Guadeloupe - Facts

Guadeloupe FAQs

Pre-Arrival Boat: There is now an online clearance form to streamline the clearance procedure. This can be filled in prior to arrival with vessel and crew details, or, if getting online is not possible, on arrival in Guadeloupe. See Clearance for details.
Pre-Arrival Crew: A great number of countries do not need a visa. See Immigration for details.
Where can I enter? With the new online form it’s not necessary to enter at a port of entry unless you want your form stamped. Click on the blue “Explore Country” button and then the anchor symbol to see the six official ports of entry.
Are fees high to enter by yacht? Just 5 Euro admin. charge if using a clearance computer on land – see Fees for details.
What security concerns should I know about? Only the occasional dinghy theft reported. See Security for more info.

Guadeloupe Facts for Sailors

• The largest of the Leeward Islands, Guadeloupe is a Departément d'Outremer (Overseas Department) of France and its inhabitants are French citizens.
• The department includes the neighbouring islands of Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and La Désirade as well as St Barts and St Martin.
• The official language is French. Most people speak Creole. In tourist centres, they also speak English.
• Guadeloupe is a butterfly-shaped island, the two wings separated by the Rivière Salée.
• The river was once navigable by shallow-draft boats but the bridges are now permanently closed to all vessels except those with a water draft of 1.8m and an air draft of 4m.  See the Marina Guadeloupe website for further info.
• Cruising attractions: a blend of French sophistication and Caribbean "Joie de Vivre" that has produced an atmosphere unmatched in any of the English-speaking Caribbean islands. The island and her dependencies offer everything a sailor could wish for, from secluded anchorages to the latest marinas, first-class repair facilities, good provisioning as well as an excellent cuisine suited to all pockets.
• Yachting facilities in Guadeloupe are excellent. There are several marinas (ports de Plaisance) and as Guadeloupe has been chosen as the finish of several transatlantic races from France, repair and service facilities are of a high standard. But note, it has been reported that propane tanks with American-style fittings cannot be filled here.
• Excellent bread and goat cheese available even in small convenience stores in tiny fishing villages.
• Anchoring is now prohibited in many areas around the island including in the Parc National de la Guadeloupe.  Mooring buoys must be used.  See the Park's website for information on current regulations for anchoring, fishing, diving and other activities.