Discover Îles des Saintes, a small archipelago of islands off the southern coast of Guadeloupe, home to secluded beaches and coral-rich reefs brimming with marine life
Îles des Saintes is consistently one of the Top 5 islands that our guests count as their “favorite Caribbean destination.” Îles des Saintes, otherwise known as Les Saintes—an archipelago of nine islets, only two of which are inhabited—boasts beautiful bays, sheltered coves, exceptional snorkeling, and quaint, colorful seaside villages. SeaDream Yacht Club drops anchor in Les Saintes Bay off the island of Terre de Haut, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world, accessible only by private plane, ferry, or small sailing vessel. The bay is nothing short of a yachting paradise, although some claim it best experienced from above, through Fort Napoleon, an invigorating hike from the harbor.
Secluded Barefoot Beaches
Swim, snorkel, or simply stroll the beautiful gold-sand beaches of Plage de Pompière, Anse Crawen, and Anse du Pain de Sucre, Terre de Haute’s crown jewels.
Explore Like a Local
Your SeaDream yacht anchors in Les Saintes Bay, off Bourg des Saintes, the main village on Terre de Haut. Your SeaDream tender will take you right into the center of this charming village, lined with artisan boutiques and cafés, with a distinct French flair. Stroll along the picturesque streets and colorfully painted houses, soaking in the relaxed blend of the island’s French, Mediterranean, and Caribbean vibe. Tuck into fresh seafood—most restaurants serve cod fritters (accras), ceviche, and fish crepes (crêpes de poisson)—not to be missed.
Most of the locals, known as Saintois, are descendants of immigrants who arrived 300 years ago from Brittany, in the northwest of France. Their influence, blended with the vibrant Guadeloupean/Creole culture, has created a unique island identity. Many Saintois still earn their living by fishing. La Cimetiere Rose, the ancient sailors’ cemetery near Grande Anse Beach, is the pride of the Saintois. The white tombs are decorated with black and white tiles and polished conch shells.
Spend the Day Snorkeling
The Guadeloupe archipelago—including Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, and Îles des Saintes—offers adventurers some of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Lesser Antilles. From our anchorage in Terre-de-Haute, snorkel at Plage du Pain de Sucre and Plage de Anse Mire, entering the water anywhere from these tiny, secluded beaches.
Watersports for Everyone
Îles des Saintes’ turquoise waters are the perfect playground to enjoy SeaDream’s signature watersports Marina—equipped with a new water slide and all the watersports equipment required for a proper yachting vacation, with all motorized sports included.
Hike to Fort Napoleon
Les Saintes Bay on Terre de Haut is arguably best experienced from above, through Fort Napoleon, an invigorating hike from your yachting harbor. Constructed in 1867 to protect the French from invaders, Fort Napoleon offers panoramic views, a small museum showcasing pre-Columbian artifacts from the Arawak and Carib, and a botanical garden bursting with flowering cacti and resident iguanas.
Take in the View from Chameau Hill
The ascent to Le Chameau, the highest point of the island at more than 1,000 feet, takes approximately two hours of hiking, but the view is well worth it. From this vantage point, you can see all of Terre de Haut and the other islands of Îles des Saintes’ archipelago. On a clear day, glimpse La Soufriere, Guadeloupe’s volcano.
Bike the Island
Terre de Haute is the perfect island to discover by bike, so please take out one of our SeaDream mountain bikes and explore!
Are you ready to experience the secluded beaches and playful yachting harbor of Îles des Saintes? SeaDream provides you with an intimate view of Terre de Haut and Guadeloupe unlike any other boutique travel line. Click here to check availability and reserve your next voyage.