Shaped like a butterfly with its two main islands—Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre—Guadeloupe captivates visitors with the alluring blend of Caribbean warmth and French flair. On these lush isles, you can wander rainforests in the morning, indulge in local Creole dishes by afternoon, and sip ti’ punch at sunset while waves lap golden sands. From calm, family-friendly lagoons to rugged black-sand coves guarded by volcanic peaks, Guadeloupe’s beaches embody the archipelago’s natural diversity.
In this guide, we’ll explore 8 of the best beaches across Guadeloupe, touching both popular resort hubs and quieter pockets beloved by locals. Whether you’re eager to snorkel vibrant reefs, photograph dramatic coastlines, or simply bask under palm trees with a paperback, these shores will welcome you. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, practice a bit of French or Creole, and get ready for a carefree rendezvous with the best of the French Antilles.
1. Plage de la Caravelle (Sainte-Anne, Grande-Terre)
Perhaps Guadeloupe’s most iconic, Plage de la Caravelle lies near Sainte-Anne on Grande-Terre. Picture soft golden sand looping around a lagoon of transparent turquoise water, fringed by coconut palms that provide dappled shade. The waters are typically calm, making the beach excellent for both families with kids and first-time snorkelers. Nearby, you’ll find a few resorts and local vendors selling refreshing coconut water or spicy accras (fritters).
Despite its popularity, Caravelle generally retains a laid-back atmosphere—particularly in early mornings or weekdays outside of French school holidays. If you fancy a bit more activity, rent a stand-up paddleboard or sign up for a short windsurfing lesson. A handful of beach bars serve up Creole plates like colombo chicken or grilled fish accompanied by fried plantains, ensuring you can linger all day without going hungry.
Activities
- Gentle Swimming & Snorkeling – Shallow, calm waters make for safe dips and easy reef exploration.
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding – The sheltered bay suits novices who want to glide across transparent shallows with minimal waves.
- Beach Bars – Savor fruit cocktails or coconut-based drinks while enjoying the colorful setting and light sea breeze.
Best For:
Families, beginner water-sports enthusiasts, or anyone craving a classic tropical beach with easy access to food and facilities.
2. Grande Anse (Deshaies, Basse-Terre)
On the northwestern coast of Basse-Terre, Grande Anse (not to be confused with similarly named beaches on other Caribbean islands) is among Guadeloupe’s longest expanses of golden sand. Flanked by rolling green hills and coconut groves, it offers a more wild, untamed vibe compared to Grande-Terre’s calmer bays. The water can be deeper with a bit of a current, so swimmers should check conditions—though on calmer days, it’s delightful for bodysurfing or splashing around near the shore.
Despite its name meaning “big cove,” Grande Anse is rarely overcrowded, giving you plenty of space to sprawl out. Several small, rustic beach bars and local trucks (lolos) serve coconut sorbet, bokits (fried bread sandwiches), and chilled beverages. Arrive in late afternoon to watch the sun descend behind the verdant hills—Grande Anse’s sunsets can be spectacularly golden, silhouetting the occasional fishing boat gliding by.
Activities
- Beach Strolls & Photography – Grande Anse’s sweeping shoreline is a photographer’s dream, especially at dusk.
- Bodysurfing – Mild waves can be fun for boogie boarding or bodysurfing on calmer days.
- Creole Eats – Sample local snacks or bigger plates—like grilled fish or goat stew—at the modest eateries near the parking lot.
Best For:
Nature lovers, couples, and those craving a spacious, scenic beach with a more “wild” Caribbean charm.
3. Plage de Bois Jolan (Sainte-Anne, Grande-Terre)
Tucked between Sainte-Anne and St-François, Plage de Bois Jolan is a local favorite often overshadowed by nearby Caravelle. Shallow, crystal-clear waters extend far offshore, providing safe wading for small children, while tall coconut palms fringe the shore, offering shady spots for picnics. With fewer crowds than Sainte-Anne’s central beach, Bois Jolan feels like a secret retreat—particularly on weekdays.
