Guadeloupe’s best snorkeling spots are located in the waters surrounding the small island groups of Les Saintes, Terre-de-Haut, and Marie-Galante.
The waters here are clear and shallow, making it perfect for beginners who are looking to try snorkeling for the first time or experienced snorkelers who have yet to visit Guadeloupe.
Coral Garden
There are few places in Guadeloupe where you can’t see some form of marine life, and snorkeling sites near Grande-Terre’s Pointe des Châteaux might be among them. However, it’s worth a visit if only for a taste of something new.
The waters here are known as a nesting site for fluke, so you’ll want to avoid visiting during that time if you can. Otherwise, it’s simply an exhilarating way to start your morning snorkel tour.
Just remember that while visibility is great during some parts of year (like winter), sharks tend to frequent these waters—so watch out! For all other times of year, though, you’ll have no problem spotting tropical fish.
You can even look for parrotfish or Moorish idols when conditions allow it. When summer rolls around, try checking out three spots off Capesterre Belle Eau; Cap de Charonne; and Baie de Petit Cul de Sac before lunchtime.
Each location has its own pros and cons: strong currents at one; more than 20 coral species at another; plentiful conchs at yet another—but all offer exciting experiences not far from shore!
Malendure
Not only is Malendure a picturesque beach, but it’s also an eco-friendly spot! Sea turtles can be seen laying their eggs on many of Guadeloupe’s beaches, including Malendure. If you head out early in the morning during nesting season, you might get lucky and see these endangered animals up close.
The beach itself is pretty shallow for long stretches, making it great for lounging and playing around in. But if you do find yourself needing a break from sunbathing or swimming, there are also some options for exploring more hidden sections of coastline.
Deep rock cuts into both sides of Malendure’s coast; they make excellent spots for snorkeling or diving—provided you have your own gear! This is definitely one of Guadeloupe’s best kept secrets.
As a bonus, there are plenty of restaurants and bars along Malendure’s shoreline that serve local delicacies such as fish stew (if you don’t mind sampling them while looking over turquoise waters).
So bring your swimsuit and rent a kayak (you can find rental services at most tourist information offices) or simply lounge by the water until hunger strikes!
With so much beautiful scenery to take in, you may forget that Guadeloupe is actually an island with tons of culture all its own. Head inland for a little history lesson—but remember to save room for dessert afterward!
Petite Terre
If you’re in search of a more local experience, head to Petite Terre, an island off of Pointe-à-Pitre. The snorkeling here is spectacular as coral reefs surround most of its perimeter. And although it’s smaller than Grande Terre, you can easily spend half a day exploring its coastline on foot.
Don’t miss any Snorkel-only beaches on your way through! They are clearly marked and make for some great photo opportunities with colorful coral in every direction.
Be sure to bring your own mask and fins if you don’t want to rent them at one of their many beachfront shops. There are also plenty of places to eat or have lunch along the shoreline if you get hungry from all that swimming!
Anse Mire
With white, sandy beaches and a turquoise-green lagoon, Anse Mire is a must for anyone who loves snorkeling. The clarity of the water and abundance of marine life makes it one of Guadeloupe’s best spots for snorkelers.
While you can see many fish just by standing on shore, some prefer renting a small boat for an hour or two. Kayaking with manatees is also popular; if you’re lucky, you might even swim alongside one! Be careful though – these gentle giants are known to frequent warm tropical waters.
This particular lagoon also serves as habitat for sea turtles and schools of dolphin, so your chances are good that you’ll see them too. Whether you come during low tide or high tide, there’s no doubt that Anse Mire will not disappoint.
Just be sure to wear reef shoes, since they help protect corals from damage while still allowing you easy access into and out of water. Oh yeah – don’t forget your sunscreen! You don’t want to miss out on seeing any of these amazing sights due to sunburn!
Plage du Pain de Sucre
The beach is located in Basse-Terre, on Grande-Terre. To get there from Pointe-à-Pitre, take Route N1 up towards Trois Ilets and Le Moule for 30 minutes. Make a left onto D33 and head for about 10 minutes to Pain de Sucre.
The black sand will create a beautiful contrast with bright blue water when you look down into your snorkel. This spot was rated as one of the 10 best beaches in Europe by TripAdvisor in 2014, so you can see why it makes our list of top Guadeloupe snorkeling spots!
It’s also great for swimming and sunbathing. The ocean here is calm enough that even novice swimmers can enjoy themselves. If you want to learn more about what’s under the surface, then bring along your mask and fins (and maybe even a GoPro) because snorkeling here is easy—and spectacular!
There are plenty of rocks around where you can rest between swims or dives, but if you want to go exploring deeper then just hop in off one of these rocks—there are no currents or waves to worry about here.
