White, orange, grey or black sand, the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe have beaches for everybody’s taste. Here is a compilation of some of the best and most famous Guadeloupe beaches with photos and a map!
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MAP OF BEST BEACHES IN GUADELOUPE
Let’s start with a map, where you will find all the beaches I am listing further in the post.
HOW I SELECTED THOSE GUADELOUPE BEACHES
Originally I wanted to give you a complete list of the beaches. But this is really not manageable (Caribya tried but it is not complete) There are so many! Try every road, every path, hike a little bit and you will discover another one.
I have not been to all the beaches and everyone has different taste, so, of course, the list is biased. But I had done a lot of research before traveling and knew the ones I wanted to see. Therefore it should give you a good starting point to plan your trip to Guadeloupe.
If you want to discover more, I recommend picking up several of the free touristic / road maps. They all list different beaches along the shores.
Tips about visiting the beaches:
- CROWDS – Locals do go to the beaches with the kids on the Wednesday afternoon and on the weekends. So be aware that it can get crowded
- SUNSET – If you stay for sunset time, all the tourists will have disappeared and you can swim and talk with locals.
- HEALTH – Where there is mangrove, there are mosquitoes…
- GETTING AROUND – The only way to visit all those beaches is to rent a car. Driving around the islands is quite easy, but know that it is an island, so there are not many roads and you might have to queue at peak hours (especially around Point-à-pitre) – Compare rental deals on rentalcars.com
THE MOST FAMOUS BEACH IN GUADELOUPE – La Caravelle
This can be discussed, but I think the most famous beach on the Guadeloupe island is the Caravelle. The strand of white sand and turquoise water stretches in front of the Club Med Resort.
BEACH INFO
- Island: Grande Terre (Map dot #5)
- Location: West of Saint-Anne, South Coast of Grande-Terre
- Sand: white
- Safety: quiet beach
- Protected nature reserve – limited access
WHERE TO STAY NEARBY
If you want to stay close to that beach, some options are:
- Staying in the town of Sainte-Anne with all the amenities you may need – check out the best customer-rated accommodations in Sainte-Anne
- Staying at the Club Med Resort
- CHARMING RENTAL – charming apartment called Les Flibustier just outside Sainte Anne center with pool – check out photos and latest prices
- HOTEL WITH FANTASTIC VIEWS – La Toubana offers gorgeous views from the rooms, the restaurant and the pool, short walk to La Caravelle Beach – check out photos and latest prices
EXTRA
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about La Caravelle Beach
THE GUADELOUPE BEACH WITH THE BEST WAVES – Grande Anse
I am not talking about surf here, but just playing in enormous waves very close to the beach. I you like this kind of fun, go to the Grande Anse Beach.
BEACH INFO
- Island: Basse Terre (Map dot #1)
- Location: North of Deshaies on the Northern part of the West Coast of Basse Terre
- Sand: orange
- Safety: big waves
WHERE TO STAY NEARBY
If you want to stay close to that beach, some options are:
- TROPICAL – Habitation Grande Anse offers a beautiful Tropical Garden, a swimming pool and easy access to Grande Anse beach – check out photos and latest prices
- IN DESHAIES – At le Matelot de la Baie, Beautiful wooden bungalow surrounded by trees – all you need for a relaxing stay – check out photos and latest prices
- REGION – the little town of Deshaies is away from the big tourist hubs. It has kept its charm – check out the best customer-rated accommodations in the region of Deshaies
EXTRA
If staying in Deshaies, you can also enjoy some great activities at sea such as
- Whale watching tours
- Diving experiences – check out program & prices
- Inspiring Sunset cruises – check out program & prices
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Grande Anse Beach
THE BEST SNORKELING BEACH IN GUADELOUPE – Petite Terre
Many beaches in Guadeloupe have small coral reefs. If you don’t find talking a boat, I recommend a tour to the protected Petite Terre island. There is an easily accessed and quite large reef with lemon sharks, many turtles and plenty of colorful fishes.
Sorry, at that time I did not have a camera that could go underwater.
BEACH INFO
- Island: Petite Terre (Map dot #12)
- Location: Boat tours depart from the Saint François Marina (Eastern end of South Coast) – for example with Uhaina catamaran Cruise
- Sand: white
- Safety: quiet beach
WHERE TO STAY NEARBY
It is not possible to stay on Petite Terre
EXTRA
If you love snorkeling, you can also book a tour to snorkel in the Lagoon “Grand Cul de Sac Marin”, located between Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. Departure from Le Gosier – check out program and price
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Petite Terre
BEST BEACH TO RELAX IN THE WATER – Raisins Clairs
Contrary to the firend I traveled with, I don’t like big waves. So I looked for one of the most dreamy white sand beach with was quiet to relax in the water. I found the beach of Raisins Clairs and it was everything I was hoping for.