Coral patches near the lagoon floor shelter small fish, and occasional sea urchins remind you to tread carefully if venturing out in deeper sections. Pack a picnic or pick up fresh pastries from a nearby boulangerie to enjoy a casual lunch under the trees. The relaxing, family-friendly vibe makes Bois Jolan ideal for travelers who appreciate a more natural environment without the frills of restaurants or bars on the sand.
Activities
- Family Swimming & Wading – Perfect for parents wanting shallow lagoon waters where kids can play securely.
- Picnicking under Palms – Lush coconut trees create a scenic canopy; bring your own hamper and linger.
- Light Snorkeling – Explore pockets of coral, watching for butterflyfish or parrotfish gliding among the seagrass.
Best For:
Families, picnickers, and quiet-beach enthusiasts looking for an uncrowded slice of lagoon paradise on Grande-Terre.
4. Plage de la Perle (Deshaies, Basse-Terre)
Close to Grande Anse in the commune of Deshaies, Plage de la Perle offers another splendid swath of golden sand lined with coconut and almond trees. Less expansive than its neighbor, it nonetheless boasts a similar wilder aspect, with emerald hills visible in the distance. The water can occasionally have stronger currents or waves, so swimmers should stay mindful—though it’s typically manageable near the shallows.
You’ll find a couple of unpretentious beach bars serving grilled chicken, fish brochettes, and cold drinks, plus a smattering of local families enjoying the weekend. In recent years, the beach gained a bit of fame as a filming location for the British-French TV series Death in Paradise. Its cameo role aside, La Perle remains authentically Guadeloupean, balancing enough convenience for a day out with an ambiance that still feels natural.
Activities
- Relaxed Lounging – Spread a towel, watch the surf, and let the waves lull you into full vacation mode.
- Lunch at Beach Bars – Savor Creole plates or fresh fruit juices while socializing with friendly locals or fellow visitors.
- TV Series Curiosity – If you’re a Death in Paradise fan, a short wander might reveal familiar filming spots.
Best For:
Travelers who love rustic, scenic beaches with casual dining options and a mellow local vibe, minus large resort footprints.
5. Anse du Souffleur (Port-Louis, Grande-Terre)
On Grande-Terre’s northwestern coast near Port-Louis, Anse du Souffleur charms with its calm aquamarine sea and an extended strip of golden sand framed by coastal vegetation. The water is typically gentle, ideal for swimming or snorkeling near the rocky edges where fish gather. Modest stalls sometimes sell Creole dishes (like stuffed crabs) on busy weekends, but otherwise, it’s delightfully low-key.
Locals often frequent Souffleur for family gatherings—especially on Sundays—when the aroma of barbecued chicken fills the air. Outside these peak times, you might find entire swaths of sand unoccupied. If you’re feeling adventurous, stroll down the shore to discover smaller coves and lookout points. Late afternoon lights up the sea in shades of turquoise and teal, a mesmerizing contrast beneath pastel skies.
Activities
- Swimming & Snorkeling – Conditions are typically calm, letting even novice snorkelers spot fish among corals.
- Creole Food Sampling – Sunday pop-up vendors might offer grilled lobster, coconut tarts, or local fruit juices.
- Beach Wanders – Explore adjacent coves or the remnants of old colonial-era structures in the vicinity.
Best For:
Families, couples, and visitors longing for a relaxed local beach experience, away from the more touristic Sainte-Anne or St-François hubs.
6. Anse à la Gourde (St-François, Grande-Terre)
East of St-François, along Grande-Terre’s southeastern coast, Anse à la Gourde wows travelers with its picturesque lagoon of shifting blues and greens, fronted by a beach dotted with seagrape and palm trees. The wind can be stronger here—windsurfers may relish the breezy conditions—but nearshore waters remain mostly calm for general swimming. Because it’s somewhat off the main tourist circuit, crowds are fewer, granting a sense of tranquility.
Views from the beach stretch toward the Pointe des Châteaux, a dramatic rocky outcrop at Guadeloupe’s easternmost tip. Some visitors combine a beach day at Anse à la Gourde with a quick hike at Pointe des Châteaux for panoramic vistas of the Atlantic. A handful of local stands or restaurants pop up in high season offering fruit cocktails and Creole snacks. Outside of that, you’ll want to pack your own refreshments.
