Tips for renting in Abymes
The Pointe-à-Pitre marina, just minutes from Abymes, is the main departure point for boating in Guadeloupe. You will find catamarans, monohull sailboats, motorboats and small craft available for half-day trips through to week-long island-hopping cruises.
The most popular destinations from Guadeloupe are Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and the Petite-Terre nature reserve. Les Saintes is roughly an hour away and offers magnificent anchorage in a bay regularly ranked among the world's most beautiful. Petite-Terre, accessible only by boat, is a sanctuary for iguanas and sea turtles with outstanding snorkelling.
For shorter outings, the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin lagoon is ideal. Protected by a coral barrier reef, it offers calm waters where you can anchor near small islets and combine a leisurely sail with snorkelling over colourful reefs.
The dry season from December to April provides the best sailing conditions, with steady trade winds and generally calm seas. During the rainy season, mornings are often clear but afternoon squalls can roll in quickly. Always check the marine weather bulletin before heading out.