About Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is a French overseas territory and island group, part of the Lesser Antilles in the southern Caribbean Sea. From above, the two main islands of Basse-Terre and Grand-Terre give the appearance of a butterfly, whilst boasting a mix of quirky beach towns and luxury tourist resorts. The smaller islands of La Desirade, Les Saintes and Marie-Galante, found just offshore from the main islands, have their own unique character and stunning landscapes, too. In Guadeloupe, take your pick from exploring an incredible national park, relaxing on secluded beaches, hiking a volcano or learning about the world-renowned rum production in one of the distilleries; it truly is one of the most diverse regions in the Caribbean. Guadeloupe is well served by ferry, with ports on both Grand-Terre and Basse-Terre offering frequent routes to and from the majority of the surrounding islands, operated by a couple of ferry companies.

About La Desirade Island

La Desirade is the easternmost island of Guadeloupe, a French Overseas Region within the Lesser Antilles group of the Caribbean. A place of untamed beauty, La Desirade is one of the oldest islands in the Caribbean, home to a thriving population of iguanas. Importantly, it has been declared part of a geological Natural Reserve, so the wildlife has remained as undisturbed as the landscape has pristine. The River Trail is a famous hiking route, taking you from the beautiful Souffleur Beach on the south coast to the peak of the island’s forested plateau. Classically Caribbean pursuits like coral reef diving and dining in local seafood joints are easily accessible, while the annual Goat Festival during Easter is not to be missed. La Desirade is only ten kilometres from the Guadeloupe mainland, so it’s very simple to reach by ferry, with over a dozen crossings to choose from each week. The sailing from Saint Francois to Grand Anse, on La Desirade Island’s southeast coast, usually lasts just forty minutes.