With its two butterfly-shaped wings featuring contrasting landscapes, Guadeloupe boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Turquoise lagoons and white sand in the east, golden or black volcanic sand and seabeds teeming with fish in the west, and hidden coves on neighboring islands: there’s a beach for every taste. Here’s our selection of Guadeloupe’s most beautiful beaches, organized by region to help you plan your trip.
The most beautiful beaches on Grande-Terre: white sand and turquoise lagoons
Grande-Terre, located in the eastern part of the archipelago, is home to a concentration of picture-perfect beaches: white sand, coconut palms, and shallow lagoons protected by the coral reef. The calm waters are ideal for family swimming.
- Caravelle Beach (Sainte-Anne) is undoubtedly the most iconic: a long stretch of white sand bordered by a crystal-clear, sheltered lagoon, perfect for swimming in complete safety.
- Bois Jolan Beach (Sainte-Anne) charms visitors with its vast, shallow lagoon, perfect for young children and for a peaceful day in the shade of the grapevines along the shore.
- Anse à la Gourde and Pointe des Châteaux (Saint-François) offer a wilder setting, with turquoise waters and cliffs battered by the Atlantic: a must-see for photos and seaside strolls.
- Souffleur Beach (Port-Louis) combines light-colored sand, calm waters, and an authentic local atmosphere, especially at the end of the day as the sun sets.
- Datcha Beach (Le Gosier) is the quintessential city beach: easy to get to, lively, and convenient for a quick dip near your accommodations.
The most beautiful beaches on Basse-Terre: golden sand, black sand, and the seabed
To the west, the mountainous and volcanic island of Basse-Terre offers more secluded beaches, with sand ranging from golden to black, and, above all, exceptional underwater scenery. The most beautiful beaches on Basse-Terre are just as great for swimming as they are for snorkeling.
- Grande Anse Beach (Deshaies) is one of the most spectacular beaches in the archipelago: a vast stretch of golden sand lined with coconut palms, facing the sunset. The swimming here is superb but can sometimes be rough, so be careful of the waves.
- La Perle Beach (Deshaies) is more rugged and popular with both surfers and those seeking peace and quiet, in a pristine setting.
- Malendure Beach (Bouillante) is the gateway to the famous Cousteau Reserve. Its black volcanic sand and calm waters make it a family-friendly spot, but it’s especially beneath the surface that the magic happens: it’s from its dock that the glass-bottom boat tours to the Pigeon Islets, where you can explore the underwater wildlife even if you can’t swim. To make the most of your day, be sure to also check out Things to Do in Malendure.
- Anse à la Barque and Petite Anse Beach (Bouillante – Vieux-Habitants) round out the leeward coast, with its sheltered coves, fishing villages, and waters perfect for snorkeling.
The Most Beautiful Beaches on the Islands: Les Saintes, Marie-Galante, and Petite Terre
The archipelago isn’t limited to its two main islands. Just a short boat ride away, there are several hidden gems worth visiting for a day that feels like a world apart.
- Pompierre Beach (Terre-de-Haut, Les Saintes) A crescent of golden sand stretches between two hills, in a sheltered bay of rare beauty.
- La Feuillère Beach (Marie-Galante) is a long white-sand beach bordered by a turquoise lagoon, one of the most peaceful in Guadeloupe.
- The islets of Petite Terre form a protected nature reserve, featuring a crystal-clear lagoon where turtles and rays swim: a sanctuary accessible only through guided tours.
Which beach in Guadeloupe should you choose based on what you’re in the mood for?
- For a family swim in calm waters: the lagoons at Bois Jolan, La Caravelle, or La Feuillère.
- For snorkeling and marine life: head to Malendure and the Cousteau Reserve, the best spot in the archipelago, accessible to everyone—even non-swimmers—aboard a glass-bottom boat.
- For wild landscapes: Grande Anse, Pointe des Châteaux, or La Perle Beach.
- For a day of nature and turtles: Petite Terre or the waters off Malendure, where you can frequently spot is a common sight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guadeloupe’s Beaches
What is the most beautiful beach in Guadeloupe?
Opinions vary, but Grande Anse Beach in Deshaies (Basse-Terre) and Caravelle Beach in Sainte-Anne (Grande-Terre) are the most frequently mentioned. It all depends on whether you prefer golden, untamed sand or a calm, white lagoon.
What are the most beautiful beaches on Basse-Terre?
Grande Anse and La Perle in Deshaies for their expansive golden-sand beaches, Malendure in Bouillante for snorkeling and access to the Cousteau Reserve, and Anse à la Barque for its unspoiled charm. Several of these beaches are among the best snorkeling sites in the archipelago.
Where can families go swimming in Guadeloupe?
The shallow lagoons at Bois Jolan and La Caravelle (Sainte-Anne) are perfect for children. On Basse-Terre, Malendure Beach offers calm waters and a fun activity that delights young and old alike: a glass-bottom boat tour.
Can you go snorkeling from the beaches in Guadeloupe?
Yes, especially in Malendure, the gateway to the Cousteau Reserve, one of the most beautiful snorkeling spots in the Caribbean. Non-swimmers and families can also enjoy it comfortably from a glass-bottom boat.
From Grande-Terre to the Southern Islands, Guadeloupe’s most beautiful beaches offer as many settings as there are desires. And if you had to choose just one experience, it would be the Cousteau Reserve, starting from Malendure Beach: board the Nautilus to explore the seabed through a glass bottom, without even getting wet.