Guadeloupe: Lagoon Day Cruise with BBQ & Snorkeling Stops

Summary

Small group cruise in Grand-Cul-de-Sac-Marin with swimming, snorkeling, barbecue and mangrove stops

You’ll cruise Guadeloupe’s Grand-Cul-de-Sac-Marin lagoon with a local skipper, stopping to swim at Caret Islet and snorkel coral reefs and a shipwreck. Enjoy an onboard barbecue lunch with fresh fish or chicken near Îlet la Biche, drinks included. Expect laughter, sun-warmed pineapple, and moments of quiet you might remember longer than you think.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll see — the water’s like glass here,” our skipper grinned as we left the Baie-Mahault marina. I believed him, but honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so far from everything so quickly. The boat hummed along and the air smelled faintly sweet, almost grassy — maybe from the mangroves? There were only six of us plus our guide, who seemed to know every ripple and bird call out here. He pointed out a heron standing motionless in the roots. “He’s always waiting for breakfast.” I tried to snap a photo but missed it — too slow.

Our first stop was Caret islet. It’s tiny — just sand, driftwood, and that wild blue all around. The water was shallow enough that even kids could splash without worry. Some folks wandered off for photos; I just stood there knee-deep, letting my feet sink into cool sand. There was this odd calm — no traffic noise, just wind and someone laughing about how their sunglasses nearly floated away. We did three snorkeling stops later (coral reef, a wreck covered in bright fish, then starfish), but honestly that first swim felt like pressing pause on life for a bit.

I didn’t expect lunch to be such an event. Our guide set up a little barbecue right on the boat while we drifted near Îlet la Biche. Fish (he called it dorade coryphéenne) sizzled next to smoked chicken; he handed out planter punch and coffee while we sat with our feet dangling in the water by the mangroves. The sauces were homemade — one spicy enough to make me cough (he laughed at my face). Pineapple for dessert tasted colder than I expected under that sun.

I’m not sure if it was the sea air or just being away from WiFi for hours, but by the time we headed back toward Baie-Mahault I felt lighter somehow. Our skipper waved at another boat passing by — they shouted something in Creole I couldn’t catch. Maybe next time I’ll ask what it means.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lagoon cruise with swimming and snorkeling

• Depart from Baie-Mahault marina
• Explore mangroves closely
• Swim and relax at Caret islet
• Snorkel at coral reef
• Snorkel around wreck
• Snorkel to see starfish
• Aperitif at Ilet la Biche
• Enjoy barbecue meal on boat
• Have fruit and coffee for dessert
• End cruise and say goodbye

Top questions

How long is the day cruise from Baie-Mahault?

The cruise lasts most of the day with multiple stops for swimming, snorkeling, lunch and relaxing before returning in the afternoon.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Guadeloupe lagoon tour?

You can bring your own mask and snorkel; if not, they can provide some for you on board.

What food is served during the lagoon day trip?

A barbecue meal is prepared on board: grilled fish (dorade coryphéenne) or smoked chicken with rice and two sauces; pineapple and coffee for dessert.

Are drinks included during the cruise?

Yes—water (still or sparkling), juices, planter punch, coffee and tea are all included throughout the day.

Where does this Grand-Cul-de-Sac-Marin cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Baie-Mahault marina in Guadeloupe.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes—the shallow waters at Caret Islet are safe for kids to swim and play.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

How many snorkeling stops are there during this Guadeloupe day trip?

You’ll have three snorkeling stops: coral reef, shipwreck site and starfish area.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Baie-Mahault marina with a small group and local skipper; all drinks like water (still or sparkling), juices, planter punch plus coffee or tea; snacks such as marlin rillettes and aperitif cakes; an onboard barbecue lunch of grilled fish or smoked chicken with rice and two sauces; pineapple fruit dessert; snorkeling equipment if needed; plenty of time to swim at Caret Islet and relax around Îlet la Biche before heading back in the afternoon.