Guadeloupe Baie des Saintes: Sailing tour with local guide

Summary

Set sail in the Baie des Saintes & learn from a local sailor

You’ll join a local guide for hands-on sailing in Guadeloupe’s Baie des Saintes, help with catamaran maneuvers or relax on deck, and swim in calm turquoise waters searching for sea turtles. Includes a refreshing drink at anchor and plenty of chances to soak up island life — moments you’ll remember long after salt dries from your skin.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect to be nervous about steering a catamaran, but there I was, hands tight on the rope, salty wind in my face, trying not to look like I had no idea what I was doing. Our guide — he just goes by “Manu” — grew up here in Guadeloupe, and you could tell. He moved around the boat like it was his living room. He’d laugh and say things like “don’t fight the wind, let it help you,” which sounded simple until I tried it myself.

The water in the Baie des Saintes is this unreal blue — not fake postcard blue, but something softer, almost milky where the sun hits. We took turns helping with the sails (or just flopping onto the trampoline net at the front — honestly, both were good options). At one point Manu pointed out a sea turtle poking its head up near our anchor spot. I nearly missed it because I was distracted by how quiet everything felt out there, except for the creak of ropes and someone’s laughter when a wave splashed over us.

There was a break anchored in a little cove where Manu handed out cold drinks — nothing fancy, just something sweet and local that tasted perfect after swimming around looking for turtles (I saw two; someone else swore they saw three). The sun felt heavy on my shoulders but not too much. I think what surprised me most was how easy it was to forget time out there. You get caught up watching clouds or trying to remember how to tie that knot he showed us (I still can’t do it right). Anyway, if you’re thinking about a sailing tour in Guadeloupe or even just curious about what makes this bay special… well, you’ll probably end up wanting to stay longer than planned.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and Swimming in Baie des Saintes

• Sailing and catamaran maneuvers
• Relaxing on the trampoline
• Swimming to spot sea turtles

Top questions

Is this sailing tour in Baie des Saintes suitable for beginners?

Yes, all fitness levels are welcome and participation is flexible — you can help with sailing or just relax onboard.

Are refreshments included during the sailing trip?

Yes, a small refreshment is offered during the break at anchor.

Can infants or small children join this Guadeloupe sailing tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller and must sit on an adult’s lap.

Will we have a chance to swim or see sea turtles?

Yes, there’s time for swimming and searching for sea turtles during the stop at anchor.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the departure point.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this sailing tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hands-on sailing instruction with a local guide in Baie des Saintes, participation in catamaran maneuvers if you want (or relaxing on deck), swimming stops to look for sea turtles, and a small refreshment served while anchored in a sheltered cove before heading back ashore.