Guadeloupe - Health

Guadeloupe Health for Sailors

Guadeloupe is a French Department, therefore the health care system is excellent. Unlike most tropical regions, there are almost no communicable diseases or those transmitted by parasites. There are no poisonous or dangerous animals, except as noted below.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

Visitors from South America and some Caribbean islands may need a certificate of vaccinations against smallpox and yellow fever.

Other Diseases:

There have been outbreaks of Monkeypox in Guadeloupe in the past.

Food and Water Concerns:

Tap water is safe to drink. Bottled water is also available.

Some fish, especially around the northern islands eat poisoned seaweed which can lead to severe food poisoning in humans.

Mosquito-borne Diseases:

Some mosquitos transmit the Dengue virus and Zika virus. Sleep under a mosquito net even while in your yacht and wear mosquito repellent always.

There is growing concern about the rapid spread of the ZIKA Virus and the impact of the virus on pregnant women and babies. ZIKA is transmitted by mosquitos in tropical and sub-tropical climates, and there is currently no cure or vaccine. This situation is evolving rapidly, so please refer to the CDC’s dedicated website if you are intending to cruise in one of the affected areas.

Natural dangers:

Don't spend time under a Manchineel tree (similar to an apple tree). It has caustic and mildly poisonous sap. Don't touch the leaves or eat the fruits. The juices burn the skin. The main island of the Guadeloupe archipelago is cleared of most of these trees, but there are still plenty of them on the Saintes and on Saint-Bart - very often marked with warning signs.

Swimming in some rivers is dangerous because of Bilharziosis (a parasitic disease). Normally there are warning signs.

Beware of the Scolopendra (millepede with a shell). Its sting is similar to that of a scorpion.

Be aware of stray dogs on the beaches, because they can transmit worms. Wear your sandals to the beach and use a mat.

Last updated:  April 2025