Planning a trip to the tropics? Instead of setting your sights on Caribbean tourist magnets like Barbados or Turks and Caicos, veer off the beaten path and uncover one of the best-kept secrets in the West Indies: Îles des Saintes, a breathtaking region along the coast of Guadeloupe. Îles des Saintes, often referred to as Les Saintes, is a French-Caribbean archipelago in south Guadeloupe. It consists of a cluster of small islands surrounded by crystal clear waters teeming with marine life. Les Saintes is nothing short of paradise, complete with exquisite beaches, a unique culture, quaint villages, and some of the best snorkeling spots in Guadeloupe. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, the calm waters of Les Saintes offer something for everyone.
The journey to Les Saintes is an adventure in itself. The main access point to the archipelago is a 30-minute ferry ride from Trois-Rivières on Basse-Terre island, or a longer journey from Pointe a Pitre on certain days of the week. You may wish to take a day trip to Les Saintes or plan to stay for a few nights and experience all that it has to offer. If you’d prefer to ride in style, you may be able to charter a boat or a catamaran to Les Saintes. Some tour companies will provide transportation and guided excursions with snorkeling, hiking, and sightseeing around the area.
Everything to know about Îles des Saintes
Les Saintes consists of nine islands in total, however, only two are inhabited: the hiker’s paradise of Terre-de-Bas and the bustling island of Terre-de-Haut, a little-known Caribbean gem with one of the world’s most beautiful bays. The UNESCO-designated Les Saintes Bay on Terre-de-Haut is truly extraordinary — it was once a battleground between the English and French. History enthusiasts will be enchanted by the ruins at Fort Napoleon, located a short distance from the bay. Both islands are incredibly picturesque, with lush vibrant flora, colorful homes, and of course, outstanding white sand beaches. You’re bound to be charmed by the French-Caribbean architecture and way of life. Plus, no visit to Les Saintes is complete without sampling the region’s delicacy, a baked tart with fruit filling known as Tourment D’Amour.
To take advantage of all the beauty that Les Saintes has to offer, be sure to visit during Guadeloupe’s dry season between December and May. Though you may still enjoy dry and sunny conditions during the rainy season, the risk of hurricanes increases from June to November. When the dry season is in full swing, there’s no better time to take advantage of one of Les Saintes’ most spectacular experiences: snorkeling.
The best snorkeling spots in Les Saintes
