With its warm waters, turquoise lagoons, and world-famous marine reserve, Guadeloupe is the perfect playground for water sports. From glass-bottom boats to scuba diving, kayaking, and catamaran sailing, here are the best ways to set sail.
Explore the ocean floor: snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat tours
The highlight is the Cousteau Reserve, around the Pigeon Islets: one of the most beautiful underwater sites in the Caribbean. Divers and enthusiasts of snorkeling where you’ll find colorful fish, coral, and sea turtles. And for families and non-swimmers, a glass-bottom boat tour lets you admire the seabed without getting wet.
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Exploring the Coastline and the Mangroves
For a more leisurely exploration, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding offer a unique way to explore the mangroves of the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin and the sheltered lagoons. It’s a peaceful activity, accessible to everyone, in the shade of the mangroves.
Catamarans and Sailing: Cruising Among the Islands
Catamaran trips—whether day trips or sunset cruises—are ideal for visiting neighboring islands such as Les Saintes or Petite Terre, with swimming and snorkeling on the agenda. Dinghy sailing is also popular in the lagoons of Grande-Terre.
Thrill-Seeking Activities: Surfing, Kitesurfing, and Jet-Skiing
Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at the surf spots in northern Grande-Terre and the kitesurfing spots in Saint-François, renowned for their steady trade winds. Jet skiing and tubing round out the thrills.
Marine wildlife watching: dolphins, whales, and sea turtles
Guadeloupe is also a sanctuary for marine wildlife. Off the leeward coast, wildlife-watching tours allow visitors to get up close to dolphins and whales. And in the waters of the Cousteau Reserve or Petite Terre, watching the turtles is an unforgettable experience.
What water activity should you choose for your family?
For an outing that appeals to all ages—with no swimming requirements or skill level restrictions—a glass-bottom boat is still the best choice: children can watch the fish through the glass hull, enjoy a swim stop, and have fun on the slide. Book your Excursion to the Cousteau Reserve for a wonderful day at sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What water sports can you do in Guadeloupe?
Snorkeling and scuba diving in the Cousteau Reserve, glass-bottom boat tours, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in the mangroves, catamaran trips to the islands, surfing and kitesurfing on Grande-Terre: there’s plenty to choose from.
What water activities can families enjoy in Guadeloupe?
The glass-bottom boat is the ultimate family activity: accessible to non-swimmers, suitable for all ages, and featuring underwater viewing, swimming, and a slide.
Is it possible to explore the ocean floor without diving?
Yes. The Cousteau Reserve’s glass-bottomed boat reveals fish and coral through its glass hull, 1.50 m below the surface, without requiring any diving or swimming.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, Guadeloupe is also best experienced on the water. For a first taste of the island that’s fun for the whole family, hop aboard a glass-bottom boat tour in the Cousteau Reserve.