Sailing to Guadeloupe

MAP OF THE BEST PORTS & ANCHORAGES

History

Long before European explorers, the island was home to indigenous peoples with their own rich cultures and traditions. The earliest known inhabitants, the Arawaks, arrived around 300 AD. They were peaceful agriculturalists who fished and cultivated crops like cassava, maize, and sweet potatoes. Their pottery and artifacts, some of which have been uncovered in archaeological digs, give us a glimpse into their daily life and the serene existence they carved out on the island.

But the Arawaks wouldn’t remain alone on the island for long. Around the 9th century, the Kalinago (often referred to as Caribs by European colonisers) migrated from South America. Known for their warrior culture, the Kalinago quickly established dominance in the Lesser Antilles, including Guadeloupe. They were fierce defenders of their territories and often engaged in raids against neighbouring islands. The Kalinago were skilled navigators and seafarers, traveling in large dugout canoes across the Caribbean Sea. They named the island “Karukera,” or “Island of Beautiful Waters”.

For centuries, the Kalinago thrived, living in coastal villages and relying on fishing, hunting, and farming to sustain their communities. They developed a robust trade network with other islands, exchanging goods like tobacco, cotton, and ceramics. Despite their warlike reputation, their society was organised and deeply spiritual. Rituals, dances, and festivals marked important events in their lives, and their respect for nature was woven into their way of life.

Christopher Columbus landed in 1493 during his second voyage to the New World, he renamed the island “Guadalupe” after the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe in Spain.

For nearly a century after Columbus’s visit, Guadeloupe remained under Kalinago control, as they managed to fend off any European settlement attempts. The Kalinago were adept at guerrilla warfare, utilising the island’s dense forests and rugged terrain to their advantage. The islands were remote enough that serious attempts to colonise them weren’t sustained until the French colonisation kicked off in 1635. The Kalinago fought valiantly, trying to hold onto their land, but diseases brought by Europeans, combined with relentless battles, devastated their numbers. Over time, the French solidified their control, and Guadeloupe became an integral part of France’s growing colonial empire.

The plantation economy took root in the 17th century, driven largely by sugarcane, which quickly turned into the island’s cash crop. But the sweetness of sugar came with a dark reality—slavery. Thousands of Africans were forcibly brought to Guadeloupe. Yet, their resilience became the culture, a thread of survival that has shaped the island into what it is today.

On May 22, 1848, slavery was finally abolished by order of the French government, putting an end to a dark period in history. The legacy of slavery is still deeply felt today, woven into the island’s Creole culture, language, and identity.

Formalities

Boat Clearance

Clearance formalities for entry and exit from the islands of the French Antilles is now mandatory for all pleasure boat, for personal or professional use, arriving or departing by sea. The procedure is free and can be done online at: https://www.demarches-simplifiees.fr/commencer/declaration-clearance-antilles, or in person at one of the approved points listed here: https://www.dm.martinique.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/clearance-guide_240805_094438.pdf.

This electronic procedure is very convenient, but most other countries will request a printed and stamped EXIT clearance document. So you will need to print your EXIT clearance in order to get it stamped in one of the approved points listed in the above document (Page 4 for Guadeloupe), it can be a local shop or marina. This approved points of clearance also provide public computer where you can fill and print your document for 3 to 5€.

Visa & Immigration

Official website for visas to France: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas/home

Other ressources

Noonsite.com maintains an updated worldwide database of formalities for pleasure crafts. For more details visit: https://www.noonsite.com/cruising-resources/documents-required-other-considerations-when-cruising-abroad/

Navigation

Composed of several islands, Guadeloupe is an enchanting archipelago divided into two main islands, Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre, and several smaller islands. Venture inland and you’ll find dramatic landscapes such as La Soufrière volcano, an area also known for its natural hot springs. Or hike through the verdant rainforests and cascading waterfalls, with the call of tropical birds echoing through the trees. The Cousteau Reserve, named after the famed ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, preserves its natural wonders, and diving near Pigeon Island is a unique experience.

Sailing Season

Hurricane season (June to October)

This period is characterised by higher humidity and frequent rain showers, especially in the northern parts of the island.
Storm Risks: The hurricane season can give rise to tropical storms and even hurricanes, leading to intense wind gusts. These storm systems can form rapidly and require careful monitoring for those on the water. Unlike the steady trade winds experienced during other months, the winds during the hurricane season can change quickly in both speed and direction.

Dry Season (December to April)

Known as the “Carême,” this period sees less rain and more temperate conditions. This is the high season in all of the Caribbean Sea.

FAQ