Guadeloupe: Porte d'Enfer (Hell Gate)

Contrary to what its name means, Porte D'Enfer (Hell gate) is considered by many as paradise: Lagoon, forest, waves crashing on cliffs, pinnacle... A nice break from the beautiful white sand beaches of Guadeloupe's Grande Terre island.

Hell Gate Porte d'enfer - Guadeloupe islands - Travel Guide- photos and practical information

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INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Porte d'enfer Lagoon

The Porte d'Enfer Lagoon is a long and, in proportion, narrow arm of water entering into the land. It creates a nice beach with turquoise warm waters. More adventurous visitors can hike to the mouth of the lagoon and then along the coast line to 2 maritime geysers: Trou de Madame Coco and Trou du Souffleur.

TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS - Porte d'Enfer Lagoon

Getting to Porte d'Enfer

Located on the East coast of Grande Terre Island between Le Moule and the Northen tip (Pointe de la Vigie)
On D122, stop either at the Porte d'Enfer Parking and walk to the beach and the beginning of the trails or drive 1 minute further north to the panoramique viewpoint.

Visiting Porte d'Enfer

Many options: relax at the beach, walk to along the lagoon (1hour return with plenty of picture) or hike to the maritime geysers (3 to 4 hours return)
If you choose to walk, wear good shoes, the rocks can be sharp
Many of mosquitoes make sure you use repellent
facilities to eat and restaurant just accross from the parking

Lagoon entrance from the viewpoint

The views from above are stunning: you can discover the incredible shapes that moves inland

The end of the lagoon

The lagoon is sometimes infested by brown alguae but it is still a beautiful spot, very peaceful.

Walking towards the entrance

I enjoyed the variation in atmosphere between the beach and the entrance of the lagoon. From quiet shallow waters to roaring waves. The force of the water has created pools on the rocks, so be careful when walking.

Walk along the lagoon of Porte d Enfer, Guadeloupe 1

Walk along the lagoon of Porte d Enfer, Guadeloupe 2

Walk along the lagoon of Porte d Enfer, Guadeloupe 3

The entrance to the lagoon

As I walked closer to the entrance, the waves were quite impressive rushing in the arm and crushing agains the cliffs. I loved every minute of it. I like earing them roaring, watching them spread in the air, and feeling the mist on my skin.