Guadeloupe’s mangroves and the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin

Guadeloupe’s mangroves and the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin

Between Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin is a protected 15,000-hectare lagoon (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) with mangroves, seagrass beds, white-sand islets and the largest barrier reef in the Lesser Antilles.

How to visit

Guided kayak or paddle trips among the mangrove roots, pedal boats at Vieux-Bourg, or boat tours from Sainte-Rose with snorkelling stops and a visit to Caret islet. Sainte-Rose is about 1 h 15–1 h 30 from Basse-Terre. Bring insect repellent; don’t swim in the mangrove itself; some islets close during tern nesting.

Frequently asked questions

Where can you see mangroves in Guadeloupe?

Around the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin, with trips from Sainte-Rose, Vieux-Bourg or Port-Louis.

How do you get to Caret islet?

Only by boat or kayak, usually on a tour from Sainte-Rose.