BEACH INFO
- Island: Grande Terre (Map dot #7)
- Location: Just outside of Saint François (to the West) on the South Coast
- Sand: white
- Safety: quiet beach, small waves
WHERE TO STAY NEARBY
It is close to the town and with the National Road, so there are no accommodations right by the beach. If you want to stay close to that beach, some options are:
- SAINT-FRANCOIS & REGION – you can stay in the nearby town with all the amenities you may need – check out the best customer-rated accommodations in Saint-François
- ANSE DES ROCHERS – Or you can stay a bit more to the west at Anse des rochers, Ticazcreole looks like a peaceful place to stay – check out photos and latest prices
EXTRA
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Raisins Clairs
BEST GUADELOUPE BEACH TO SPEND A WHOLE DAY – Souffleur Beach
If you want to stop running around and spend a full day at the beach, the Souffleur beach is great. The beach is long, quiet, with white sand, plenty of shades, facilities and food trucks.
The sky was threatening but the clouds get stuck on Basse-Terre island. So we did not get any rain.
BEACH INFO
- Island: Grande Terre (Map dot #9)
- Location: West Coast of Grande Terre, near Port-Louis
- Sand: white
- Safety: quiet beach
WHERE TO STAY NEARBY
You can check out some accommodation options in the region of Port-Louis
EXTRA
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the Souffleur Beach
THE BEST ISOLATED BEACH and my favorite – Petit Havre
The Petit Havre public beach is one of best one according to locals. However only the main one is indicated with road signs. If you venture in the streets East of the main beach, you will discover a walking path to another beach in a cove. I loved it.
I lvoe it! There was only one other person apart from us. There were many shells and the protected cove gave me a feeling of being Robinson Crusoe…
BEACH INFO
- Island: Grande Terre (Map dot #4)
- Location: in Petit-Havre between Gosier and Sainte Anne (South Coast – Anse à Jacques)
- Sand: white
- Safety: quiet beach
WHERE TO STAY NEARBY
If you want to stay close to that beach, some options are:
- LE GOSIER – you cans tay nearby at Le Gosier, a very central location to visit both Basse-terre and Grande Terre – check out the best customer-rated accommodations around le Gosier
EXTRA
- Kayaking excursion from Le Gosier – check out program and price
- If you love snorkeling, you can also book a tour to snorkel in the Lagoon “Grand Cul de Sac Marin”, located between Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. Departure from Le Gosier – check out program and price
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the Petit Havre Beaches
NOT FOR SWIMMING – But for the scenery – Pointe des Châteaux
Past point 8 on the map, you can head to the Castle Headlands to see beautiful sea stacks and waves crashing on them.
Marie-Galante Island
Le small island of Marie-Galante also has some stunning beaches. It is just a short ferry ride to get there.
The island of Marie Galante has some of the best beaches in Guadeloupe with white sand, turquoise water and many fishes. Some like Petite Anse and Feuillère are protected by a coral reef. (Map dot #11)
You can book a day tour to Marie-Galante with visits to the fortifications, beaches, mills, farms and a rum distillerie. Check out program
And the Guadeloupe beaches I have not seen…
From my research, here are some other beaches I would recommend:
Anse à la Gourde
Long white sand beach on the Northern shore of the Pointe des Châteaux (South headland of Grande Terre). (Map dot #8)
Bois Jolan
Shallow white sand beach 4km East of Saint Anne (South Shore of Grande Terre). You can walk for a long time with water only to your knee level. (Map dot #6)
Roseau Beach
Plage de Roseau is one of the best beaches on the East Coast of Basse Terre with small coves and grey sand. (Map dot #3)
Grande Anse at Trois-Rivières
Beautiful black sand beach on the South Coast of Basse Terre. Created byt the volcano, the sand is actually soft. Good surfing and bodyboard spot. Be careful as there are big waves. (Map dot #2)
Les Saintes islands
Les Saintes islands offer some stunning cove such as La Pompierre. For snorkeling go to Anse Figuier or Anse du pain de sucre. (Map dot #10)
La Désirade island
The South coast of this island has some desert beaches. The most famous is the Souffleur beach (not to me mixed with the other Souffleur beach on Grande Terre). (Map dot #13) – You can book a day tour to La Desirade – Check out program.
Want to see MORE of GUADELOUPE?
Discover more things to do with planning information and photos in my online Guadeloupe Travel Guide.
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Nice text, with good choices, thanks !
We really have great beaches in Guadeloupe, each one different, for all tastes !
If you want to see a beach selection from someone who lives in Guadeloupe (me!), visit http://thivi.unblog.fr/2014/04/06/petit-guide-illustre-des-plages-de-guadeloupe/
Hi Claire, thanks for the great info! Will be heading there for 3 days :)!
Cheers, Nenad
Thanks. Glad I could help.
Have a wonderful trip!
Hi Clare, your info really helped us finding beautiful spots an Guadeloupe. I noticed that written location for The Caravele beach: North of Deshaies on the Northern part of the West Coast of Basse Terre – is mistaken.
One of our favourite beaches was La Datcha (Le Gosier)- looking to Ilet du Gosier.
Regards,
Nina
Thanks Nina
This was a cut and paste error. I appreciate you letting me know.
I really enjoyed your list! I have spent two months in Guadeloupe at the end of 2018. I was living next to La Caravelle beach and it was just gorgeous… I miss those everyday swimming and chilling there! Raisins Clairs was also great!
You should create a tour plan of the filming locations for ‘Death in Paradise’.