Guadeloupe Les Saintes: Sailing & Snorkeling Small Group Tour

Summary

Sailing to les saintes turquoise bays creole lunch & shipwreck swim

You’ll set sail from Gourbeyre with a small group toward Les Saintes’ clear waters, learn sailing basics with a local skipper, snorkel at Pain de Sucre and above a shipwreck, then enjoy Creole lunch onboard. Expect laughter over coconut punch, quiet moments watching island life drift by, and memories that linger long after you’re dry again.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the way our skipper, Olivier, grinned when he handed me the rope and said, “Tu veux essayer?” I’d never sailed before — not really — but somehow it felt right with the salty breeze coming off Basse-Terre and everyone in our little group laughing as the boat tipped just enough to make my heart thump. We left Rivière-Sens Marina early, sun barely up, and I could smell coffee from someone’s thermos mixing with the sea air. There was this quiet moment as we crossed the channel where all you could hear was water slapping the hull and someone humming behind me (maybe it was Marie? She had that kind of voice). Guadeloupe’s Les Saintes looked impossibly green from out there.

The first snorkeling stop was at Pain de Sucre. I’ll admit I hesitated — mask always feels weird on my face — but when I dipped in, the water was warm and clear. Fish darted everywhere, all these colors I don’t have names for. Olivier pointed out a tiny shipwreck spot later (“épave,” he called it), and I tried to look brave diving down to see it. Lunch happened back on deck under shade: chicken colombo with ginger and turmeric (I can still smell that sauce), rice, fruit salad, plus coconut punch that tasted like summer holidays. Someone passed around madeleines and bananas while we traded stories about swimming or just sat quietly watching clouds stack up over Terre-de-Haut.

After eating we motored close to shore — houses painted blue and yellow, laundry flapping on lines. It’s funny how seeing daily life from the water makes everything feel slower. At one point, a local waved from his fishing boat; Olivier waved back like they’d known each other forever. The return trip felt different — calmer maybe because we were full or maybe just sun-drunk. He let us steer again if we wanted (I did), though my arms were tired by then so I mostly watched the sails flicker against the sky.

By the time we got back to Gourbeyre, my skin smelled like salt and sunscreen and something sweet from dessert. There are details I keep replaying: the way laughter carried over open water, or how silence felt bigger out there than anywhere else. If you’re thinking about a day trip to Les Saintes from Guadeloupe — especially one with real sailing and a small group — this is probably what you’re looking for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and snorkeling in Les Saintes

• Sail across the channel (2.5 hours)
• Snorkel at UNESCO bay spot
• Enjoy snack, aperitif, and Creole lunch
• Take motorized tour of Les Saintes village
• Swim at shipwreck snorkeling site
• Sail back with option to steer (1.5 hours)

Top questions

How long is the sailing & snorkeling tour to Les Saintes?

The excursion lasts nearly 9 hours including sailing time, snorkeling stops, lunch onboard, and a motorized village tour.

Where does the tour depart from in Guadeloupe?

The tour departs from Rivière-Sens Marina in Gourbeyre near Basse-Terre.

Is lunch included on this Les Saintes sailing day trip?

Yes, a homemade Creole lunch with chicken colombo, rice, fruit salad plus drinks is served onboard.

Are there snorkeling stops during this Guadeloupe tour?

Yes—snorkeling happens at Pain de Sucre and above a small shipwreck in accessible spots within Les Saintes bay.

How many people are on this small group sailing trip?

The group size is up to 9 people plus your professional skipper.

Can beginners try sailing during this excursion?

Yes—the skipper offers an initiation so you can try steering or helping with sails if you’d like.

Are drinks provided during the day trip?

Bottled water is available all day along with juice, coconut punch or mango punch during meals or aperitif time.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No—guests need to meet at Rivière-Sens Marina for departure; hotel pickup isn’t included.

What’s included

Your day includes nearly 9 hours aboard an 11.5-meter sailboat with all sailing equipment provided; two snorkeling stops at Pain de Sucre and above a shipwreck; bottled water throughout; snacks like bananas and madeleines; aperitif with juice or punches plus sausage and fish rillettes; homemade Creole lunch featuring chicken colombo with fresh turmeric and ginger; fruit salad; coffee or tea after lunch; shaded outdoor seating area for meals; motorized village tour of Les Saintes’ colorful houses; access to restroom and deck shower onboard; friendly professional skipper guiding both sailing basics and local stories before returning to Gourbeyre in late afternoon.