Activities
- Swimming & Windsurfing – Confident windsurfers can catch moderate breezes; swimmers can enjoy the lagoon’s gentler areas.
- Hike to Pointe des Châteaux – A short drive leads to the trailhead; from the viewpoint, the Atlantic’s dramatic churn sets a grand scene.
- Island Picnics – The small shady spots near the treeline are perfect for a do-it-yourself lunch while soaking in the quiet surroundings.
Best For:
Beach lovers who want a less crowded, scenic lagoon and easy access to Pointe des Châteaux’ epic coastal views.
7. Plage de Malendure (Bouillante, Basse-Terre)
On the leeward side of Basse-Terre near the town of Bouillante, Plage de Malendure stands out for its volcanic black sand and close proximity to the Cousteau Reserve, making it Guadeloupe’s top snorkeling and diving spot. The sand’s dark hue contrasts beautifully with the vivid turquoise water, while local dive shops and tour boats line the beach road, ready to whisk you to Pigeon Island’s coral reefs.
Marine life here is exceptional: sea turtles frequently graze on seagrass, while parrotfish and angel fish color the corals. Beginners can snorkel right off the beach, or hop on a glass-bottom boat if you prefer a dry perspective. Don’t overlook the setting: forested slopes of the Parc National de la Guadeloupe loom in the background, reminding you that active volcano La Soufrière lies just inland.
Activities
- Snorkeling & Diving – The Cousteau Reserve brims with marine diversity. Guided tours offer prime spots around Pigeon Island.
- Turtle Spotting – Keep an eye out near seagrass beds; respectful distance is crucial to avoid disturbing them.
- Volcanic Beach Vibes – Relax on the warm black sand after an underwater adventure, sipping a local fruit smoothie.
Best For:
Snorkelers, divers, and nature enthusiasts intrigued by black sands and top-tier underwater exploration in Guadeloupe’s Cousteau Reserve.
8. Plage des Raisins Clairs (St-François, Grande-Terre)
Close to the resort community of St-François, Plage des Raisins Clairs (literally “clear grapes beach”) is renowned for its calm lagoon waters and easygoing atmosphere. Slightly to the west of the town center, it’s a favorite of both locals and tourists seeking a spot that pairs convenience with classic Caribbean beauty. A line of beach grape trees (which lent the area its name) offer scattered shade, and small waves break softly on the sand.
Vendors often sell fresh tropical fruit, grilled skewers, and coconut water, while families set up picnics on weekends. The lagoon’s shallow patches make for safe wading; you might see kids squealing as they chase tiny fish darting along the shore. Post-swim, meander into St-François’s bustling marina district for shops, cafes, or boat excursions to nearby islets. Raisins Clairs captures that breezy synergy of local life and visitor-friendly amenities.
Activities
- Family Swimming – Mild water depth and gentle waves welcome even younger children.
- Beach Eats & Fruit – Try sweet pineapple or mango from local stalls, or sample grilled shrimp spiced with Creole flavors.
- Town Exploration – A short stroll takes you into St-François’s harbor area, known for fresh seafood restaurants and ferry connections.
Best For:
Those wanting a town-adjacent beach with a relaxed lagoon, easy dining, and a short walk to more urban conveniences in St-François.
Conclusion
From the glamour of Plage de la Caravelle in Sainte-Anne to the wild beauty of Grande Anse and the black sands of Malendure, Guadeloupe’s beaches showcase the archipelago’s distinctive mix of French-Caribbean culture and natural diversity. On these shores, you can snorkel with sea turtles over coral reefs, savor coconut-infused dishes under palm trees, and explore quaint fishing villages or sugarcane countryside just minutes away.
These 8 beaches span both of Guadeloupe’s main islands—Grande-Terre’s flatter, sandy coastlines, and Basse-Terre’s verdant, mountainous terrain—while also including a few lesser-known corners that invite deeper immersion in Creole rhythms. Embrace the gentle Creole language swirling in local markets, pair a snorkel session with a rum punch, and keep your eyes open for the next secluded cove around each bend in the road. In Guadeloupe, every beach day is an invitation to indulge in the archipelago’s slow-living spirit, bridging European savoir faire with a distinctly Caribbean joie de vivre.
