Restaurant Le Rivage to sample local Creole food with a view of all the surfing action.